Strong and Brave Voice

My new children’s book, Stella’s Brave Voice, will be debuting soon, and, like its predecessor The Only Me, the inspiration behind this book is near and dear to my heart.

Like The Only Me, Stella’s Brave Voice was inspired by my own children… but the book’s theme and overarching lesson — learning to use your brave voice — is something I’ve also struggled with my entire life.

The idea first came to life when I realized how differently my three daughters communicate. One is super chatty and outgoing, and tends to talk over and for her twin. My oldest can be quieter, but when she speaks up, her words carry meaning and weight. My other daughter struggles to be heard. She has so many amazing ideas and thoughts, but it can be hard to get those out when everyone else around her is talking louder and more prominently. I began to notice how much this frustrated her, as well as how much she had to say when the room was quieter — or when it was just the two of us talking.

As I began to write my first draft of Stella’s Brave Voice, it hit me hard: this book wasn’t just about the dynamics I was witnessing in my own home, or in each of my kids’ friend groups, and at school, etc., it was also inspired by my own challenges with speaking up. I relate to Stella.

Ever since I was small, I’ve been somewhat timid and meek. I have many good ideas, important feelings and strong opinions, but I learned from a young age to keep those to myself… or at the very least, to water them down and share them with a sweet smile on my face. This is so much a part of who I am, that it has been hard to unlearn. But believe me, I’m working on it. I’m learning that it is so important to tell others what we think and how we feel — it’s the only way to truly strengthen our relationships (with others and with ourselves). AND — we can be honest with others, while still being kind and respectful. What a win-win.

So just as Stella is learning to do in Stella’s Brave Voice, and as my kids are learning to do in our home and out in the world with their peers, I too am learning to use my strong and brave voice.

If speaking up for yourself is tough too, I urge you to join us — me, my girls, Stella — as we learn to speak loud and proud and use our brave voices.