Still Here, Still Loud

She stood up like the room needed to hear her breathe. People who express themselves authentically show higher psychological resilience and stronger self-worth over time (Kernis and Goldman 294).

Suppressing identity, especially voice and emotion, is associated with increased stress and emotional fatigue (Gross and John 349). She said, “I am still here, still loud, still learning.” Ain’t nothing wrong with taking up space. Freedom did not whisper. It showed up bold, chest out, and unapologetic.

Works Cited (MLA)
Gross, James J., and Oliver P. John. “Individual Differences in Two Emotion Regulation Processes: Implications for Affect, Relationships, and Well-Being.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 85, no. 2, 2003, pp. 348–362.
Kernis, Michael H., and Brian M. Goldman. “Authenticity, Social Motivation, and Psychological Adjustment.” Journal of Personality, vol. 74, no. 2, 2006, pp. 283–324.