When Feedback Feels Like a Punch: Turning Criticism Into Clarity

She held her truth, even when the words meant to wound came from someone she respected. Strength isn’t the absence of pain—it’s what we choose to build from it

Have you ever shared something deeply personal—something you created from the softest, most vulnerable part of yourself—only to have it dismissed with a single, stinging comment?

I have.

Not long ago, I published a blog post about my journey through Patagonia. It wasn’t just a story about a destination; it was a meditation on transformation. I wrote it with tears in my eyes, moved by the depth of the experience and the healing that came with it.

Soon after, someone I hold in high regard—whose opinion has carried weight in my life—offered feedback. But instead of insight, there were sharp words, “This is shit.”

Just like that.

No curiosity. No compassion. No bridge between intention and interpretation.

It hit me in the gut. Not just because of the words, but because of where they came from. This was someone whose thoughts I value. Someone who has witnessed my growth, my passion, my mission with Greener Thumbs. In that moment, their voice became louder than my own.

And yet… I came back to myself.

Here’s what I’ve learned, and what I want to share with you, especially if you’re someone who leads, creates, and dares to be seen:

1. Feedback often mirrors the giver, not the receiver.

Criticism is rarely delivered in a vacuum. It’s filtered through that person’s fears, stories, expectations, and sometimes, their unhealed wounds. When feedback feels like an attack, pause and ask yourself: Was this about me, or about them?

2. You decide what enters your heart.

Think of feedback like mail in your mailbox. Some are precious and important, some are uninvited trash. You don’t have to pay attention to every single one. Protect your peace like it’s sacred—because it is.

3. Pain has a purpose when you listen deeply.

That moment of hurt clarified my path. It reminded me why I do this work—not to compete with thousands of voices, but to connect deeply with the right ones. The women who resonate with truth, healing, and bold leadership. The ones who feel life fully and still rise.

4. Your work is worthy if it’s true.

Not everyone will understand your art, your voice, your journey. That’s okay. You’re not here to be universally liked—you’re here to make a lovely world more vibrant through your unique lens.

At Greener Thumbs, we take five minutes each day to realign. To soften. To breathe. And in those five minutes, I found my truth again.

I didn’t need to change my story. I needed to remember why I told it in the first place.

So if you’ve ever been crushed by careless words… I see you. And I invite you into a community that holds space for your voice, your power, your process.

Join us.

We are a collective of high-performing women who lead with heart, heal with intention, and grow through grace. Take five minutes with us each day. Come home to your purpose. And never let someone else’s reaction dim your inner flame.

Your light isn’t fragile—it’s fierce. Let’s shine, together.