I let my voice arrive without apologizing for taking the room

Dear Delyara, That was the shift. Not louder. Not more aggressive. Just less apologetic. I spoke when I meant to. I let the thought stand. I did not pre-soften it into invisibility before it reached the room. I think for a long time I confused professionalism with self-erasure. Now I’m beginning to feel the difference. Professional can still have edges. Professional can still have confidence. Professional can still sound like I believe my own mind belongs in the room. This week, I let that happen a little more.