In the book, “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz, the First Agreement is:
Be Impeccable With Your Word.

So often we don’t speak our true thoughts or feelings.
We simply don’t say anything, or we say what we think the other person
expects to hear, or would like to hear.
We say the ‘socially acceptable’ phrases.
I continue to work on this, and I feel I’m making progress.

Speaking up is being true to ourselves, being brave enough to say our truth,
to take ownership for what we feel, what we think.
The important thing is not whether others agree with us, or we with them,
but that each person can express his or her truth in that moment,
in that situation, or about that circumstance.

Speaking up is not only the act of speaking out loud to another person,
but also speaking through our actions. We’ve all heard,
‘actions speak louder than words’ and there’s so much truth in that.
When we’re congruent, our actions and words are in alignment.
Other times, maybe we say certain things, but our actions speak differently.

Speaking up is also sharing your message, your story, which could be helpful
to others because they can learn from your experiences,
and can be inspired and encouraged by your example.
There are so many books on the market which do just that.
We are enriched by those who had the courage to open their hearts and
share their stories.
And, sometime early in 2015, my book,
“Daring to Dream Once Again” will join the ranks of these books.

What a moment that will be!