When money and my word pulled in different directions
A client I hadn’t seen in a year booked a session. I was glad to see her. We went deep, and by the end she had what she came for.
Then I asked how she’d like to pay.
“Oh,” she said. “I thought this one was included.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “Of course.”
I said it quickly, before I knew what was true. Inside, I felt a pull of disappointment. My jaw tightened, and I swallowed it. I could have used the money.
After the call, my mind went to work. It’s been a year. Why would she expect to still have a session? I was doing mental gymnastics. Gold-medal level.
Then I saw it. I had never put a limit on the sessions. I hadn’t been clear. The disappointment wasn’t with her. It was with me.
The next morning she emailed. She had checked her records and couldn’t confirm a session was left. Please bill me for today.
Relief rushed in. The money was coming back. And still, something felt off. My instinct said wait. I didn’t reply.
I opened our agreement and read what I had promised. Then I went through my calendar, session by session. What had been fulfilled. What was still available.
Half a session was still hers.
Now I was torn. Do I take the money, or do I keep my word?
I let both be okay. Then I asked myself what I really wanted.
Something else came in. A woman of my word.
Everything in me came to rest. Quiet. Clear. It was never about what she owed me. It was about what I had given my word to. That is worth more than any money I have received.
I wrote back, thanked her for checking, told her what I’d found, and billed her for half.
I hit send and felt like a millionaire.
Are you clear on what you really want? Or are you in reaction?
If you would like to get clear on what you want, let’s talk.
