Advocating for oneself is not an easy thing to do. It can be scary and hard to do, and you can become discouraged. Nevertheless, it is a choice one must make. Otherwise, no one will know what is happening or how you feel. Someone else can speak for you, but You are your best advocate; you influence attitudes and behaviours when you communicate through writing or speaking.

The Creator has a heart for advocating for others. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

As a speaker, I found that using my voice to communicate can be inspirational and motivational in helping to get my message across, whether speaking about my belief in God, domestic violence, sexual abuse or using plants and herbs as food and medicine for your body. As I mentioned above, speaking about the things that matter to you and that you know others are experiencing because they are afraid of what people may think about them can be challenging. For me, self-advocacy is key to healing. Sweeping it under the carpet and turning a blind eye because you want to fit in or belong to a specific group is no longer something anyone should have to put up.

To live an unstoppable, fearless, and empowered life, you must step out in faith. You will not be the cup of tea for everyone to drink. Nevertheless, you will be the cuppa for those waiting to hear your voice to receive their healing. It will be a travesty for me to hide the gifts that have been a blessing to my self-healing.

Over the many years, I have learnt what we go through in life is for us to help others to see they are marvellous, courageous, bountiful, fearless, and wonderfully self, made in the image of love.

I am making my own choice! Are you making yours? Become your self-advocacy. Should you be finding it difficult to do so and want to speak to someone who will listen and not judge you, but help you find your path, not by telling you what you should do but by guiding you through Insight Coaching, all the answers are within you. Walking the path alone is never what was required; that is why others who have gone before us showed us everyone needs a coach.

It would help if you advocated your preferences, goals, and specific values; it is your rights, your human rights. Stand in your power.

Verna Haywood