𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤

In 2013, I made a lighthearted post on Facebook during the conclave that eventually selected Pope Francis. It was just a silly bit of writing that made me laugh. That one post turned into a satirical, multi-part commentary on the conclave, none of it based on any actual news from the Vatican. It was just for fun, and my friends enjoyed following along.

With the start of the current conclave to choose the next successor of Peter, I decided to dust off those satire muscles I flexed twelve years ago. Once again, I’m adding a little humor to the mystery unfolding behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel.

But as I write these posts, I find myself constantly self-editing. I work hard to keep the satire “safe,” and that self-censorship has me thinking: how often do we edit ourselves out of sharing something important? How many times have we held back a meaningful observation, a strong opinion, or even a life-changing truth, simply because we were afraid? Afraid of offending someone, afraid of sounding foolish, or afraid of how others might react.

It takes guts to say what you really think. Some people seem to be born with that boldness, even if it sometimes gets them into trouble. But what about those who aren’t naturally outspoken? How can they work up the courage to share thoughts that are difficult or unpopular?

And maybe the bigger question is this: how can leaders create an environment where even the quietest voices feel heard, valued, and safe to speak up? It is not just about open-door policies or anonymous feedback forms. It is about trust, respect, and the consistent invitation to contribute.

Have you ever self-edited something important out of fear or hesitation? What helped you find the courage to speak up, or what held you back?