I think there comes a time in every woman's life where she discovers her own voice.  Unfortunately that time doesn't always come before she finds wisdom to actually use her voice.

I remember the day I used my voice for the first time (before I learned how to actually use it effectively). I turned 40 THAT DAY and while dining with some friends at lunch I thoroughly embarrassed the waitress, as well as my friends, by commenting that her size made me want to vomit.  (I was trying to express that her being skinny and being able to squeeze through a 3-inch space made me want to get sick because I couldn't look like that.) Looking back, at the time I thought it was funny and after explaining my comment to everyone, they all had a good laugh.  However, I realize that I should have been WAY more sensitive. 

Today, six years later, I recall when I used my voice and felt completely secure in it.  When my life plan became so clear I couldn't help but tell someone.  I was confident, assured and totally uninhibited.  It was freeing to express my heart like that!  I finally have a totally positive outlook on my life.  This freedom comes at a price, however.  I separates me from those who have come to know and love the past Petra.  I am sorry for those losses, I truly am.  I am sure that they see me as Daffy, in this picture - negatively.

But the choice I make is to be that SAME duck - only with a positive spin.  I love my life (positive). I am going through some major life changes (which some view as mental). And I am expressing my voice with confidence and authority (which may be construed as having an attitude). But the bottom line is....I have a voice and for the first time in my life I am not afraid to use it!