I received an unsolicited email from someone yesterday that prompted me to write this post. In the message, a woman that I don’t know said that she had just watched my video for the Soulful Life Sanctuary. She said that my speaking voice didn’t match the voice that she imagined that I would have. She said that she had perceived me to be a “strong, dynamic, heart-ful, and powerful woman” and went onto say that she knew for a fact that my soft speaking voice wasn’t my “true, authentic voice.”
Wow.
At first, I was completely taken aback. I was pretty livid, actually. (I am human, after all.) Thankfully though, because of the love bubble that I’ve created, it’s very rare for me to receive emails such as these. And I knew that this email wasn’t meant to offend – it was coming from a place of wanting to help and be of service. And, I know that there is a gift in everything that happens to us – even those experiences that don’t feel so great at first.
There are a couple of gifts that this email brought. First, I am on the cusp of moving even more toward my authentic self – becoming even more quiet so that I can get in touch with my soul in deeper ways. And this contrast helped me anchor this longing even more. Second, it was the perfect catalyst for me to start a conversation around this notion of power and authenticity, which I’ve wanted to have here for quite some time.
So here’s what I know for sure:
Power comes in all forms. Authenticity shows up in many different ways. And assuming that someone hasn’t fully stepped into their authentic power simply because they are soft spoken is such a huge misconception.
I’m not sure where or how this myth got started (and I don’t even really care, to be honest), but it’s become pretty mainstream in our world to think that in order to be powerful and successful, we must be loud and hard and masculine (whether we’re men or women).
And I am here to say that this is just not true. I am a powerful woman. I have a vast amount of inner strength. And in my quietness, I am connected to the universe – the ultimate source of power.
I have loads of marketing experience. I know how I’m “supposed” to act if I’m going to be “successful” in this online world. And yet, I love myself enough to know that this seemingly calculated method of sharing my message isn’t for me. I just couldn’t bring myself to do something that didn’t feel authentic. And thankfully, I have evidence that when we show up as ourselves, we are supported in such loving ways.
For years now, I have shared from my own authentic, soft-spoken space of strength. I have created a successful life where I have followed my heart and stayed true to my soul. I feel very blessed that thousands of you are able to hear my words – soft as they may be (not just sonically but also energetically). I know that that those who are looking for someone to inspire them through a more outgoing and boisterous approach simply aren’t my tribe. Because I will never be that type of person – it’s just not who I am.
I have never been a loud person. I have always had a quiet voice and demeanor. I don’t say a lot, but when I do speak it’s because I think what I’m saying matters and is important and deserves to be heard.
There is such strength in softness and quietness and in not feeling the need to shout in order to be heard.
Yes, you can be powerful by getting in people’s faces and being domineering and shouting and using fear-based tactics in order to get others to submit to you.
But you can also be powerful by exuding a quiet confidence and showing up as your true self in the world so that others will feel your strength and will automatically be attracted to it – much like a magnet.
I love my voice. I love it because it’s a direct expression of my soul. It is my authentic self.
I do my best to share my most authentic self with the world because I feel that it gives each of us permission to do the same. It’s not always easy, and it definitely takes a leap of faith and a whole lot of bravery to show up from this space. But I will continue doing exactly that because it’s so important.
We all come in all shapes and sizes. And we also come with vastly different personalities – some loud, some quiet, some thoughtful, some playful.
Here’s what’s true:
When we are brave enough to share our true authentic self with the world, we make room for miracles. When we remember that we’re all different and that it’s okay to not look like someone else or talk like someone else or share like someone else – it’s actually preferable that you are in your own lane doing your own thing following your own heart. Because that’s where the true magic lies.
If you are naturally loud, be loud. If you are naturally quiet, be quiet. Whatever you naturally are is exactly perfect. Because it’s YOU. And nothing could be more perfect than that.
I’ll continue to share in the only way I know how – softly and quietly and soulfully. And I trust that those who are meant to hear my voice will hear it.
And I hope that you’ll continue to show up exactly as you are as well.
Thank you, as always, for being such a loving community that makes it so easy for me to show up as myself. I’m so grateful for you all.
Hugs,
Thank you for sharing your truth Jodi and for being your authentic, generous, beautiful and gentle self ❤
I hear your voice loud and clear Jodi 🙂 Much love <3
Your letter spoke so much to my own being, Jodi. Thank you for your comments. By approaching things gently and quietly 90% of the time, it’s been perceived that I can be run over. On the occasions where I have felt the need to assert that 10% it has disclosed a strength reserved for only when it’s truly needed to set things on a more balanced course. And with that 90% behind it, it’s delivered with integrity, honor and love. There’s been some awesome teachers on this planet who’ve demonstrated that very thing. And you are one of them, Dear Gentle Soul! Thank you for the courage to share your truth of BEING!
A beautiful post Jodi, that resonated superbly with how I see it too. 🙂
Love every word of this Jodi. And love your beautifully authentic quiet voice <3
I learned that just because something isn’t what you expected doesn’t mean it’s not right. It’s amazing how someone can develop their own idea of your authentic self and tell you what it is. Wouldn’t you have a better gauge?
~Lea
really like this article. I never thought about it.. but actually I do love my voice as well 🙂 for the same reason . thank you!