Today, as I sat down to update my email series, I felt a wave of gratitude toward my coach. She’s been guiding me, teaching me, and offering feedback along the way, and today, something she did made me realize something monumental about myself.
You see, every time I’ve been corrected—since I was little—this queasy feeling bubbles up inside. It’s that familiar lump in my throat, that heaviness in my stomach. I always thought, “I’m just being sensitive.” I’d wonder, Why do I react this way? Why do I get this pit in my stomach when someone is only trying to help me get better?
And today, as I was (finally!) flipping my calendar over to November, I noticed a keyring with a photo of my mom and dad. It stopped me cold. And in that moment, it hit me.
I realized that my reactions to correction—the discomfort, the gut-wrenching insecurity—stemmed from a deeper wound I hadn’t fully acknowledged. Growing up, no matter what I did, I always felt like I couldn’t please my dad. I fought for his approval, worked myself to exhaustion, and yet, in his eyes, it never felt like I was enough. That desperate striving for validation became a cycle that carried into my work life, my relationships, and even my journey today.
But here’s the beautiful part: my coach’s gentle, constructive corrections have started to heal that part of me. With every bit of feedback, I’m learning to swallow that lump in my throat. Instead of fearing that I’ll never measure up, I’m starting to see that her feedback isn’t a reflection of my worth; it’s a gift to help me become the best version of myself—not for anyone else’s approval but for me. For the people I’m here to serve.
It’s a transformative experience when a coach can reach beyond the surface and unknowingly help us face these lifelong barriers. Her coaching didn’t just make me better at my craft; it’s helped me release the weight of not feeling “enough.” Now, every time I receive feedback, I feel that uncomfortable lump less and less. I’m learning to accept correction as a way to grow, to lean into improvement, and to appreciate the journey—not because I need to prove my worth to anyone else, but because I’m worth it.
So, if you’ve ever had a coach, mentor, or even a friend who has helped you see yourself in a new light, take a moment to let them know. You never know how their words might be reaching deeper than they could ever realize. And if you’re a coach yourself, please remember that what you’re giving goes beyond technique or advice. Sometimes, you’re helping people transform the way they see themselves—and that gift is priceless.
Thank you, Coach, for being there and for teaching me not only skills, but also self-compassion. You’ve given me so much more than you know, and it’s a gift I’ll carry forward to everyone I hope to help in the future.