After the Web3 Content Writer's Hangout 3 months ago, Cecilia came to meet me while I was leaving. She commended my contributions to the subject matter. But before she left, she asked me an interesting question. "Why are you always saying sorry before you speak?"... And I answered "Sorry, what?" Trying to understand what she meant. "This is exactly what I am talking about. The "sorry" thing. She went ahead to demonstrate how I always say it. "Uhm, sorry, I think..." Sorry, please can you..." Why is that?, she asked. I felt a little embarrassed. But I didn't have a concrete answer. I had to explain anyways. I told her that saying "Sorry" is almost an unconscious way of communication for me. It helps me gauge the emotions of people I am talking to. And also, where I come from, it is a sign of respect. I still ended by saying "Sorry, I can't help it" "You did it again" she cut me off. "You do not have to say sorry to show respect. Being polite and civil in your communication is enough. You do not need to apologize before speaking your mind". "Look at the wonderful contributions you gave today but you always saying sorry made you look less confident". She continued, "You are an intelligent woman and you do not have to apologize for existing". But how do I stop it? I asked. I have always said sorry since I was little "You have to make conscious effort to stop it" she advised. "Replace the needless apologies with gratitude. Instead of saying "Sorry, can I say something?, replace it with "Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak.. or you can go ahead to express yourself without saying sorry". It made a whole lot of sense and I was determined to change for the better. She made me enter #expresswithoutsorry challenge with her where I would owe her $1 for every sorry I say in our conversations. She introduced to me to Sheisnear DAO. A community of confident women in the NEAR ecosystem who are unapologetic and focus on empowering women in the NEAR and Web3 communities. Their mission is to foster a safe and nurturing environment for women-led projects within the NEAR ecosystem, supporting their growth. Since I joined the Sheisnear DAO, my confidence is on the roof tops. I no longer needlessly say sorry. The last Web3 hangout, I spoke so confidently that I got so much compliments after. I was so proud of myself. I am a better person now, all thanks to Cecilia and Sheisnear women. To join this confident women's community, you can feel out the form below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn8_DXv_Qqx_4iKkWwm1PRrcKpF_1ZI-o7wLiA6Gb1C4hXiw/viewform #BOS #SheIsNear You can also follow their social media Twitter @sheisnear23 Near Social: near.social/mob.near/widge… LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/she-is…