What I Learned From You About Speaking Up

Speaking up matters. I chose the end of 2025 to write to you about why speaking up is important, in part because I believe that 2026 will ask a lot of us. We’re going to benefit from being intentional about how and when we use our voice, for what and for whom.

As a quick refresher (maybe you’ve had one or two things going on since then?) I gave two reasons for speaking up:

1.    When it moves you towards what matters to you

2.    When it strengthens your connection to someone important to you

I gave you some examples, from work to family to community.

But I missed something crucial. And I have this incredible community of people to thank, because several of you reached out to point it out:

We also speak up to remind ourselves and the people who agree with us – people committed to the issues that drive us – why we try. In doing this we make ourselves and our communities stronger.

As you begin your year. I wanted to share this learning with you because I need some reminders of what I’m working towards and why, and so I wonder if you might as well. And I’m as ever grateful for all of you sending me your thoughts and wisdom!

I have not forgotten that we need to talk about how to stay resilient enough to speak up when it matters. That’s next, I promise!

All my best,

Dr. G