I’ve been wanting to answer this question for a while (pretty much since I started Poised & Professional!) as I get questions all the time about why I choose this name for my blog.

First of all, I love the word “poise” (or “poised”). I feel that it’s an underused word, and an homage to a more classic era – but it’s so powerful.

According to the dictionary “poised” is described as:

“Having a composed and self-assured manner; having a graceful and elegant bearing.”

I think that’s a fine definition of “poised,” but what does it mean… really?

To me, “being poised” or “having poise” means to be completely in tune with one’s truest, most authentic self… and to live that authenticity confidently every day.

I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the best compliments I’ve ever received in my young adult life was when a former teacher told me that the best word he could think of to describe me (even though it was two words…) was “great poise.” I was flattered, but I didn’t really come to appreciate the magnitude of this compliment, and this word choice until I was older.

Being poised means…

• Being confident in who you are.

• Being graceful, but also unapologetic for expressing your truest self.

• Living your truth.

• Carrying yourself with confidence and practicing grace, even in stressful scenarios.

• Celebrating your victories, but learning from your mistakes.

• Being respectful to others, and realizing that comparison is for the petty.

• Lifting others up (because you know that there is room for ALL of us to succeed in life).

• Walking, speaking, gesturing and carrying yourself with elegance and grace.

That’s what being poised means to me. These are the ideals that this blog was founded upon. What does being poised (or having poise) mean to you?