“If you keep making that face, it’s gonna get stuck like that.”

You’ve probably heard it. That playful warning—often directed at kids making goofy faces. It carries a not-so-subtle message: Be careful how you show up. Don’t get too wild. Don’t risk being seen that way.

But what if that face is part of your power?

I recently shared a photo on LinkedIn of myself beside a carved lion, making a bold, playful expression. It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t posed. But it was me—fully present, fully expressive. And truth is, I’ve made that face before: as a kid playing with my little cousins… and now as a mom, laughing with my own children.

And I’ll make it again.

Because being a professional doesn’t mean you stop being playful. Being a leader doesn’t mean you can’t show personality. Being self-aware doesn’t mean shrinking yourself to look perfect.

We often talk about “bringing your whole self to work.” But wholeness isn’t about showing everything all at once. It’s about knowing that the fullness of who you are includes layers—facets—expressions—and even funny faces.

Self-awareness isn’t just internal; it’s dynamic. It gives you the freedom to draw on the parts of yourself that best serve the moment. Not out of fear, but out of intention.

And sometimes, doing the thing no one else is willing to do—the bold, hard, heart-led thing—means you might look a little ridiculous in the process.

Just look at Olympic divers. Mid-air, their faces twist and contort in ways that almost seem comical. (See for yourself) But what they’re doing? It’s a masterclass in precision. In bravery. In excellence.

They don’t pause mid-flip to check how they look. They’re not afraid of their expression being caught. They’re focused on doing the thing well. And that’s why they stick the landing.

What if we took the same approach in life?

Too many of us spend so much time trying to look composed that we forget how to be courageous. Trying to look perfect, we miss the power of being present. Trying not to look stuck, we actually get stuck—in versions of ourselves that are flat and over-managed.

God doesn’t measure your leadership by your facial expressions. He sees your heart posture. And a heart that’s free to express with joy, with discernment, with purpose? That’s the heart that changes rooms.

So no—I’m not worried about my face getting st uck. I’m more concerned about hearts that stay stuck trying to impress.

I’m learning to show up in full. Not all at once, but in truth. With the part of me the moment needs. And I hope you do too.

Here's the link to my original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/carolynapalmer_ever-felt-too-powerful-for-the-room-so-you-activity-7316452488289611776-9RfG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAhpQJABD7Kl7Qh9HPJ6NJlIFQyTkqtb8mo

INTROSPECTION: Where are you holding back—not because it’s wise, but because you’re afraid of looking strange?

WHAT GOD SAYS: "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TAKEAWAY: Bringing your whole self doesn’t mean putting everything on display. It means knowing you are full of strength, joy, play, precision, and power. You can choose what to lead with in each moment. That’s not playing small. That’s living well.

MEDIA RECOMMENDATION:

Want to go deeper? Watch this short but insightful video on The Muscles of Facial Expression. It’s a reminder that our faces are tools—not just for emotion, but for intentional, embodied communication.

Until next time,

Carrie

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