Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Owning My Truth Out Loud

Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Owning My Truth Out Loud

There was a time I weighed every word, measured every step, and second-guessed every decision. I wanted to be seen as good. As acceptable. As strong—but never too strong. Society had a script, and I followed it with discipline. Until life tore the script apart and handed me a blank page. That blank page became the beginning of the real me. Here’s me Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Owning My Truth Out Loud.

The Power of My Voice

I didn’t grow up speaking loudly. I was taught to be polite, agreeable, and careful. But pain has a way of sharpening your voice. Grief taught me to speak up. Adversity taught me to stop softening my edges for the comfort of others.

When I first began writing publicly, whether on Wordsmith Kaur or in my freelance pieces, I was hesitant. I thought honesty would be too much, too raw. But it was exactly what people connected with: real stories, real struggles, not dressed-up perfection.

Being unfiltered doesn’t mean being harsh. It means not hiding behind a smile when your world is falling apart. It means naming your grief, your fear, your joy, and your victories with equal clarity.

From People Pleaser to Boundary Builder

I used to say yes when I wanted to say no. I tolerated disrespect to avoid confrontation. I kept quiet to keep the peace. But peace without self-respect is not peace. It’s silence with a price.

Over time, I learned that boundaries are not barriers. They are self-respect in action. They protect my time, energy, and truth. I no longer seek validation from the wrong places. I don’t explain myself to those who misunderstand me on purpose. In my affirmations, I include “I set healthy boundaries for myself and my life.”

And I no longer feel the need to apologise for the space I take up—whether in a room, in a conversation, or in this life.

The Freedom to Be

Moving to Hyderabad gave me space to breathe—not just literally, but emotionally. I could finally dress how I wanted, laugh freely, and go out without feeling watched or whispered about. I wasn’t trying to fit anyone’s image of a widow or a mother in mourning. I was trying to be me.

And being me came with colour; with joy, late-night music, and long conversations with new friends who didn’t rake up my past to accept my present.

The freedom to live on my own terms has been the most radical shift of all.

Truth Without Apology

Life has shown me the underbelly of trust. I’ve believed when I shouldn’t have, stood by people who vanished the moment I needed them, and learned that silence is often the reward for loyalty. I gave chances, looked past red flags, and waited for gestures that never came.

But with time, something changed. The ache didn’t disappear; it hardened into clarity. I began saying what I meant, walking away when things felt wrong, and choosing myself unapologetically.

I no longer mould myself to be more palatable. I no longer downplay my needs or dim my light. I’ve stopped clinging to people who saw me as optional.

Now, I speak up. I live loud. I wear what I love. I share what I’ve lived; not to prove anything, but because it’s mine.

This chapter isn’t about getting approval. It’s about standing in truth, owning my journey, and letting the world adjust if it must.

Because after everything, I didn’t just survive. I rebuilt, and I did it on my terms.

So yes, I’m unfiltered. And no, I’m not sorry.

I am participating in #BLOGCHATTERA2Z YEAR 2025 &  Blogging from A to Z Challenge!

The A2Z List

1. Awakening-Ignite your Spark
2. Bloom Bravely-Choose Courage & Self-love
3. Clear Mental Clutter for Growth
4. Rise with Determination
5. 8 Steps to Embracing Your True Essence
6. Finding Work-life Balance
7. Gratitude: Fuelling Growth with Thankfulness
8. Healing: Turning My Power into Pain
9. Inner strength: Awakening the warrior within
10. Joyful Living: Creating a Life of Joy & Purpose
11. Kindness to Myself & Others
12. Letting Go: Making Space for Peace
13. Mindfulness Matters: Breath by Breath
14. Nurturing Yourself:Effective self care strategies
15. Overcoming Obstacles: From Grief to Growth
16. Passion & Purpose in Life After Loss
17. Quiet Moments for Inner Strength
18. Reverse Aging: How I stay youthful despite 40 years of depression and grief
19. Self Discovery-Mapping my Unique Path