Raising my hand

"I listen more than I speak."

I reply to my coworker's demand to name a quality.

A quick laugh slips out.

Not in a mocking way, more like an uncle would.

I look at him confused, listening to people is an important skill, one that is not as easy it may appear.

He looks me in the eye smiling and says:

" Well, yes... That is important.

But let me give you some advice.

If you don't speak, people won't know who you are. "

That was several years ago.

I'm writing this after showing some personal projects to colleagues and reflecting on how that makes me feel.

It lights me up, like I can transmit the feeling I felt while creating whatever it is I'm showing.

But it is also scary and vulnerable.

But if I don't share what I can do, tell my story, then who will ?

So here I am, raising my hand to speak...

Nice to meet you, I'm João 😄