Thursday Real Talk

Most days, I can tell myself that the people I support are in pain — and I lead with grace.

Pain explains a lot.

Fear explains a lot.

Frustration explains a lot.

But sometimes… people go beyond that.

Sometimes tone turns sharp.

Sometimes words turn personal.

Sometimes the anger lands on the person who happened to answer the phone — not the system, not the situation, not the cause.

And in those moments, compassion turns into endurance.

It’s important to say this out loud:

Pain does not excuse cruelty.

You can understand where someone is coming from and still acknowledge when a line has been crossed. Grace doesn’t mean absorbing disrespect. Empathy doesn’t require self-erasure.

When someone unloads frustration about something you have no control over, it leaves a mark — even if you stay professional, even if you keep your voice calm, even if you do everything “right.”

That kind of interaction stays in the body.

And it’s okay to admit that.

Because recognizing the impact doesn’t make you less compassionate — it makes you honest. It reminds us that the people on the other side of the work are human too.

Real Talk Question

Have you ever had to deal with people you support through your job yelling at you about something you had no control over?

Or have you ever been so frustrated that you took it out on someone who didn’t deserve the weight of your anger?

How did you feel after the fact?

— Lady Flava 🌻