Josephine no longer takes her voice lightly.

Living with a disability has taught her that having a voice doesn’t automatically mean being heard. Too often, people speak over her, decide for her, or assume they already know what she needs. Even when she does speak, listening isn’t always guaranteed.

For a long time, that reality made her quiet.

Her voice isn’t loud.
But it is powerful.

Josephine has learned that having a voice isn’t about volume. It’s about how you hold yourself when you speak. It’s about standing firmly in your truth, even when the room doesn’t immediately respond or understand.

There were times when staying quiet felt easier. Explaining herself took energy. Advocating for herself took energy. And when you live in a body that already requires constant effort, that energy becomes precious.

Over time, Josephine learned something important:

Her voice matters.

Not because it demands attention — but because it comes from lived experience. Because it carries honesty. Because it reflects a life that has required adaptation, resilience, and courage.

She believes that some of the most meaningful change comes from quieter voices. Voices that speak with intention rather than noise. Voices that don’t shout, but still shift the conversation simply by telling the truth.

Today, Josephine is grateful that she has learned to trust her voice. To use it softly when that feels right, firmly when it’s necessary, and without apology.

Because being heard isn’t about being the loudest in the room.
It’s about being real.