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Creating Space… For Different Ways of Showing Up
- Tian Philson
- May 12
- 2 min read
Leading With VOICCE® Series.
I try my best to show you my truth. My authenticity. My vulnerability.
But it's complicated. Not because I don't want anyone to see it.
But because the way that I relate to hard times just looks a bit different, I think.
I feel it, but I don't want to live in it. I see it, but I see beyond it.
So when I'm going through tough times, others may not hear about it. I'm not hiding it. I'm choosing alternate routes. But the past few weeks, the load has gotten just a bit too heavy. There was no pushing through, there was no reframe. I was tired, and I said so.
I've been so proud of myself for showing up every single week for the past six months or so. Not only on LinkedIn, but on IG as well. I get to write weekly articles here, and I post 2-minute "Leading with VOICCE®" reflection reels there.
Writing the articles isn't too tough. Writing is something that centers me, no matter what I'm going through. So you may never even see the weight, the tension, or the hesitation to start. Turning on a camera? That's a different story. I keep my videos simple. Low production even. Because that's authentic to me. But given how heavy things have felt the past couple of weeks, the energy just wasn't there.
"What does this say about me if I don't show up this week?"
That was the first thought I had. And then a quiet voice whispered - "What does it say about what you value most, if you do?" In that moment, forcing myself to show up in a way that I had absolutely no energy for was the most inauthentic thing I could do.
In that scenario, I'd be putting other people's perceptions ahead of my own needs.
With that awareness. I chose to keep the camera off. I shared a photo, some text, and my honest feelings. And it felt so so good.
As someone who prides herself on showing up. It's healthy to remind myself that there's more than one way to show up. And if none of those ideas are right for today, it's also OK sometimes to simply say, "not today".
I don't know who needed this today. But it's real, and it's honest.
I don't know why the last few weeks have brought with it so much loss and hardship within my innermost circles, but it has.
And I'm not sure why this happens to be the time that I've chosen to open up even more than normal, but I'm honoring the voice within. I look forward to the days when things feel lighter, but in the meantime, I'm content to honor what is here now.
May is Mental Health Awareness month
Check in with yourself.
Check in with the people you care about.
With gratitude, Tian.
Tian Philson Leadership, Wellness & Mindset Coach | Creator of the VOICCE® Decision Making & Empowerment Framework | Helping leaders go inward so they can go upward.
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