On embracing your emotions and the role of coaching in uncovering hidden truths.
A client recently shared with me her struggles with feeling unworthy in her career. She spoke about the frustration and disappointment she carried, not just with the system she worked within but also with herself.
She admitted something that stuck with me: she felt like she was failing herself.
She was raw.
I was moved.
Clients often hold back when expressing their deeper emotions. Many try to present a polished version of their feelings, softening their anger, disappointment, or frustration to appear more in control. It’s a defense mechanism, a way to shield themselves from judgment. But this client? She laid it all on the table—her frustration, her pain, her fears. It was unfiltered and honest, and in that honesty, I saw a spark of something powerful.
It made me reflect on my own relationship with vulnerability and self-compassion.
The Mask We Wear
I thought about the times I’ve felt stuck, when my own feelings of inadequacy bubbled beneath the surface. Like many, I’ve hidden those feelings, afraid of what they might reveal about me. I’ve told myself, "I’m fine," or "I’ve moved on," even when I hadn’t. But here’s the thing: suppressing those emotions doesn’t make them go away. It only buries them deeper.
Why do we do this?
Because it’s scary to admit we’re struggling. It’s scary to admit we’re angry, disappointed, or afraid. We don’t want others to see the cracks in our armor, and sometimes, we don’t even want to acknowledge them ourselves.
But what if we did? What if we allowed ourselves to step into that discomfort and confront what’s hiding beneath the surface?
Letting Go of the Dream
When I reflected on this client’s openness, I realized how often we cling to the idea of what should be. The dream of a perfect relationship, a flawless career, or an ideal version of ourselves can be comforting—but when reality doesn’t align, we fight against it.
We hold on to that dream with everything we’ve got, refusing to let go, even when it hurts us. And in doing so, we trap ourselves.
I’ve been there. I’ve held on to expectations, refusing to release the image I had in my mind of how things were supposed to be. Letting go felt like admitting defeat. But what I’ve learned is this: letting go isn’t about giving up. It’s about making space. Space for new opportunities, new growth, and a new version of yourself.
The Power of Coaching
Coaching provides a safe space to explore the emotions we often keep hidden. It’s a place to let the armor fall, to face the uncomfortable truths, and to learn how to move forward with clarity and purpose.
As a coach, I don’t have all the answers. But I can help you uncover yours. I can help you investigate the blind spots and the vulnerabilities you may not even realize are there. Because when you bring those hidden feelings into the light, you can start to release them. And when you release them, you make room for freedom, joy, and transformation.
An Invitation to Vulnerability
I’ll leave you with this: the courage to be vulnerable is the first step toward growth. It’s not about having all the answers or being perfect—it’s about showing up as you are, raw emotions and all.
If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here for you. Let’s explore your hidden truths together.