Sarah Crawford-Bohl

North, North Star, South, Support, East, Empathy, and West, Wonder.

I know when I'm true to my compass, I'm courageous, confident, the person I wanna be, and I think the daughter my parents would be proud of.

and with my husband and our two daughters, I get the chance to pay it forward.

So I hope you'll join me in leaning into tricky conversations, not only finding our voices, but understanding the imperative to use them.

Stand up against the wrong, champion the right, and be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

No matter how shaky or unsure, we can be a powerful instrument of change and advocacy, leaving all people involved stronger as a result.

Thank you.

Silence.

It can be a needed moment of peace and contemplation.

But what happens when silence becomes a barrier?

A barrier that muffles the voice of truth, of advocacy, of change.

Speak up, advocate for yourself, stand up for what you believe in.

That's what they say, right?

Well, even though I know they're right, it's easier said than done.

I'm sure we can all think of a time when we faced a crossroads, perhaps the precipice of an uncomfortable conversation, when speaking up felt like the right, if not even essential path.

but silence seemed safer.

I can vividly see and feel myself being in those moments, times when I stood red-faced, embarrassed or offended, frustrated or angry, with a sinking feeling in my stomach, unable to find my voice and unsure if I had the courage, confidence or will

to face the difficult conversation before me.

Sound familiar?

We're not alone.