Last Monday at McNally Robinson in Winnipeg was my book launch for FIND YOUR VOICE: surviving workplace conflict. It seemed ironic that the day before this exciting event I developed laryngitis. No voice in promoting FIND YOUR VOICE! Nothing but a gravelly sound could be heard from my lips interrupted with silence between words. Panic time! What would I do? Cancelling tonight was not an option, remembering my own trauma from bullying and the feelings of being alone. I knew there would be someone in the audience who needed to hear me speak about ‘strategies and tools’ to survive workplace bullying. Someone in despair like I had been for many years struggling with conflicts.
I quickly realized that speaking up and using your voice is not necessarily using our vocal cords, but in our actions and reactions. Speaking up is about providing awareness, education, encouragement, having the right tools and strategies to end workplace bullying, harassment and in creating your own happiness. Over the years I have learned to be curious in solving problems, in seeking out creative ideas to solve conflicts at work,( bullying) and with life’s challenges.
My amazing husband David read the script to the audience and thankfully my voice did not fail as I answered the many questions. Believe it or not, I am thankful for the experience of laryngitis and how David and I demonstrated creative and positive problem solving in trying something different in finding your voice. 
