Did you know that famed author and poet Maya Angelou stopped speaking when she was about eight years old because she thought her voice had killed a man?
Maya courageously testified against her mother’s live-in boyfriend, who sexually assaulted her when she was only seven and a half years old.
Although convicted and sentenced, Maya’s attacker served only one day in jail, but his relief was short-lived. A few days following his release, he was found beaten to death, likely by the hands of Maya’s uncles.
Young Maya was convinced that her testimony, her words, had killed him. It took her nearly six years to speak to anyone besides her younger brother.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is Maya Angelou’s critically acclaimed memoir published in 1969 when she was 41.
Maya Angelou’s life story proves that it’s never too late to share your story with others and shows us the power of shared stories.
Maya Angelou went on to become a maverick, a trailblazing author, and an activist in the years following the devastating assault of her youth. Yet, she took decades to step into her truth and creative voice.
Maya Angelou’s profound example proves that writing about our life experiences can help us find the inner strength and courage to share with others.
Our untold stories matter.
The journey to write and share begins with a conviction to step out of the shadows of fear, self-judgment, guilt, or shame.
When I shared my breast implant illness story, I hoped that I could inspire other women to share their experiences, too. I had no idea of the profound impact my sharing would have on myself and others.
You will heal yourself and inspire others when you manifest the inner strength and conviction to share your words.
Today, commit to courageously showing up for yourself and others by writing and sharing your stories.
Repeat after me, “I am worthy. I am brilliance. My story matters.”
Now, say it again with conviction, “I am worthy. I am brilliance. My story matters.”
Featured image original artwork by artist Christina Carmel.
