Why Is It So Hard to Speak Your Truth? by Jo Shipley

Do you ever find that your intuition seems to disagree with everything you have been told? Or, similarly, do you find that you can’t manifest into reality what is longing in your heart?

This recently came to light when I found myself in a situation where my credentials, my self-worth, and even my sense of who I was were called into question. It turned into a deep existential dive that left me asking some searching questions:

• Who am I, really?
• What do I actually believe – and could I articulate this clearly?
• Which of my beliefs are really mine, and which have I inherited from the people and communities around me?

The questioning centred around the boundaries between quantum physics, spirituality, and traditional religious teachings. I found myself caught between what I had personally experienced, what my intuition knew to be true, and what others thought I should believe.

It forced me to clearly put into words my thoughts, beliefs, and understandings. And in doing so, I realised it wasn’t only my spiritual beliefs that were being highlighted. It was also my ideas about respect, community, belonging, and what a “good” life should look like.

Of course, we all inherit a set of cultural and societal beliefs through which we view the world. In Brennan Healing Science, the fifth (throat) chakra is associated with communication, truth, creativity, and authentic expression. In this particular situation, finding my voice didn’t mean becoming louder; it meant becoming clearer. It meant being strong enough to stand in my own core essence and express what I truly believe, rather than what I thought others wanted to hear. It also meant speaking more honestly about what I thought and what I needed – and having the courage to ask for it.

Of course, I needed to share my ‘injustice’ with my close friends. In my very vulnerable space, I was also shown something deep – that I have an extraordinary circle of human beings in my life, each one perfect in their own unique and different way.  My vulnerability expanded how I saw them, and in this moment of complete appreciation, I felt their positive aspects reflected back to me in support, and I felt very held.

I suddenly understood that finding your voice has two parts.

1) The first is becoming clear about what you want to say:

• What do you actually believe?
• What matters to you?
• What do you want to create?
• What future are you calling into being?

2) The second is finding somewhere safe enough to say it out loud and to be heard. Not necessarily agreed with, but received with respect. Being heard provides us with the necessary inner acknowledgment that we need to strengthen our own beliefs.

There is something deeply healing about being witnessed. When someone truly hears us, it not only strengthens connection and intimacy, it also cements our belief. Our vision becomes more solid and feels more real. The moment we speak something with conviction, we begin shaping the internal reality from which our external world is created.

Perhaps this is why community and connection matter. Not because we need their permission to become who we are, but because safety in a relationship provides us with the necessary support to help us trust ourselves enough. Once we trust our voice, our words stop seeking validation and justification, and we are allowed to become a true expression of who we really are.

If you find yourself unable to manifest what is longing in your heart, or find yourself at odds with your intuition and what society thinks you “ought” to believe, take a moment to ask yourself these above questions. Then I encourage you to find someone who will hold space for you to hear and witness what you have to say without fear or judgment. Allow the process to happen and see if you can speak your dreams into being.

I am happy to be that person if you need it – please just get in touch.

If you’d like support working through any emotional and physical issues using energy-healing practices, I would love to work with you in my Canberra therapy rooms.

You’re also invited to join me in person for my upcoming Crystal Chakra Workshop series in Canberra throughout 2026 at The H Dispensary, Griffith, ACT. Throat and Third Eye Chakra Workshops are on at the end of July. Dates online – bookings via What’s On at The H Dispensary.

Enjoying this content? Tune into my Wellness Valley Podcast, where I speak to inspirational healers and share stories of hope, wellbeing and personal growth (available on Spotify, Amazon and my website).

Find Jo Shipley at linktr.ee/joshipley