I thought being quiet was a part of my identity that I’ve had since I was a kid and it wasn’t affecting me at all in my adult life.
Recently though, I stared dating someone new so I’ve been meeting new their family and friends. It’s shined a light on me being “quiet” again and it’s made me think why am I like this?
I think I talk quiet still because it’s not as scary if someone does hear what I have to say and doesn’t say anything back. It makes the rejection less obvious because “maybe they just didn’t hear me”.
I am doing myself a disservice by doing this though! How we speak, the tone, the volume, the conviction all subconsciously affects our self confidence.
By talking louder I’m telling myself I want to be heard, I’m safe to be heard, and I’m meant to be heard.
This is really scary for me, but I am working on it 🥲
I’m excited to see how I feel in a few months by just talking louder!
Do you have any habits that don’t seem like a big deal but are actually a projection of your inner child?🤍
... Read moreMany people don’t realize how deeply childhood experiences can influence adult behavior, especially when it comes to confidence and communication. Growing up shy or speaking softly might have seemed like a small, harmless habit, but it often carries hidden messages from our inner child reflecting fears and insecurities. For instance, speaking quietly can unconsciously reinforce feelings of invisibility or hesitance to be noticed, because it protects us from potential rejection or negative feedback.
Research in psychology highlights that the way we use our voice—its tone, volume, and conviction—significantly impacts not just how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves. Speaking louder and more assertively can serve as a form of self-affirmation, signaling to your brain and inner child that it is safe and acceptable to be heard and validated.
If you identify with this habit of speaking quietly to avoid rejection, consider gradual exercises to shift this pattern. Start by practicing speaking a bit louder in safe environments, like with close friends or family, and notice how it changes your feelings and interactions. Journaling your experiences can also help track changes in self-esteem and emotional well-being.
It’s equally important to practice self-compassion during this process because breaking long-held habits can be intimidating, as reflected in the original author’s journey of facing fears to reclaim their voice. Engaging in inner child healing practices, such as visualization, meditation, or therapy, can also provide deeper support by addressing the root causes of these habits.
Ultimately, recognizing these subtle habits for what they are—protective mechanisms from childhood—and consciously choosing to change them can be empowering. It sends a strong message to your inner child’s fears that it’s okay to be authentic, confident, and heard. This transformation can positively influence many areas of life, including relationships, career, and personal growth.
Have you noticed any small, seemingly insignificant habits that might actually be rooted in your inner child's fears? Sharing your journey or strategies in communities like #innerchildhealing and #GirlTalk can help you gain support and encouragement to speak up and embrace your true self.
Comparing myself to other people online. It seems small, but constantly measuring yourself against curated highlights can slowly chip away at your confidence.
Comparing myself to other people online. It seems small, but constantly measuring yourself against curated highlights can slowly chip away at your confidence.