ubiquitous

adjective

ubiq·​ui·​tous | \ yü-ˈbi-kwə-təs  \

Definition of ubiquitous

existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : WIDESPREAD

I grew up at a time when it was commonplace, in our household at least, to hear my father say with half-seriousness and half-jokingly, “kids should be seen and not heard”.

An incident when I was about six left an indelible emotional scar on my ability to confidently communicate verbally things most important to me and close to my heart. This scar happened very quickly when I had something to say, likely could not get a word in edgewise, and while at the dinner table. I chose to stand on my chair and tell my father to “shut up”.

To this day, only G-d knows what may have been so important to risk standing on that chair and speaking those two words – I already had experience with my dad’s quick reactions and temper, and this time it was lightning quick and swept me off my feet.

This scar apparently became ingrained in my DNA as I have had difficulty most of my life – up until now – feeling as though I could and would be granted the floor to speak my thoughts, be heard, and be acknowledged.

I am leaving that experience right here as a reminder that I can step up as I create a chair to stand on, ask questions, and say what is on my mind.

Everyone has things to say that others ought to hear. I hope you will join in.