I found a hole in my shirt…
after I finished speaking to a crowd of people.
When I’m speaking, I like to dress nicely. So I pick out my clothes in advance and get my nails done. Then, I do my hair and makeup.
I feel confident when I’m not worried about my appearance and can focus on why I’m there: to teach!
Last week, after a communication presentation, I discovered a hole in my shirt!
I was supporting the local economy (shopping) and noticed in the dressing room mirror that a seam had opened up on my shirt. I was mortified!
“Was it like this when I was speaking? Did anyone notice?” I thought.
I have no idea. But I felt humbled and unprofessional.
I snapped a pic to commiserate with a friend, not intending to post it.
So, why am I sharing this now?
A conversation with a colleague reminded me that:
- Probably no one else noticed.
- People want to know we’re human. “Show me the armpit!” she said.
Even when we try our best, things don’t always go as planned. A mishap can bring us low even when we feel put together and confident. But we’re all human. We don’t need to pretend we’re Instagram-model-perfect.
I’ve had buttons pop, slips slip, nylons run, and drinks spill. I’ve tripped and fallen. What matters is what we do next.
When my slip slipped, I kicked it off under the tablecloth and confidently got up to present, no one the wiser. Likewise, when my blazer button popped the morning of a presentation, I just wore it unbuttoned, and it looked great! Another time I forgot the blazer entirely and pretended I planned to wear a spaghetti strap top. In December. In New York.
When things happen, it doesn’t mean the universe is out to get you or some force wants to see you fail. It means you’re human, and stuff happens.
Do we learn from it and move on?
I learned:
- To give grace to those around me when a minor gaffe befalls them. My mom would say, “A polite person ignores it.” So let the little stuff go. I am grateful when others overlook my faults, especially those that aren’t easy or immediate fixes. (Please tell me if I have spinach in my teeth, though.)
- From now on, I’ll bring a backup outfit. There will be an extra dress, blazer, slip, and pair of nylons in my bag if you or I need them. The show must go on!
Here’s my armpit, Wendy!
