Voice

Quiet one at school, the black sheep at home. I was torn, emotional, subject to crime and personal issues. Closed off to everyone and the world. Friends and family got concerned. I was losing a battle to mental illness I never knew I had. 

'Get out, you looser' 

I hated being that guy. It was soul-draining. It went on for 10 years. I became tired of it all. I was ready to end my miserable life. F?ck selfish for leaving kids and a loving wife. The pain inside me felt intolerable. My head felt like a giant balloon. But, my family stuck by, kept the lights on, throughout breakdowns and complete shutdowns. I didn't want to mug them off for their help. 

So, I got some proper help.

By the time I found out I had a voice, my dad passed away. I clung on to dear life, spent my savings and ended any loyalty I had with so-called friends and family. 

Encouraged to speak up, my newly found faith began to grow. So I spoke more with confidence. 

Man, I talked to my wife and kids to sleep, so I began to write. 

At first, anything that came into my head. Like a good logo creation, it takes me hundreds of sketches and refinements to get to the one simple idea that feels good. I kept writing filling up two A4 sketchbooks. 

After I completed the books, I put the pencil down on the table and decided to do something for myself and my family. I built a design business called @onsetBrandConsultancy. Circa Oct 10 2018 (my dad's birthday)

I may not be a good writer as I am a good designer. Although, speaking and writing helped me find my voice. It’s not my profession. I write to express my opinion and experiences. I write for others to find their voice or discuss a topic. 

Learning to communicate allowed me to express my opinion and views with confidence and do better work for people. Picking fights carefully and standing up to bullshiters. I chose to ignore haters, even the ones close to me that I thought loved me. I have no time for personal attacks. All they want is to show their authority. Not real communication. 

I'm not afraid to tell anyone to get out if they're trying it on. I'm not afraid to call someone out for uttering bullsh*t. I've grown a thick skin over the years not to give a f*ck as much as I did. 

I have learnt to appreciate, respect and care for people who give me time. Allow some space to think, see, listen and to be heard. 

Speaking and writing have given me back the focus I needed so bad to start living again. But it was the art of communication that propelled me to move forward. 

Being trapped in a mind is no joke. Don't keep silent. It all starts with one conversation with someone who wants to listen to you. You can speak up, you have the will to encourage yourselves, that leads to having the confidence to speak up. 

You have a voice.

#youhaveavoice

?#mentalhealth #linkedin #communation

------

Contact me if you’d like to learn more about design and visual communication.

Follow me for more flipping blabbering.

Challenge me if you don't. I'm a grown-up.

For now, thank you for reading.