How often we are told that silence is golden. No, it isn’t always so; sometimes it’s plain yellow!

Yes, the yellow of cowardice. The yellow of running away from a confrontation. The yellow of keeping your mouth shut when it should have protested.

The phrase "silence is not always golden" takes on a profound meaning when we consider that silence can very often be the yellow worn by a coward. This poignant thought highlights the complexities of silence, revealing that it can be a double-edged sword – both a refuge and a refuge from responsibility.

When silence is the yellow of cowardice, it can manifest itself in various ways:

Fear of confrontation: Avoiding difficult conversations or conflicts, even when necessary, can be a sign of cowardice.

Lack of empathy: Failing to speak up or show compassion for others, especially in times of need, can be a cowardly act.

Refusal to take a stand: Remaining silent in the face of injustice, inequality, or wrongdoing can be a manifestation of cowardice.

Hiding behind silence: Using silence as a shield to avoid accountability, responsibility, or vulnerability can be a sign of cowardice.

And there are some dastardly consequences of cowardly silence: Yes, when we choose silence over courage, we risk:

Enabling harm: By remaining silent, we may inadvertently enable harm or injustice to continue.

Damaging relationships: Cowardly silence can erode trust, respect, and intimacy in relationships.

Missed opportunities: Silence can prevent us from seizing opportunities to make a positive impact, learn, or grow.

Internal conflict: Cowardly silence can lead to internal conflict, guilt, and shame.

How do we break the Silence of Cowardice?

I believe we must first recognize and confront our fears, rather than letting them dictate our silence.

Practice empathy and cultivate compassion for others, and be willing to speak up on their behalf.

Start by taking small baby steps, and with these small acts of courage, such as speaking up in a meeting or expressing our opinions in a respectful manner our courage will grow.

And there’s nothing wrong in seeking support and surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and support us in speaking up and being courageous.

Don’t get fooled by hundreds of words and sayings on the Internet and WhatsApp about keeping quiet in a conflict, walking away from an argument and being a silent and mysterious person.

I believe that though silence can be a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, most often we wear the yellow of silence as a protective armour.

By acknowledging the shadows of silence within us, and the reasons for our keeping quiet we can begin to break free from the chains of cowardice and cultivate the courage to speak up, take a stand, and make a positive impact.

Yes, silence isn’t as golden as portrayed, most often it’s a dirty, disgusting yellow..!

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