Reflecting on Impact: How Are Others Experiencing You?

During a recent group coaching call (Yes, coaches have coaches too!), one of the group members shared how interactions with certain individuals at the gym left them feeling depleted and down. Interestingly, I found myself resonating with this sentiment, although not in the context of the gym. Reflecting on encounters with difficult people in my life, I realized how these interactions often left me drained, deflated, and questioning my worth. Despite caring for these individuals, I couldn't ignore the negative impact their presence had on me.

Rather than addressing these feelings directly, I found myself avoiding uncomfortable conversations by making excuses or even ghosting them until I felt emotionally prepared to engage again. It never occurred to me that by not communicating how their behavior affected me, I might be missing an opportunity to improve our relationship.

During the coaching session, our coach posed a thought-provoking question: "Are you not leaving them better than you found them by telling them how you are experiencing them?" This question challenged my perspective. While these difficult people had no qualms about expressing their opinions of me, I hesitated to reciprocate out of fear of hurting their feelings.

However, I realized that in my positive relationships, feedback was exchanged constructively, leading to personal growth. It dawned on me that I should extend the same courtesy to those difficult individuals in my life. Perhaps by sharing my experiences, I could encourage reflection and ultimately foster healthier interactions.

In contemplating how I want others to experience me, I aspire to leave them feeling inspired, supported, and uplifted. I aim to convey empathy and understanding, letting them know that I see and hear them, and I'm there to offer a helping hand whenever needed. Ultimately, I strive to create meaningful connections where both parties feel valued and understood.

So, I pose the same question to you: How are people experiencing you? How do you want them to experience you? I invite you to reflect on how feedback from others has contributed to your personal growth and helped shape the person you are today. I'd love to hear how your experiences have shaped you! Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth in our communities.

With positivity and purpose,

Lisa K.

#SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #InterpersonalRelationships #PositiveFeedback #CommunicationSkills