On crying

This last week I was at a work retreat where we were discussing our strategy for the coming year. While sharing my thoughts and concerns, I started crying. And by crying I mean ugly crying. There was snot and my voice went all high and I couldn’t turn off the tears. It was embarrassing. 

And in the midst of my tears I apologized.

Why do we do that? Why do we apologize for crying? What do we have to apologize for?

It's been a few days and I am still embarrassed. But today it occurred to me that being embarrassed is not helping me. So I am working on flipping the situation. Here is my flip. 

I do not apologize for crying. 

I do not apologize for caring deeply. I do not apologize for my passion. 

Sometimes my passion comes through with excitement and I talk really fast and loud. Other times, it comes through with tears. It does not make me weak.

I am brave. I care enough to speak through the tears and the snot. 

I will not hold my contribution back because of my emotion. 

I am bold. I am brave. I am passionate.