Your Invisible Army

Have you ever felt like you freeze when you speak in public? It happens to me sometimes, and I’ve always wondered why I suddenly feel uneasy. In this episode, I dive into the idea of an “invisible army” that stands behind you whenever you talk or share your thoughts. We explore how this mindset can give you surprising confidence, especially if you’ve battled self-doubt.

Our chat covers what the invisible army is, how it transforms our approach to communication, and real-life examples of where it shows up. You'll get a sense of how this concept works in practice and why it helps me (and others) step out of the shadows. Discover how you can harness your own hidden support system.

What is an Invisible Army?

I like to think of this invisible army as a team of supporters, always cheering me on in the background. It's not about having an actual crowd of people standing there. It's more a mental picture that reminds you you're not alone and that your thoughts deserve space in the world.

In the podcast, I mention this feeling that whenever I share my voice, I sense a silent force boosting my words. It reminds me that even if you can't see them, there's always someone who connects with your story. You might say there's a small group, or a big one, silently going, “You’ve got this.”

“Have you got an invisible army when you speak? I do. It keeps me going when my mind tries to talk me out of sharing my thoughts.”

Why It Matters

We’ve all been there. You prepare to say something important, then nerves creep in and you start second-guessing everything. Maybe your breathing goes shallow or your mind races. At times, you even question if anyone cares what you have to say. That’s where the invisible army comes in.

Imagining a group of dedicated listeners outside your line of sight can be a game-changer. It offers two big advantages:

• Boosts Confidence: When you know someone’s rooting for you, you’re more likely to trust yourself and speak up.
• Reduces Isolation: If you're like me, it’s easy to feel you’re the only one facing anxiety. But remember, you do have people on your side.

Focusing on this idea is especially helpful for those of us with ADHD or dyslexia. We can get tied up in overthinking or self-criticism. The invisible army concept is a gentle reminder that you don't have to go it alone. You can let yourself be supported by a friendly presence, even if it’s imagined.

Stories That Bring It to Life

When I was younger, I tried to speak up in class, but I'd quickly shut down if anyone even hinted at disapproval. One day, a teacher told me something that shifted how I saw myself. She said, “Remember how many people want you to succeed.” I was convinced no one cared. I was wrong.

Since then, I’ve realised I can conjure that cheering section at a moment’s notice. If I’m about to record a podcast or present an idea, I picture a crowd of familiar faces nodding. It's not always easy to maintain, but it helps me push past hesitation.

You might have a similar story. Maybe a friend once said, “Your story matters, keep sharing it.” That friend’s voice might be the spark for your invisible army. Even if you don’t have individuals in mind, envision a group of new supporters who would love to hear your experiences.

How to Harness Your Own Army

If you’re keen to give this a try, start with a simple exercise. Before you speak, close your eyes (if you can) and bring to mind a few people who genuinely care about what you say. Picture them cheering, smiling, or simply listening intently. That’s you recruiting your first troop.

You can also:

• Make it Real: Invite a close friend to actually stand by you, physically or online, when you share something brave.
• Use Visual Cues: Put up a photo or a symbol of someone who believes in you. A small prompt can trigger that sense of support.
• Revisit Your Wins: Recall a time you spoke up and felt heard. Remembering that success invites more of the same feeling.

This practice might feel awkward at first, but improvise, adapt, and shape it so it fits your style. Over time, you’ll get more fluent at tapping into that sense of togetherness.

Takeaways

• Visualising an invisible army stops you feeling alone.
• A mental support team can reduce nerves and quiet self-doubt.
• You’re worth hearing, even when your mind says otherwise.
• Confidence often grows when you realise someone’s in your corner.
• Practice makes it easier to harness this concept whenever you need it.

Feeling curious about how all this ties together? The podcast player is at the top of this page, waiting for you to press play. There’s a lot more detail in the episode, including personal stories and tips on building your support network. Go have a listen and see how this idea can shift your mindset. Embrace your invisible army, and speak with heart.

Ready to dive deeper? Hit play on the full episode above and flick me a message about how you use your own invisible army.