Last week someone contacted me because they wanted to share one of my Facebook posts—but first they wanted me to edit it because my “colorful” language didn’t fit their brand. They politely offered multiple alternatives I could use in place of “bullshit” to make my post shareable. I declined.
I spent far too many years editing myself to be more acceptable to other people. No more. Hard pass.
“Bullshit” ain’t nothing. I say fuck a lot too. (And I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.) Soooo maybe don’t scroll down.
My words are who I am. If my words aren’t for you, neither am I. I’m fully okay with that. And I’m not going to make you feel better about it because that’s your work, not mine
It was honestly a pleasant exchange. I’m not mad, nor am I offended. I’m just very, very clear that editing myself to suit others’ preferences is not a thing I’m willing to do anymore. (Also, I would like to be acknowledged for not responding, “Fuck no,” even though I still contend that would have been hilarious.)
I get to ask for the things I want, and others get to accept or decline my request without having to explain themselves to me. And, when others ask me for things, I get to say yes or no and I don’t have to explain myself.
This applies to you too. You get to ask for things. You get to say yes or no without explanation or justification. You get to be who you are independent of other people’s opinions about you. Period.
If that feels impossible, unrealistic, selfish, or otherwise icky or out of reach, we should talk. I get people unstuck so they can live their life authentically, powerfully, and unapologetically. I’m on a mission to support 100 people in 100 days through powerful professional conversations focused on clarity and transformation. Book a free clarity call for yourself here: http://tinyurl.com/altitudeadjustmentintro (or share the link with a friend)
No bullshit. No toxic positivity. (Because fuck that.) Just real talk about who YOU really are.