The Power in Being Misunderstood
There’s a unique pain in being misunderstood. Especially when you’re striving to live authentically, with integrity and resilience, it stings when others question your character, make assumptions, or paint you as someone you’re not. As a woman, and particularly as a woman in business, this experience is all too familiar.
Being misunderstood can make you doubt yourself, and it often feels deeply personal. It’s easy to wonder if you should soften your edges, tone down your ambition, or shift who you are to fit others’ expectations. But at the heart of it, changing yourself to be better understood by those who don’t value your truth isn’t a path to fulfillment or peace. In fact, it's the opposite—it’s a step away from authenticity.
Why Misunderstanding Hurts So Much
It’s painful because, as human beings, we’re wired to connect and be seen for who we are. When someone misinterprets our intentions, actions, or character, it feels isolating, as if the real you is lost behind layers of misunderstanding. For those of us who put our whole selves into our work, our friendships, and our family relationships, it can feel like a personal attack when others see something that isn’t there.
As an entrepreneur, I know this all too well. In business, women who are confident, ambitious, and decisive often face assumptions that don’t align with their truth. Our strength is sometimes perceived as arrogance, our ambition as aggressiveness. The journey to rise above these misunderstandings and embrace my true self, no matter how others interpret it, is ongoing. But with each day, I am reminded that true strength is standing firm in who I am, regardless of how others choose to see me.
The Power of Resilience and Daily Reminders
The journey to overcome the sting of misunderstanding is continuous. It’s not something you conquer in a single day, nor is it a challenge that vanishes completely. But I have found strength in building daily reminders of my resilience, my authenticity, and my worth. Here are some practices that help me stay rooted in my truth:
Reaffirming My Values Daily: Every morning, I remind myself why I started this journey with Femme Unleashed. My mission is to empower women to live boldly, unapologetically, and authentically. Keeping these values at the forefront gives me the resilience to keep going, even on the days when judgment or criticism feels overwhelming.
Setting Boundaries: Not everyone deserves access to my story. I’ve learned that boundaries are a form of self-respect, and they protect my energy. Being selective about who I let into my personal and professional world helps me stay focused on what truly matters. Not everyone is meant to understand my journey, and that’s okay.
Seeing the Power Behind Being Misunderstood: Over time, I’ve come to see that being misunderstood isn’t necessarily a weakness—it’s often a strength. It means I’m standing in my truth, even when it’s not the easy choice. When others misinterpret me, it’s often because they are viewing me through their own limitations and insecurities. In these moments, I choose to see their misunderstanding as a testament to my growth and my refusal to conform.
Practicing Self-Compassion: I remind myself that I’m human, that it’s okay to feel hurt by others’ judgments. Embracing my vulnerability has been empowering. Rather than suppressing the discomfort of being misunderstood, I acknowledge it, feel it, and then let it go. This self-compassion allows me to move forward without hardening myself or losing sight of my purpose.
Embracing the Journey of Authenticity
Choosing to live authentically is a brave choice, and it comes with the reality of being misunderstood. It’s a journey, and it’s not always easy. But with every day that I stand in my truth, I get a little more comfortable with the idea that not everyone will see me for who I truly am—and that’s okay. In fact, there’s strength in it. The women who are meant to connect with my journey, my purpose, and my brand will see the real me, and those are the connections that matter.
To the women who feel this same pain, who face judgment or criticism for being true to themselves—I see you, I feel you, and I’m with you. Keep going. Stand tall in your authenticity, because your truth, your power, and your resilience are far greater than any misunderstanding.
Remember: you don’t need everyone’s approval to live your truth. Embrace who you are, even when others can’t see it. Femme Unleashed is here to remind you that your strength lies in your authenticity and that the journey to self-acceptance is one of the most empowering paths you’ll ever walk.
Xo,
—Femme Unleashed
