Articulate: Phantom Pain

This morning, I had a no-show. This wasn't a new experience for sure but I am always a little baffled by it. Was a real emergency involved or did someone just forget their prepaid session?

I don't know what happened this morning but I have noticed that some people are pretty comfortable with not showing up. Something as innocuous as a failure to respond to an email or call. Failing to cancel an appointment or even a complete ghosting experience.

Here is what I think. It has become more acceptable to avoid hard conversations. To spare oneself discomfort (even if the discomfort would be minor) at another's expense. I wonder whether these people are really okay with it or whether receiving texts, calls, and emails they never intend to answer sends them into a stress reaction anyway. But if you do this -- JUST STOP IT.

We, as humans, are losing so much real connection in this world. We are choosing to isolate more and more until it seems too hard to engage authentically in the world. If the world around you seems scarier and darker than before, perhaps it isn't systems alone that are lacking. Perhaps the systems are failing because there are no humans at the helm.

So today, return the call. Reply to the text or email. Cancel that appointment if you can't make it. You don't really need to create reasons or excuses. It is okay to begin with contact and see what comes when you show up.

This is a blog about voicing in public. Here is what I know for certain: Voices thrive when authentic and shrink when feigned. If you want to speak with authority, you must show up.