by Ashley Ederington, Miss May 2013

Finding the power of my voice, as a woman, was hard for me.  I was always under the impression that you were either a submissive beauty or you know, that other word.  I was raised in a traditional home, and my father delivered the final verdict on everything.  What I didn’t see as a child, was that my mother also provided input.  I grew up thinking my number one goal was to get married, start a family, and do what I was told.  Honestly, I enjoyed handing the tough decisions off to my husband.  If something went wrong, it could never be my fault.  Yes, I admit; I was very naive, but I didn’t know any better.

After having my second child, I started getting restless.  Don’t take me the wrong way, I loved being a stay-at-home mom, but I felt as if something was missing.  Even though I kept a spotless house and my children were smart and well behaved, I longed for more.  Aaron would go to work, and I would stare at the walls.  I began to resent my daily routine.  I was bored.  I was restless.  I hit a breaking point.  I had to speak up, or I was going to go crazy.  It took me a few months, but I finally got up the nerve to broach the subject with my husband.  I was so nervous, but he just smiled and asked me what I wanted to do with my life.  I was shocked.  It had taken me 28 years to verbalize my dreams to another person, and instead of being shot down, I was encouraged.

From that moment, I learned that my voice mattered.  I slowly started pursuing my dreams, and with each goal I accomplished, my confidence grew.  I went back to college to finish my degree, I started running, and I started blogging.  I started speaking up more, and I could feel my voice getting stronger.  People started listening.  It was weird at first.  I have struggled with insecurity my whole life, and I was a little taken aback.  My husband started asking for my opinion.  My classmates started asking me for advice.  Most importantly, I started making friends with other women via blogging.  I started to come out of my protective shell.  My once shy, timid voice was starting to gain power and purpose.

I quickly learned that I could use my voice, not only to speak up for myself, but also to help others.  With a few simple words, I am instantly able to make someone’s day better by giving a sincere compliment.  By sharing my weight loss progress and running accomplishments, I can encourage someone to start taking better care of him or herself.  I can give courage, by sharing how I overcame my fears.  I can provide relief when I relate one of my failures.  The list can go on and on.

Do you want to know the most amazing thing?  Your voice has the same power.  You have unique life experiences, talents, and passions that people are curious about, and you are the number one expert.  I want you to think about that one topic you have been holding back.  You know, the one that is kind of ugly, but you overcame.  Someone is waiting to hear that story and no one can tell it, but you.  Use the power of your voice.  What are you waiting for?

Ashley Ederington