Unfortunately... I Used to Guess A Lot.

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There’s a word I’ve never really liked—and lately, I’ve realized why.

The word?

“Unfortunately.”

We throw it around like confetti.

• “Unfortunately, I can’t make it.”

• “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”

• “Unfortunately, I don’t have the time.”

But here’s the thing:

Most of the time, it’s not actually unfortunate.

It’s just… the truth.

You didn’t prioritize it. You didn’t really want to. You chose something else.

And that’s not bad. That’s not wrong. That’s just real.

But instead of owning that truth, we hide it in a wrapper of politeness.

We soften the blow with “unfortunately.”

We pretend like the universe conspired against us—when really, we just made a decision.

It’s fine. But let’s at least name it.

Because language?

Language is not just how we communicate. It’s how we create.

Now, I get it.

Some of you may be thinking— “isn’t this just semantics?”

And I want to stop you right there.

It’s not.

Happiness, trust, love, confidence, faith—these aren’t physical objects.

They don’t exist like chairs or buildings do.

They’re intangibles. And as such, they live in language.

We speak them. We choose them. We create them through the words we say and the thoughts we entertain.

(And honestly, I could write a whole letter just on how love is a daily spoken creation… and maybe I will next week.)

For now, just know this:

Your words are not just sounds. They are spells.

And if you’re using them loosely, vaguely, out of habit or fear or social obligation....

... you’re unconsciously creating a version of Life that may not actually be yours.

That’s exactly what I noticed in myself when a coach recently pointed out that I say “I guess…” a lot.

• “I guess I could try that…”

• “I guess I feel ready…”

• “I guess it’s okay…”

Every time I said it, I was unconsciously distancing myself from certainty.

From power. From presence.

And I had to face something:

That’s not who I’m here to Be.

So I committed myself:

To catch myself. To clean up my language. To stop guessing. And start declaring.

Not to be more impressive. But to be more honest.

And yes—some might say, “Isn’t all this too intense? Isn’t it okay to just be polite?”

Sure. Be kind. Be thoughtful.

But let’s not confuse honesty with rudeness.

Let’s not hide our truth behind niceties that dilute the power of our words.

Sometimes, the kindest thing you can give someone is the truth.

And just to be clear—this isn’t about pressure.

This isn’t about perfection.

This isn’t a place to “get to.”

It’s a place to come from.

To keep returning to.

To practice.

Because language, when used consciously, becomes a true & real form of leadership.

A form of love.

And yes—of liberation.

So this weekend—here’s my opportunity for you:

Catch one “unfortunately.” Catch one “I guess.”

Pause.

And ask yourself:

Then say that.

With heart. With respect. With clarity.

Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s yours.

Happy Saturday, my friends!

Much Love,

Julian

PS. What’s one word you’re committing to cut—or reclaim—this week? Reply and tell me. I always read everything you send.