This painting is about the many times I’ve felt voiceless. In denial, I’d tell myself that I was just a non-confrontational person. Truly, I had a difficult time speaking my truth—especially when allowing myself to be controlled by someone else’s emotional reaction. Seemingly traumatized by the retaliation I’d receive when voicing my opinion, I began to expect it. I began to awfulize. So, my tonsils remained inflamed from holding the fear and the rage alike. I later learned that no doesn’t require an explanation and that I can create the safety to speak up no matter what.