When I’m stressed, I often go into chameleon mode. I think I need to be everything everyone wants me to be. Otherwise, my disease tells me, I can’t be safe. I won’t have enough.

If I’m carrying this thinking around without realizing it, I’ll inevitably bring it to work with me.  I’ll hesitate to take any action because I don’t know how it will be received, or I’ll even catch myself editing what I say mid-sentence based on the reaction of someone around me. Fortunately, I’ve come to recognize this as people-pleasing hell, and I can usually start working my way out of it.

Today, I will remember the adage, “Say what you mean and mean what you say (just don’t say it in a mean way).” When I speak, I will focus on being truthful and saying what’s necessary, then letting go of the response. I will strive for rigorous honesty, knowing I’ll feel much saner at the end of the day.