As a required part of my on-the-job training, I attended a workshop led by a 70-year-old woman who had previously worked as an instructor at a California university. She shared how she landed her current role, and as I listened to her, I was fascinated by the path her life had taken to bring her to the point that she was doing a workshop.
The leader of the workshop was a petite woman, and in physical appearance, she reminded me of my maternal grandmother – so full of life and passion and so willing to share her desire for the life she led with others. After dedicating time at the university in California, the leader of the workshop explained how she received a job offer after volunteering her talents and skills to as a speaker for her craft.
The job itself wasn’t even something she was originally interested in, but after thinking over the decision, she decided to make the change. She found the job allowed her to do what she loved while offering her the opportunity to travel across the country speaking to various people who were transitioning into different roles within their careers and lives.
What struck me the most about this speaker was her passion. It was clear that the platform she was a part of wasn’t just a job for her – it was a calling. Watching her speak with such joy and conviction was incredibly inspiring. Her story of turning a volunteer opportunity into a full-time career filled with travel and purpose reminded me of the beautiful, unexpected ways life can unfold when we say “yes” to opportunities.
There were about eight to 10 attendees in the room, and while not everyone seemed as moved by the speaker’s enthusiasm, I was fully engaged. That’s why what happened next was especially disheartening. This speaker shared a personal letter she’d written years ago to the people who’d hired her for her current position. It was a one page long, well-written, heartfelt letter – more like a cover letter of sorts but so heartfelt that it seemed like a page out of a journal about a life so well-lived and enjoyed.
After the speaker finished reading her letter, most of the attendees thanked her. However, her co-facilitator commented that although it was a good letter, it was “too long”. As the co-facilitator spoke to the attendees about her opinions regarding the letter, I watched as the smile faded from the speaker’s face. The pride she held in her work – the same pride that had lit up the room moments earlier – was dimmed by that one comment.
And while the co-facilitator may have intended her comment as a helpful tip for the attendees, the delivery felt unnecessary and critical. After all, the speaker’s letter was written years ago, and it obviously worked in her favor because she has held her position for a long time. In fact, as I listened to the letter, I didn’t feel the length was the point – the heart and purpose behind it was. After being deflated in seeming pride, the speaker continued on, but the spark she had earlier didn’t fully return. It was a subtle yet powerful reminder: Our words matter.
Whether intentional or not, a single remark can either uplift or unravel someone’s spirit. At all times, I believe we need to be mindful of how we speak to others. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” (Proverbs 18:21) Despite that moment, I found the entire workshop – and especially the speaker’s story – to be fascinating and inspiring. I walked away reminded of the strength of passion, the power of encouragement, and the responsibility I carry to treat others with kindness and care.
My Voice Unchained 