The Relief You’re Feeling—Is It the Right Kind?
Relief is one of the most deeply satisfying emotions we experience. It signals a moment of release—the exhale after holding something heavy.
The deep breath after a long-awaited answer arrives.
The tension leaving your shoulders when you realize, I don’t have to carry this anymore.
The shift from uncertainty to clarity, from resistance to acceptance.
Relief tells us we’ve made it through something. It brings ease. And we love that feeling.
But here’s the real question: What kind of relief are you experiencing?
Relief That Comes from Growth
Some relief comes from staying with something hard—leaning into discomfort, stretching yourself, and proving what’s possible.
Completing a big project that challenged you.
Finally having a hard conversation you’d been avoiding.
Showing up for your coaching business even when self-doubt whispered otherwise.
Guiding a client through a breakthrough moment—without rushing to fix or solve for them.
This kind of relief feels earned. It’s the result of staying in discomfort long enough to grow through it.
It doesn’t always feel good in the moment. In fact, it often feels hard before it feels freeing. But on the other side? You’re left with more confidence, more trust in yourself, and more capacity for what comes next.
Relief That Comes from Avoidance
Other times, relief comes not from growth, but from stepping away too soon—backing out, shutting down, or avoiding the discomfort that would have led to something bigger.
Saying yes to something out of fear, then backing out when it’s time to follow through.
Avoiding marketing your coaching business because vulnerability feels too exposed.
Stopping midway through a big idea because self-doubt creeps in.
Ending something prematurely because the uncertainty of what’s next feels unbearable.
This kind of relief is temporary. It gives you an instant exhale, but later, there’s often a lingering What if?
Instead of deep confidence, it can leave behind regret, overthinking, and uncertainty.
How to Know the Difference
When you feel relief, pause and ask yourself:
Did I move toward and through discomfort, or did I step away from it?
Do I feel lighter in a way that expands me, or in a way that shrinks me?
Will I reflect on this and be proud of how I handled it?
True relief opens something in you—it creates space for what’s next. It doesn’t just remove pressure; it strengthens your ability to hold more.
Where Are You Seeking Relief?
Relief is a powerful signal. It can show you where you’ve honored your capacity, completed something important, or given yourself permission to move toward what you truly want—even when it feels hard.
But if relief is coming from stepping back too soon, it might be worth staying with the discomfort just a little longer—because what you want could be waiting on the other side.
This week, notice:
Where in your life or business are you craving relief?
Is it the kind that moves you forward or the kind that holds you back?
What would happen if you stayed in the challenge just a little longer?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you recognize the difference? Reply and let me know.
With immense appreciation & gratitude. Always.
