Communicating wasn’t exactly my forte, or so I kept telling myself. But look at me now, grappling with the haunting shadows of the past. I’ve always known I could be a leader; in fact, I craved that role to shatter the narrow-mindedness surrounding Early Childhood Education. Yet, for reasons that elude me, I’ve battled this insidious feeling of being a fraud. As a young, black American woman, I’ve often felt that to command the respect given to others in my field—leaders who don’t share my skin tone—I’d need to age into a gray-haired version of myself. But let’s be clear: I am BLACK and YOUNG.
I used to second-guess every decision I made, allowing others to smother my hard work as if their ideas or ethics were somehow superior. When I engaged with people, I would shut my eyes, avoiding their gaze like they had the power to intimidate me. I let them take control, convincing myself that the workplace was a privilege bestowed upon me rather than recognizing that I was the true blessing in that environment. My self-worth dictated my communication and shaped the events that unfolded in my life, as well as my future aspirations. Initially, I blamed everyone else for my struggles, but the harsh truth was that the real issue was me.
Here’s what I have learned about communicating now: Every single person possesses the remarkable and undeniable ability to communicate with power and purpose! Once we bravely confront the barriers that have stifled our expression—like my own battles with impostor syndrome in the workplace and the sting of rejection in relationships—we must rise up and challenge these ingrained beliefs with unwavering determination. Only then can we unleash the true force of our voices, and let them resonate profoundly!
In life, we have to make decisions; we have to have conversations. Our emotions and feelings don’t stray away, so we still do feel. In communicating, I like to give myself time. I don’t care how fast or soon someone needs a response; I always inhale and exhale, pause for 5 seconds, and then speak. For me, this quiets my nerves, silences my thoughts, and depending on what is being presented to me, I’m able to gather my emotions.
In communicating, I recognize the significance of staying true to myself. My identity, beliefs, and values distinctly influence how I interact with others. I radiate a vibrant personality, and I am steadfast in ensuring my assertiveness is not misconstrued; I will confidently stand my ground. This is an ongoing challenge; it’s not a one-time achievement where everything is perfectly resolved in every situation. When communicating, I safeguard my heart while clearly expressing what is necessary to support both others and myself.
Here to another layer, Im pulling back, I’m finding that underneath it all I am still BEAUTIFUL.
Yours Truly, LayerofMe
Layers 
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