It’s been a while since my last “Unsubscribe,” and not because I haven’t had anything to say. I’ve just been figuring out how to say it honestly.
Lately, I’ve been noticing how often I soften or reshape my true opinions so they feel more “acceptable.” Maybe you know that feeling — you’ve got a clear response that arises, a topic you know well and have an informed opinion on, or a truth you can see plainly… but saying it out loud, unfiltered, feels risky. Maybe you’ll upset the apple cart. Maybe it will challenge a relationship. Maybe it’ll make things uncomfortable.
I’ve been noticing lately how much I water things down in the name of politeness. And I’m noticing what it’s costing me.
In this week’s Unsubscribe, I detail a couple of moments that pushed me here, but what I’m working on is this: unsubscribing from diluting the truth to make it more comfortable for other people.
Not to be harsh. And certainly not to push an uninformed agenda or opinion. But because when I’ve done the work to truly understand a topic, honesty is the most efficient way I can actually challenge what needs to change. And I think a lot of things need to change.
I’m also open to having my mind changed — I welcome it, and I value the people in my life who challenge my thinking. I want to learn from them and be more bold myself.
If you’re also working on unlearning the instinct to smooth the edges and keep the peace, I’d love to hear how it is for you. It can feel lonely to put words to the things that go against the current.
Alongside,
Belinda
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