This afternoon I was on a call with a higher up who casually mentioned that a DM had mentioned we could gross up someone’s sign on bonus.
Instantly, I froze. Because I knew I never said that. We don’t do that. It’s not a thing—and it’s certainly not something I would promise or even suggest.
Old me would’ve swallowed that moment. Let it sit in my chest and bother me for days. Ruminate. Second guess myself. Maybe tell a friend, maybe not. Either way, I’d stew in silence.
But not anymore.
Instead of letting it slide, after the call, I took a deep breath and sent the DM a direct message.
I said, “Hey—we’ve actually never spoken about this, especially not about that employee. I wanted to clarify because this came up, and I want to make sure there’s no confusion about where that message came from.”
And then I went to lunch. Proud of myself—not for being aggressive, but for being clear. Calm. Direct. Me.
When I got back, I saw a group message including the DM and RVP.
And you know what?
He owned it.
He acknowledged the miscommunication and clarified that he misunderstood—taking those words out of my mouth in front of the group. As he should.
I wasn’t mad. I wasn’t dramatic. I was just done letting things slide that don’t sit right.
This is something I wouldn’t have done a year ago. Heck, maybe even six months ago. But the version of me I’m becoming? She stands up for herself. She protects her name, her energy, her peace.
Maybe it’s the workouts.
Maybe it’s BodyPump. Maybe it’s the mindfulness, the self-reflection, the time I’ve spent alone learning who I really am.
Whatever it is—it’s working.
I’m not afraid of rocking the boat if it means standing on solid ground.
I don’t live in silence anymore.
And I’m really starting to like my own voice.
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