🎤 The Day I Chose to Be Seen — Without Music to Hide Behind
In 2012, I stepped onto a stage with no music, no lights, and no DJ decks — just me, a mic, and a message. 🎙️
Up until that point, I’d built my confidence around sound. I was a DJ, a radio host, a woman who knew how to read a room through rhythm. But that day? There was no bassline to hold me. No track to mix. Just breath, silence… and truth.
🎧 While broadcasting daily to passengers onboard P&O Cruises, a few of them suggested something unexpected:
“You should be a motivational speaker.”
At first, I laughed — surely this was just another one of my hair-brained ideas. But the suggestion stuck. The more I sat with it, the more it made sense. If I could stand in front of people, no music to hide behind, and still hold the room? Then maybe… I’d find out who I really was.
So I said yes. Not because I was fearless — but because I was curious.
🎵 What Made It So Powerful
The audience was small — just nine people. But to me, it felt like a stadium.
I even hired a videographer to capture it (thank goodness for that past version of me). 💡
But this moment wasn’t just about public speaking.
It was about being seen — with the volume down and the masks off.
At the time, my personal life was quietly falling apart. I was still grieving the loss of my mum, navigating family disconnects, and doing everything I could to get my head and heart back in sync. 💔
So I turned to what I could control: my personal growth. My creativity. My voice.
Speaking became more than an idea. It became a lifeline.
And unexpectedly, it led to new doors — a library talk, an opportunity to sign and sell paperback copies of my book, and most importantly: a turning point in how I saw myself.
🌀 Why I’m Sharing This Now
Because I’ve only just started telling the truth about what I was really carrying all those years.
I spent nearly two decades laser-focused on my weaknesses — trying to “fix” myself, hiding behind competence, starving for someone to tell me I was doing well.
I didn’t find that person — so I became her.
And now I support others in becoming their own anchor, too.
I’m sharing this video not because it’s perfect — but because it’s real.
It was the first time I stood on stage, completely unplugged, and said:
“This is me. Take it or leave it.”
📺 Watch the Moment
Here’s the original, unfiltered video:
🎬 Watch on YouTube
If you do watch, I’d genuinely love your feedback:
- What stood out?
- What did you feel?
- What should I stop, start, or keep doing?
My neurodivergent brain thrives on honest reflection — so if you have a moment, I’d really appreciate it. 🙏
🌟 Final Notes from the DJ Booth of Life
Sometimes, the scariest thing we can do is turn the music down and let our real voice come through.
Sometimes, that’s when we find our true power.
Thank you for listening to mine.
Be gentle with me.
Michelle x 💛