VOICES: A Library Lecture Series

This past Monday, October 21, Voices held an event spotlighting Dr. Monica Debro, a speaker, author, and certified mental health coach. Her narrative was to encourage others to embrace
their authentic selves regardless of their past and to overcome the troubles of being S.A.D. (stress, anxiety, and depression), welcoming a brighter future. Sharing her personal journey, she detailed troubles with domestic violence, brokenness, and suicide which made her message even more sincere. I may not speak for everyone but myself when I say that she definitely captivated ears.

Going deeper into her presentation titled “Rewriting the Script”, she challenged us to think about our thoughts and what’s in our hearts. Self-talk, the way in which we talk to ourselves, is very important in determining what we really believe about our identity. The negative things we say about ourselves do nothing but bring us down. It is a terrible habit and is the opposite of self-love.

Isn’t it enough that we already deal with the negative words that others have to say about us?

However, when it comes to speaking about other people, it’s far easier for us to say positive things about them. So why not ourselves? Why not tell yourself ‘I am loved, I am important, I am worthy’? Why continue to stone yourself? Put down those stones
because you have enough of them to build a wall and that’s something you don’t need. You don’t need isolation when you already feel deeply cast out. In a time like that, you need someone
you can trust to confide in. Someone to help steer you straight so you’re not like a reckless driver on the road. Yet, the most impactful person who has the power to turn it all around is you. It is your choice to stop tearing yourself down and you must decide.
Will I continue on with harming or participate in my healing? Nobody can do it for you. You need to “love yourself to life” as she stated.

To conclude, the auditorium may not have been filled, but she certainly filled the room with her spirit. Being actively engaged with the audience, she prompted us to speak positive affirmations and to repeat them loudly. Asking questions and giving gift cards to those who answered. But most of all, her transparency and vulnerability lit up the room. It was a beautiful and encouraging message, well worth the 50-minute lecture.