Something I kept noticing in Portugal

Jan 20, 2026

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There was graffiti everywhere in Portugal.

Not tucked away.
Not hidden in alleys.
Right out in the open on old stone buildings, walls, doorways.

And not the kind that apologizes.

It wasn’t asking permission.
It wasn’t trying to be tasteful or unobtrusive.
It wasn’t worried about ruining the experience.

It just existed.
Boldly. Publicly. Unconcerned.

I noticed how uncomfortable that made a part of me.

The part that says:
Be careful.
Don’t disrupt.
Don’t make it about you.
Don’t take up more space than necessary.

That reflex is familiar.
Especially for self-sacrificing leaders.

We learn to smooth edges.
Manage impact.
Anticipate reactions.
Hold ourselves in check so no one else is inconvenienced.

And over time, leadership becomes careful.
Controlled.
A little airless.

The graffiti made me wonder:
What gets lost when we’re always trying to be unobtrusive?
What vitality gets edited out?
What truth never makes it onto the wall?

That question has been staying with me.

On March 4 at noon, I’ll be hosting a free 90-minute live webinar called
Breathing Life Into Your Leadership.

It will be my full keynote on the Thoughtly Model and the Becoming Thoughtly Process, and a chance to explore patterns like this one in a more spacious way.

For now, I simply want you to save the date. Registration will open soon.

If you already know you’re a yes, feel free to email or text me and I’ll add you to the early list.

In your corner,

Allison

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Something I kept noticing in Portugal

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