Are you still living by the rules you never chose?The world has long whispered the same message to women: “Be nice. Be quiet. Don’t rock the boat.” These so-called “Good Girl Rules”—smile more, speak less, agree more, disagree quietly, prioritize others before yourself—are deeply ingrained in our homes, schools, workplaces, and media. But what if playing “good” is the very reason your voice isn’t being heard? What if silence is the chain holding back your success? This is a wake-up call. This is your moment. The Price of Silence Every time you bite your tongue in a meeting, allow others to take credit for your work, or say “yes” when you want to scream “no,” you’re not just being polite. You’re reinforcing a narrative that your voice doesn’t matter. Over time, this damages more than your self-worth. It stunts your growth, silences your power, and suffocates your identity. If you’ve ever felt invisible in your own life, you’re not alone. But you no longer have to stay that way. Why Now? Why Urgently? We’re living in a defining era—a time where authenticity, courage, and bold expression are currencies of influence.Search engines, generative engines, and even voice-driven AI are evolving to amplify real, emotional, raw, and powerful voices. If you don’t stand out, you vanish. And it’s not about shouting louder. It’s about speaking up with conviction, truth, and unapologetic power.Your story matters. Your voice is valuable. And the world needs it—right now. What Are the “Good Girl Rules”? They may differ from culture to culture, but they all have one goal: to make women more controllable by shrinking their presence. Don’t challenge authority Don’t talk too much Don’t be too ambitious Don’t lead too boldly Don’t take up space But you weren’t born to blend in. You were born to lead, to shine, to disrupt, to inspire. Speak Up: Your Voice Is a Revolutionary Act Speaking up isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a radical act of social change. When you reclaim your voice, you give silent women around you permission to do the same. You create a ripple effect that challenges centuries of conditioning. One voice. One bold moment. One refusal to shrink. That’s where transformation begins. How to Break Free Today This isn’t about becoming aggressive. It’s about becoming authentic, strategic, and vocal. Here’s where to begin: Recognize the Rules You’re FollowingWrite down what you’ve been taught to do as a “good girl.” Then, question: Who benefits from this silence? Reclaim Your NoSaying “no” doesn’t make you rude—it makes you powerful. Every no is a yes to yourself. Speak Before You’re ReadyWaiting for perfection is another trap. Start talking. Start leading. Start showing up. Now. Tell Your Story PubliclyWrite blogs. Record videos. Speak on stages. Share online. The world is listening, but only if you speak. Find Empowered AlliesSurround yourself with other bold voices. Build a tribe that reminds you daily: You are not too much. You are enough. You are needed. Final Thought: The Clock Is Ticking Every second you wait is a second someone else gets heard instead.Someone with less passion, less integrity, less heart—but more boldness—is taking the place you were meant to fill. You are not here to be liked. You are here to lead. It’s not just about being seen or being heard—it’s about making an impact that changes lives, communities, industries, and futures. Today is the day. Speak up. Stand out. The world is waiting. By Irtaza Bilal, Co-founder of 28COE, Founder of Go Daughters and many more…
Finding Moments of Refreshment for Your Soul in the Midst of Grief
Grief is not a straight line. It is not a checklist. It is a storm, a shadow, and sometimes, a silence so deep it echoes. And yet, in the very heart of grief, there lies a hidden opportunity—a tender chance to rediscover your strength, your soul, and your reason to keep breathing. This is not just another article. This is a call to your heart, a reminder to not just survive but to find moments of refreshment for your soul, even when the weight of sorrow is too heavy to bear. Why We Must Talk About Grief, and Why We Must Talk About It Now Grief is an undeniable part of human existence, yet society often rushes us to “move on,” to “get over it,” to pretend it doesn’t hurt anymore. But that’s a lie. Grief never truly ends—it changes, evolves, and settles differently in our hearts over time. And this truth must be heard, now more than ever. Because people are suffering in silence. And silence can be deadly. The urgency to address grief is not just emotional—it is physical, mental, and spiritual. Studies show that unprocessed grief can lead to depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even early death. We must stop ignoring it. We must start nurturing the grieving soul. Your Soul is Crying for Rest: Will You Listen? In the chaos of loss, you may feel lost yourself. Life becomes mechanical. Conversations become hollow. Joy becomes foreign. But your soul is still speaking—in whispers, in tears, in sleepless nights. What is it saying?It’s saying: “I need rest. I need healing. I need peace.” These are not luxuries. These are necessities. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and grief empties even the strongest of hearts. You must intentionally search for moments of refreshment. You must give yourself permission to pause, to cry, to breathe. 5 Soulful Strategies to Find Light in the Darkness 1. Create Sacred Space for Stillness In grief, noise is the enemy. Carve out a few minutes each day to sit in silence. Breathe. Close your eyes. Let the stillness hold you. This isn’t weakness—this is survival. 2. Connect with Nature’s Wisdom There’s a reason why grief often pulls people toward oceans, mountains, and forests. Nature has a way of reminding us that life continues—that storms pass, and new seasons always come. 3. Talk to Someone Who Truly Listens Not everyone understands grief, but someone out there does. Find that one soul—a friend, a counselor, a mentor—who won’t try to fix you, but will simply sit with you in your pain. 4. Write Your Way to Clarity Your heart is heavy with unspoken words. Release them. Journal your sorrow. Write letters to those you’ve lost. This is not just cathartic—it is sacred. Your words are part of your healing. 5. Engage in Gentle Self-Care with Purpose Grief drains your energy. Don’t wait for the motivation to return. Do small things: make tea, take a walk, read one chapter. Act even when you feel numb. Because action brings breath. And breath is life. Grief Doesn’t End, But You Can Begin Again It’s time to confront one of the most difficult truths of grief: there is no going back to who you were before. But you can grow into someone new—someone stronger, deeper, more compassionate. Finding moments of refreshment does not mean forgetting your loss. It means honoring it. Living because of it. Becoming more because of it. You are not betraying your loved one by living well.You are becoming the legacy they left behind. This is Your Call to Heal Right now, you have a choice.You can allow grief to keep you numb, or you can start—just start—looking for one small moment each day that reminds your soul it is still alive. This is your moment to reclaim your breath.To find hope in a sunrise.To hear comfort in a song.To feel warmth in your tears.To believe that even broken hearts can still beat with purpose. Don’t wait.Don’t let the silence consume you.Start your healing today. Final Words for the Weary Soul If no one else has told you this today:Your grief is real. Your pain matters. Your healing is possible. You are not alone.And you are still here for a reason. Find your moment. Take your breath. Heal.