Say what you gotta say and leave the stage. I’m an advocate of speaking my mind. Over the years I’ve learned that everyone is just not capable of doing this. Many may talk a good game but then hold all of this anger or ill-feelings on the inside without ever discussing with the offender.

That’s not me. If you’ve offended me; first, I’m not easily offended. Half the time I miss the offenses. Mainly due to being an overall positive person. My perspectives come from a neutral and optimistic place. I don’t see malice unless it obvious in plain sight. Like I catch the knife right before it lands on my back.

Once I’ve noticed the backstabbing behavior and/or intentions, or the offensive remarks, disrespectful approach, etc. I’m the one that will bring it to your face, email, text message, or postcard in the mail. Either way, they will hear from me.

Now recall I save lives daily. So I’ll monitor what I give because if my approach will cause more harm than good, I may keep it to myself. I’m no fool. There are times, situations, and circumstances that cause me to hold something in. And if that’s the better recourse, I keep it to myself and I go on about life. No hard feelings.

And most importantly, I hold no grudges. I mean, how can I be mad with you for 10 years when I didn’t have the guts to approach you about the situation? Makes no sense to me. I’m not going to waste energy being upset with folks. If I can’t be adult enough to address it…I need to move on.

But for those that need to hear from me, they will. Respectfully. Like a grown woman should. To their face. We’ll sit down and discuss. Shake hands and then let it go.

If someone has offended you, the best thing you can do is give them the opportunity to explain. You are doing yourself a disservice by holding it in because number 1, you don’t know the truth. You’ve made up something in your own head and I’m willing to bet it’s not correct.

Just this week, I had someone to tell me they were upset with their boss. They took it as far as to say; their boss claims to be a team player, but she must not be apart of the team because she sent him an email and he ignored her. No lie, she was mad mad.

Wait what!!!! Well I wonder how many folks say this about me. Do you know how many emails I have that go unread??? And it has nothing to do with that person. Well partially. Everyone above me gets attention first. That’s not to say I ignore those that work for me. Everyone has someone they must answer to. It’s called prioritization.

In my eyes, her assessment wasn’t fair to her boss. He wasn’t ignoring her. I’m almost positive he was busy at the time her message arrived and if he is anything like me, if I don’t respond that day, I’ve now lost it in the abyss of emails. No harm intended.

I pity the person that goes on with life with such assumptions hanging in between relationships. Especially family members that act like this. You have no idea how many families are or have been torn apart due to flawed assumptions and folks being too afraid to address the situation.

Do me a favor! Do yourself a favor! Do LIFE a favor! Speak up! And then let it go!

Thanks for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

Competitionof1