Think about a situation where you didn't feel heard or understood. Maybe it was a disagreement with a friend or family member, or maybe it was in a professional setting like at school or work. How did that make you feel? Did you feel frustrated, angry, or sad? Did you notice your voice getting louder in an attempt to feel as if you were being heard?

Now, imagine if you had the communication skills to advocate for yourself in that situation. What would you say? How would you say it? How might the outcome be different? Would your voice still have gotten as loud or would you have felt heard even at a lower volume?

How in the past have you self-advocated? What skills did you learn along the way and how did you ensure you felt heard and understood? How in the past have you attempted to self-advocate and not felt successful? Looking back, can you think of ways your communication skills could have been improved?

Finally, reflect on the positive changes that can come from learning how to self-advocate. How might your relationships improve? How might you feel more in control of your life and your choices?

Here are two types of communication skills that can be helpful in self-advocacy:

Assertiveness: Assertiveness involves expressing your needs, feelings, and opinions in a clear, respectful, and confident manner. When you are assertive, you are able to stand up for yourself without being aggressive or passive. Assertive communication skills can help you advocate for yourself by expressing your needs and boundaries, making requests, and saying no when necessary.
Active listening: Active listening involves paying attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally, and demonstrating that you understand their perspective. Active listening skills can help you advocate for yourself by showing that you are willing to listen and understand the other person's point of view, which can help build trust and facilitate more effective communication. Additionally, active listening skills can help you better understand the other person's needs and concerns, which can help you tailor your self-advocacy approach to be more effective.

Can you think of some examples in your day to day life where assertiveness and/or active listening on your part might improve your day?