When the Lamb Roars: Reclaiming Your Voice and Boundaries
Rooted & Rising: A Mental Health Series for Women – Part 3. You can catch up on Part 1: The Elephant in the Room: The Weight We Carry and Part 2: The Butterfly Effect: Understanding Generational Trauma
There’s a moment in healing when a woman who has always kept the peace, finally speaks. Not to harm, but to honor herself. It may sound soft or come out shaking—but it’s sacred. That is the moment the lamb roars.
Many women are taught early on to avoid conflict, to put others first, and to equate likability with safety. These messages often come layered with cultural, spiritual, or generational weight. Over time, people-pleasing becomes a survival skill, not a personality trait. And while it may protect in the short term, it can disconnect us from our needs, our boundaries, and even our sense of self.
She speaks not to dominate, but to declare: I matter. Her voice is rooted in lived experiences, strength and self-respect. Speaking calmly and clearly, she begins to honor herself without apology.The Power of Boundaries
She smiles with quite confidence, clothed in heritage, strength and choice. Her presence reflects a voice not newly discovered, but newly honored. it’s a reflection of boundaries honored and a voice reclaimed.Boundaries are not walls; they are doors with handles only you control. They allow you to decide what comes in and what must stay out. Dr. Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of *Set Boundaries, Find Peace*, writes that boundaries are essential to mental health. They help us stay connected to others without abandoning ourselves.
When you first begin practicing assertiveness, it may feel uncomfortable. That’s not failure. That’s your nervous system adjusting to a new form of safety.
Pause and Reflect
Practice: Think of one small way you can express a need or set a boundary today. It may be as simple as saying 'I need more time' or 'That doesn’t work for me.' Notice how it feels to choose honesty over accommodation.
She smiles in the quite, no longer seeking permission to fully exist. Her joy is self-chosen, her presence fully her own. This is what reclaiming your voice can look like.Voices of Courage
“I didn’t lose myself all at once. I gave away pieces of myself to keep the peace. Reclaiming them felt like coming home.”
- Survivor featured in a boundary-setting support group
Your voice is not too much. Your needs are not a burden. Boundaries do not make you selfish—they make you honest. Reclaiming your voice is not about raising the volume. It’s about raising your value in your own life.
Call to Action
Set one small boundary today. Let it be clear, kind, and firm. If someone doesn’t like it, that doesn’t mean it was wrong.
References
- Nedra Glover Tawwab (2021). Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Boundary setting and self-advocacy resources.
Resources
- https://nedratawwab.com
- https://www.nami.org
Your Voice is a Part of Your Healing
You may not be ready to speak. But your body is.
Download the free Trauma-Informed Self-Care Guide. It was created to accompany the Rooted & Rising Women’s Mental Health series and help you reconnect with your body, voice, and healing path.
If you are ready to take back your voice, set boundaries with compassion, and reconnect with your inner strength, we are here for you. Explore trauma-informed care at My Journey Compass Health. Your journey is valid. Your voice matters. Lets rise together. Explore our services below.