You’re Closer To Giving Away Your Power Than You Think

This will all make sense in a few minutes.

I met a friend before she went to a wine tasting event last night.

While we were catching up, another woman sat down next to us and began to engage in our conversation. That was normal. The place is a neighborhood bar so everyone is super friendly.

We were talking about how hard it has been to get tickets to Hamilton and how expensive the tickets are. My friend recommended that we go to Richmond, VA "because tickets are half the price."

To which our new friend, let's call her Dawn, replied:

"You know disabled people get tickets for $149.00. So if you can find a disabled person to go with, you can each get a ticket for $149.00. I know there is a special place in hell for someone like me, but I don't care."

How did I reply?

I said nothing.

Nada.

I couldn't think of one thing to say. Nothing nice. Nothing mean. I was stunned.

It took me back to the summer of 1992. I was working for an environmental group running a door to door canvass. We were at our summer kick off BBQ. We were drinking beers, joking around and getting to know one another.

"Anyone want to hear a gay joke?" a guy called out.

There was a brief moment of awkward silence until someone said:

"I don't, I do not want to hear any gay jokes. But I can tell you a funny joke. What did the zero say to the eight? 'Hey, nice belt.'"

Everyone laughed and that awkward moment passed.

Who was the person who had it all together, could respond so quickly and diffuse the situation?

That was me.

So why couldn't I do the same last night? What happened to my quick wit?

I don't know.

I have spent a lot of time beating myself up and feeling guilty for not speaking up.

But that won't make any difference. It never does.

What will make a difference?

Figuring out what stopped me from speaking up in the moment.

What concern did I sell out to? What was the thought I had that won out over my commitment to speak my truth and empower all people.

When I figure that out, I will be giving myself the power to do something different next time.

That's why I developed the masterclass of the Reclaim Your Sanity Series called "Stop Being Nice and Reclaim Your Power." We tackle this very subject.

I'm about to teach the class this week so when situations like this arise, I kind of feel like the Universe put it in my way so I could cause a breakthrough for myself.

See that's what I do as a coach. I go first. I put myself through the ringer so that I can find a tool that works for me, then pass the baton to you, and hopefully you'll do the same.

Has this ever happened to you? What do you do?

How do you go from being "nice," "polite," or simply silent like me and speak up in those tense situations. Or should you?

I'd love to know, so hit me back.

Thanks for being on the journey with me. I appreciate you.