Code-Switching No More

They said, “Be authentic”—but they meant, “Fit in.”
They said, “Be assertive”—but not enough to stand out.
They said, “Create your own lane”—but only if it stays within their lines.
They said, “We value your opinion”—but only until you open your mouth.

Exhausted. Beyond exhuasted…
Tired of trying to fit the “right” narrative.
Tired of decoding double standards.
Tired of editing my essence.
Tired of shrinking for comfort that’s not mine.
Tired of second-guessing tone, volume, presence—
Tired of showing up as half, when I am whole.

No more dimming.
No more decoding.
No more performing.

Code-switching no more.
I choose to show up full—of excellence and brilliance

Showing up as ME….that’s it.. now and forever more.