As I've gotten older, I've definitely become more comfortable speaking up, but I would be lying if I said I don't still struggle with it. For years, I thought keeping quiet was easier than dealing with disagreements, judgment, or disappointing someone. Sometimes I had plenty to say, but convinced myself it wasn't worth saying. One thing Bootcamp has taught me is that my silence hasn't always been about keeping the peace. Sometimes it's been about protecting myself from rejection. I'm learning that I can have a different opinion without feeling guilty, set boundaries without explaining myself to death, and speak up without needing someone's approval. I haven't mastered it, but I'm no longer willing to silence myself just to make everyone else comfortable. My voice matters, too. ❤️