As I approached my 49th birthday in 2023, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought me to this point in my life. I was a mother of three adult children and a grandmother to three beautiful girls. I had a successful career in the technology field, had authored three books and become a certified life coach. But, despite all of these blessings, I felt like something was missing. I had been so busy taking care of everyone else that I had forgotten to take care of myself. 

Depression had crept into my life like a shadow, slowly but surely. It began as a nagging feeling of emptiness, a sense that I was just going through the motions. I had lost confidence in myself, both personally and professionally. I found myself withdrawing from the world, retreating into the comfort of my own solitude. It was a lonely and suffocating place to be. 

I would wake up each morning, put on a brave face, and dreadfully function through my daily life. On the surface, I was functioning in society, but inside, I was crumbling. I yearned for peace and happiness, but they seemed like distant dreams. 

One day, as I was scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a video of a woman giving a passionate speech about the importance of speaking up and using your voice. Her words resonated with me in a way I couldn’t explain. It was as if a spark had been ignited within me, a spark that had been dormant for far too long. 

I began to consume more content like that, seeking out voices that inspired me. I watched TED talks, faith-based videos, and joined online communities where people shared their thoughts and opinions. Slowly but surely, I started to find my own voice. I began feeling empowered. I could feel that part of me that felt dead resurrecting.   

It wasn’t easy at first. I hesitated to speak up in meetings at work, fearing that my opinions would be dismissed. I second-guessed myself constantly, worried that I didn’t have anything valuable to contribute. But I kept pushing myself, reminding myself that my voice mattered. 

As I began to share my thoughts and ideas more openly, something remarkable happened. People started to listen. They valued my perspective and respected my opinions. It was a revelation. I realized that my voice wasn’t just valuable; it was powerful. 

With each conversation, each discussion, my confidence grew. I found empowerment in sharing my experiences and insights. I began to have the much-needed conversations that had been missing from my life for so long. I spoke up about mental health, about the challenges I had faced, and the battles I had fought silently.  

The more I spoke, the more I realized that my words had the power to inspire and uplift others. I became a source of support and encouragement for those who were also struggling in silence. It was a profound and humbling experience. 

 My resilience began to manifest itself in ways I had never imagined. I vowed to never be silenced again, not by self-doubt, not by fear, and certainly not by societal expectations. I declared to the world, “My voice is dope.” 

This newfound confidence and sense of purpose transformed not only my professional life but also my personal life. My relationships with my family deepened as I learned to communicate more openly and honestly. My children and grandchildren looked up to me as a role model, not just as a caretaker.  

I became an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing my own journey to inspire others to seek help and support. I realized that my voice could be a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope for anyone battling depression or lacking self-esteem. 

And now, as I stand on the precipice of turning 50 in seven months, I want to share a message of hope with anyone who may be reading this: You are not alone in your struggles. Your voice is powerful, and it is needed in this world. Don’t let self-doubt or fear hold you back. 

You have the strength to overcome adversity, to find your voice, and to declare, just as I did, “My voice is dope.” It may take time, and it may require courage, but the journey is worth it. Your words have the power to change lives, including your own. So, speak up, be heard, and never underestimate the incredible impact your voice can have on the world.