E-couragement: Voices in My Head
“To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart…that is genius.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
It was early 2007 when we filed into Rum Runners, a dueling piano bar in downtown Greensboro, NC. The decibel level reminded me of Billy Joel’s Piano Man, “And the piano, it sounds like a carnival…” A megaphone was required to speak with the person beside me. The musicians were talented; make a request, accompanied by a small fee, and they’d replicate cords and lyrics of any song written within the past 30 years. Then, without warning…total silence. The hush was not in Rum Runners itself, rather in my own mind. In a room filled with people and activity, I was isolated—alone with the voice in my head.
Leading up to the Rum Runners incident, I’d been selling and teaching professional development programs for a well known organization. Representing an established global brand provided me with a feeling of safety. In the quiet corners of my mind I’d wonder, who wants to hear what Rich Schlentz has to say? Self doubt caused me to hide behind the teachings of respected thought leaders. I offered my audience human relations principles and leadership anecdotes from the “cords and lyrics” of people I was certain they admired. Much like those piano players, I was paid to speak someone else’s words. My “music” was void of original work. I was singing someone else’s songs at the expense of my own voice.
Mesmerized by those dueling piano players fielding their requests, the voice in my head spoke to its audience of one. “Rich, if you don’t trust your own words, you’ll be singing someone else’s songs for the rest of your life.” It was as if this voice was privy to my furtive doubts and dreams. It knew I secretly desired to speak my own thoughts, to put my original ideas out there. The voice knew all this because the voice is me.
I’ve always had voices in my head. So have you. They’re referred to as tapes or programming and begin forming the moment you show up in this earthly form. Most of these voices originate from your family of origin, teachers, coaches, friends, or religious doctrine. Some of those voices are loud and act as bullies attempting to hold you back. Others, wait patiently for rare moments of quiet, then whisper powerful words of encouragement. Listen to that voice. It desires for you to become the person you’re intended— to live the life you’re destined— to fulfill your life purpose. Believe that voice. Trust that voice. That voice is you.
Leave your comments: What quiet and encouraging voice should you be paying attention to?