Daring to Be Bold: Putting Yourself Out There Even When It’s Not Always Sunny
Today, I dared myself to be bold.
I found myself in a room of 52 people, only 5 of them women, and maybe 3 of us under the age of 50. The odds of being heard felt slim, but I decided to lean in anyway. I raised my hand. My stomach churned, my hand shook, but I thought, Here I go.
And then… nothing. I wasn’t called on.
The folks who were chosen? They looked and sounded a lot like the moderator. They took their time, shared their thoughts, rambled on. I told myself, Alright, that’s okay. Opportunities don’t always land the first time.
When the chance came around again, I kicked myself in the metaphorical pants (or dress, in this case) and raised my hand again. Same result. No dice.
A third time, with every ounce of courage I could muster, I tried again. Still, nothing.
The Inner Dialogue of Doubt
By the third time, I started to wonder: Is it just me? Am I not saying something right? Is my presence invisible? It’s hard not to question your worth when you’re putting yourself out there and not getting any acknowledgment in return.
I told myself to shrug it off. Not everything has to be a battle, I thought. But the truth is, the small dismissals—the times you’re overlooked, ignored, or excluded—those add up. They sting.
A Glimmer of Recognition
Then, as the session ended, a member of the group approached me and said, “Tomorrow, if you raise your hand, I will call on you.”
It was a small comment, but it hit me like a wave. On one hand, I felt seen—someone noticed me, noticed my effort. But on the other hand, I wasn’t chosen. I had to be offered a promise for another day, another chance.
And that, my friends, was a tough pill to swallow.
Why We Keep Showing Up
Putting yourself out there, especially in spaces where you’re a minority in gender, age, or experience, is not for the faint of heart. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and often discouraging. But it’s also necessary.
Here’s what I’m learning:
Raising your hand is an act of courage, even if you’re not called on. Every time you step up, you’re defying the systems, biases, or norms that tell you to stay quiet.
You’re planting seeds, even when you can’t see them grow. The person who noticed me? That’s a seed. A small shift. Proof that your presence matters, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
The small things do add up—but so do the wins. Not every attempt will land, but over time, those small moments of bravery pave the way for bigger opportunities.
The Reality of Forging a Path Forward
Leaning in and daring to forge a path forward isn’t always sunny. Some days, it feels like you’re shouting into the void. Other days, you’ll see glimmers of change—someone noticing, someone promising to open the door next time.
The hard truth? It takes resilience to keep showing up, especially when it feels like the deck is stacked against you. But that’s exactly why we do it. Because if we don’t show up, who will?
To Anyone Who Feels Invisible
If you’ve ever felt like your efforts were overlooked, like your voice wasn’t heard, know this: You’re not alone. You’re not the problem. And you’re not invisible.
Your presence matters. Your hand raised matters. And even when it feels like no one’s listening, you’re setting an example for someone else who’s watching. Maybe it’s the young woman in the back of the room, seeing you raise your hand three times without giving up. Maybe it’s the next person who steps into that room after you’ve planted a seed for change.
What I’ll Do Tomorrow
Tomorrow, I’ll raise my hand again. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. Because I believe in creating a world where more voices are heard, more hands are raised, and more seats at the table are filled with people who don’t look or sound like the status quo.
And if you find yourself in a similar room, questioning if you should even bother, let me remind you: Bother. Try. Raise your hand. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Because every small act of courage matters.
So here’s to showing up, raising our hands, and daring to be bold—even when the sun isn’t shining. 💪✨
Have you ever felt unseen or overlooked in a space where you tried to contribute? Share your story in the comments or connect with us—we’d love to hear how you’re daring to be bold!
