Radically Happy

• Speaking from trauma sounds like: “I need X.” (demand)
• Speaking your truth sounds like: “I fear Y.” (confession)

Write a blog post on the above, with just a touch of Brené Brown.

ChatGPT Prompt

There’s a subtle but life-changing shift that can happen in how we communicate — a movement from self-protection to self-expression, from fear to freedom.

It’s the shift from speaking from trauma to speaking your truth.

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At first, they might sound similar. But they come from very different places–and lead to very different outcomes.

When we speak from trauma, our words are often armored — driven by past pain and a desire to control outcomes. The tone may be urgent, rigid, or defensive. It’s a survival response.

But when we speak from truth, we drop the armor. We choose courage over control. We risk being seen–not as someone who has it all together, but as someone who is real and reachable.

That’s what makes truth powerful: it’s not about demanding change, but inviting connection.

One tries to protect us. The other frees us.

Here’s what the shift might sound like:

• Instead of: “I need you to check in more.“

Try: “I feel anxious when I don’t hear from you–I start to wonder if I matter.“

• Instead of: “I need this to stop.“

Try: “I feel scared when this happens. I want to feel safe and connected.“

This isn’t about being soft or passive. It’s about being brave enough to tell the truth about what’s happening inside. And in doing so, we create space for others to respond with empathy, not defensiveness.

Because when we speak from truth, we’re not just telling others who we are–we’re inviting them to be who they are too.

That’s the power of authenticity.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 (NIV)