Sometimes you need to confront someone...
or set a boundary...
or speak out...
and it is SO uncomfortable you don't even know where to start!
People often tell me, "Eilat, I know I need to speak out, but HOW do I say it?"
I was creating this list for something I'm working on.
It's sentence starters to use in tricky moments when you want to express yourself but feel unsure, overwhelmed, or afraid.
Then I realised it might be useful to you too.
So I'm sharing it with you.
These phrases are designed to help you honour your truth and stay with yourself - even when your voice shakes.
You can use them as they are or change the wording to sound more like you.
It's the concept that counts.
I hope this helps!
Sentence Starters (to express discomfort or ask for space):
“I’m noticing that I’m feeling something and I need a moment to figure out what it is…”
“This is hard for me to say, but it feels important…”
“Can we pause for a moment? I just need to check in with myself.”
“Something about this doesn’t feel right for me, and I’m trying to listen to that.”
“I’m not sure yet what I want to say, but I know I don’t want to stay silent.”
“I need a bit more time to think about it and get clear.”
“I’m worried about disappointing you, but I want to be honest about what I need.”
“I don’t have it all figured out, but here’s what I do know…”
Mini-Scripts (real-life situations):
1. When you feel pressured to say yes but you want to say no:
“Part of me wants to say yes because I care, but if I’m honest with myself, I don’t have the capacity right now. I hope you understand.”
2. When someone says something hurtful or dismissive:
“That was hard for me to hear. I’m not sure if you meant it that way, but it landed with me in a painful way.”
3. When you need to name a boundary:
“I’ve realised I need to protect my energy and honour my capacity. That means I won’t be able to [explain the boundary], even though I know it might be disappointing.”
4. When you're scared to speak up but want to try:
“This feels really vulnerable to say out loud, but I’m practising not abandoning myself, and that means telling you this…”
5. When you backed down earlier and want to return to the moment:
“I wasn’t able to say this earlier, but I’ve been sitting with it, and I want to come back to that moment and say it now.”
And lastly: A permission-giving phrase to repeat to yourself
“It’s safe to be real. I’m allowed to take up space. I can speak out with love - and it honours both myself and others.”
If you loved yourself, where and how would you bravely speak out now?
