I was falling... a call for Women's Empowerment

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And I couldn’t scream. I was going to work last week on a Wednesday. It was a misty day, and I had on my boots and a very cute printed wide-leg romper. I was coming down the stairs when my right leg slipped and tripped my left. I landed on the steps, cross-legged but backwards. The cold metal of the steps bit into my legs, the taste of fear dry in my mouth as I struggled to regain my balance. I couldn't get up and was trying not to fall over. In my mind, I was thinking, "No, no, don’t fall on these metal stairs." There were plenty of people in the train station since it was rush hour. I started to sweat and dropped my umbrella. The way I was falling, I could have broken my nose or teeth. Two women saw me and helped me right before I fell. My right ankle was badly sprained but not broken, thank God. I attempted to just walk it off. I got on my train, and as the adrenaline wore off, I sat there with tears running down my face on a very packed train. I wasn’t crying because I was in pain, but because I did not cry out for help. Why didn’t I scream for help or just scream, period?

As I sat on that packed train, my mind raced back to countless moments when I had remained silent, not just in times of physical pain, but emotional and mental struggles as well. This was not the first time I suffered in silence. I don’t know if it’s because I’m Gen X, of Caribbean heritage, or just being a woman of color. Subconsciously, I was taught as a child that you must be seen, not heard, or that a woman who is loud is uncouth or vulgar. Whatever it is, this is not a good thing. Externally, I was the picture of a composed commuter, but inside, a storm of frustration and fear raged. I tell you this story because, as women, we are taught to be quiet and to accept horrible circumstances. Ladies, enough is enough. We can’t suffer in silence anymore. Scream if you need to, if you're in pain, if you need help, or if you're angry! Those of you that do, I applaud you. But for those of us that don’t, just scream! No more suffering in silence. Be heard in all matters. Let your voices be heard and stand in your power. women empower yourselves, I share this not just as a story, but as a call to action. For too long, I allowed myself to be bound by silent suffering. Now, I urge you, and myself, to break free from these chains. #womensempowerment