"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." — Alice Walker

Ever feel like no one’s listening? Like you're shouting into the void, hoping someone actually hears you?

You're not alone.

This past week, I continued my songwriting workshop with an incredible group of teenagers in Montgomery County. And let me tell you—when you give young people the space to express themselves, they show up with fire, honesty, and a whole lot of truth that the world needs to hear.

We started with one simple prompt: “If you had a magic wand, what would you change?”

And what they wrote? Was powerful.

Here’s what they came up with:

Verse 1 With my magic wand, I want people to stop judging my color. With my magic wand, I want people to stop bullying me about being fuller. With my magic wand, I would make people stop hating on me. With my magic wand, I want people to stop treating me like a dollar.

Pre-Chorus Frickity-frack, biggity-bop, I would command you.

Chorus I'm going to remove your mouth now. Will you shut it, please? The door is over there. Use it as you leave.

Verse 2 With my magic wand, I’d stop people talking smack behind the screen. With my magic wand, I'm going to make them scream. With my magic wand, I’ll make them regret what they have done to me. That's my dream. With my magic wand, I will make them see my real power.

Pre-Chorus Frickity-frack, biggity-bop, I would command you.

Chorus I'm going to remove your mouth now. Will you shut it, please? The door is over there. Close it as you leave.

Um... damn.

These lyrics aren’t just words on a page. They’re a direct reflection of what these teens experience every day—judgment, bullying, racism, online toxicity, feeling unheard and undervalued.

But instead of staying silent, they turned those emotions into something real. Something powerful. Something that demands to be heard.

And that’s exactly why songwriting matters.

Because when we give young people the tools to express themselves, we give them more than just a song. We give them confidence. We give them a voice. We give them a way to take back their power.

And honestly? This isn’t just about kids.

We all carry wounds from times when we felt unheard—whether in childhood, in relationships, in the workplace, or just existing in a world that often tries to tell us who we should be.

But the truth is: your voice matters. In fact, some might even say it's a superpower.

Right now, the world feels noisy. Political division, online arguments, and a whole lot of people talking at each other instead of with each other.

But here’s what I know:

It’s not just about using your voice—it’s about making space for others to be heard, too.

That’s why music is so powerful. You can ignore a conversation, but a song? A song demands to be heard.

So I want to ask you:

• What’s the song you’re singing to yourself right now?
• Are you making space to hear the voices around you?

Your Voice is the Most Powerful Instrument You Have

So, as you go into this week, I challenge you to think about:

What’s the message you’re reinforcing in your own life? And are you making space for others to be heard?

Because whether through music, conversation, or action—the world is shaped by the voices that dare to speak.

Don’t let the world write your song.

Rock on, stay inspired, and have an amazing day on purpose.

~ Emma G

P.S. Want to book me for your next event? Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or live performance, let’s make something impactful together. Book a free connection call with me here.