3 Strategies for Finding Your Voice

Inspiration to use your voice, share your story, and move with confidence in this world of entrepreneurship. This newsletter is lovingly crafted by Kimberly Crossland, a bestselling author who has championed a freedom-filled lifestyle since before it was trending on Instagram.

When I started writing this newsletter today, I sat down and almost immediately got up to shower. The shower was necessary for my writing.

I brought the water to an almost-boiling temperature (don’t try to convince me that cold showers are good), then washed, dried, and halfway curled my hair. I sloshed on my Fog-shaded eyeshadow to brighten up these tired eyes, then topped that eyeshadow with black eyeliner and mascara. 

Of course, somewhere in between there, I also got dressed in something other than the yoga pants and sweatshirt I was wearing before. Somehow, the black workout tank top and ripped jeans I chose felt more elevated. Here’s photo evidence that I actually pulled myself somewhat together just for YOU, my friend.

Now I’m back, fingers to the keyboard, ready to write to you in the best voice. That’s because:

I took the shower because I had to feel the part before I could write the part — and that, friends, is the week's lesson. 

If you’re feeling disconnected from your voice and on a big adventure to discover what you sound like, here are three shifts you can make today.

I used to volunteer on the board of our local Chamber of Commerce. Whenever someone new walked in our door, I could almost hear them speak before they opened their mouth. 

Before you think I sound prejudicial, hear me out. I didn’t think I knew what they were thinking, knew who they were voting for in the next election, or knew their religious beliefs. I could hear them speak because of their swagger. 

The way you dress, the look you put on every day, and the way you carry yourself in this world typically align with the voice you want to project into this world. 

I’m not just making this up, either. While playing lunch lady at my kid’s school a few weeks ago, one of the fellow moms who’s a psychology professor told me that wearing black often indicates trying to fit in. The Minds Journal backed up this claim, saying “Black is a neutral and versatile color that is widely accepted and appreciated.” It went on to say that while that can symbolize confidence with a touch of emotional depth (which is probably why I wear a lot of black), it can also suggest that you experience anxiety and use black as a subconscious means of protecting your emotions (which is also probably why I wear a lot of black). 

Back to that welcome line, I used to stand in for the Chamber of Commerce meetings. I could hear the people’s voices before they spoke because I could match how they showed up with how they wanted to be seen.

The same holds for your writing voice. If you’re struggling to find your voice, dress the part. Give your voice a look, and then either dress in that look or imagine you’re dressed in that look before you put your fingers to the keyboard.

If you’ve been around my corner for any period, you’ve probably noticed that I L-O-V-E to go camping. RVing, more specifically (because I love the easy access to the fridge, toilet, and bed). 

We head out as often as possible, which tends to mean several nights a month when we’re sitting around a campfire before bedtime instead of in front of a TV screen. 

Sometimes, we’re boondocking, which means we rarely have neighbors and can let our dog off leash while we also explore the backroads by bike or foot.

Sometimes, we’re in a campground, which means we meet new people, have impromptu conversations, and experience new points of view.

Sometimes, we book special adventures, which means we can go canyoneering through archways, slide down water slides, fish, kayak, or paddle board. 

The point is that we experience life screen-free. Those experiences lend themselves to reconnection because, in those moments, we’re no longer watching a host of other voices doom scroll past us. We’re returning to our roots, grounding ourselves in the US again. 

If you struggle to find your voice, try getting outside for a while. Those ideas will start to percolate up inside of you, and your voice will bubble out more effortlessly than if you force yourself in front of the screen, trying to type.

Growing up, my mom would take me to Payless, where I’d try on rows and rows of shoes. Every time, I’d walk up and down the small, dank aisle to see how they felt. 

Sometimes, you must strut that same strut with your voice, trying on various voices for size. 

Is the toebox too tight or too loose? 

(Is your voice feeling too tightened and restricted or too loose and unrefined for your liking?)

Do you like showing up with sequins, patent leather, or flip-flops better?

(Is the color of your tone something you feel good about?)

Do you rock in your shoes, walk up and down the aisleway, or jump around when you put on those new digs?

(Are you more stable, or are you a wild child like me? ;))

Putting on a voice and trying it out for size will almost instantly tell you if you’re sounding like you or sounding like someone you’re not. 

Read some of your favorite authors and try to sound like them for a while. If it feels good, keep going with it in your way, using your story. If it feels wrong, off, or fake, then stop. You never have to hit publish on anything. The point is to try a voice-on for size to know what you like and what you don’t like. In doing so, you’ll reconnect to yourself.

In a few weeks, I’m hosting a very special, fun, and FREE summer school that you’ll want to dive into. You won’t have to change out of your swimsuit, show up to a classroom at a specific time, or leave the shade tent. 

Here’s how it’ll work.

Every day from June 10 - 14, I’ll email you a quick lesson. While you sip your favorite cocktail (or mocktail), you will start to feel sparks of ideas mixed with bursts of clarity around your message, your promise, and your writing. When you do, simply hit reply to me or send me a DM on Instagram, and we’ll chat together! 

Through the week, you’ll get the exercises to unfurl how to:

I’ll be on the other side of the screen, trying not to get splashed by my kids, who will undoubtedly be rockin’ their splash pad and dodging the chickens running around our yard. I’ll LOVE hearing from you and nerding out on your messaging together. 

Sign up FREE here and bring a friend along for the ride! This is one summer school you’ll actually love attending. 

See you there?