When I was 9, my mom said to me, 

"We're going to see Pop Pop today and he's in a home but it's not his home."

And I said, "Great!"

At my Grammy and Pop Pop's house, my Pop Pop used to play the accordion and dance.

My cousin and I would build huts in the woods behind their house, 

And my Pop Pop would walk with me over to the playground to enjoy the sunshine.

I wondered what adventure we'd get into that day.

But as we pulled up to the building, it looked weird and I didn't understand the writing on the side.

I ran down the hallway and the smell of urine hit me.

 I heard bells ringing.

When I saw Pop Pop in his bed in his room, a washcloth was on the side of his face.

It was drooping, and his eyes lit up when he saw me. He said,

"Home...... Home. Home.... Home."

That was all he said.

The stroke took his voice and left him only being able to verbalize one word.

About a month later, he did go home. And that's where he died.

That was one of my last memories of my Pop Pop.

His voice gave him a choice.

And the reality set in for me that one day it's here and the next it might not be.

It made me think about the choices I make everyday in my business and my life.

Am I sharing my gifts that can help others? Or am I shying away because I'm afraid of what people will think.

Am I speaking openly when someone upsets me, intentionally or not, or am I brushing it under the rug and holding resentment?

Your voice is one of the most powerful gifts you own.

That's why I do my daily vocal warm ups with Roger Love to start my day.

I have a mission and I'm on a bit of a self love journey, so I have to be prepared to use it.

For boundaries.

For asking for what I need.

For speaking my truth.

For talking out disagreements.

For podcasts and live videos.

For speaking in front of crowds.

For hosting workshops.

For singing my baby Happy Birthday.

And telling my husband that I love him.

Are you shying away from using your voice or are you standing in your power?

Even if you miss the words or forget your place, or can't quite express what you want.

Action is better than silence.

You're human, and your audience in business, or the people you love, they'll love you for being real.

So tell the world what you've got.

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