Here's a collection of our videos and picture reflections on social media for today. Enjoy your time to reflect and contemplate in your mood journal.
Reflecting on Trust and Integrity Between Personal and Professional
It all began at a local charity event, where I had set up a small booth to display my graphic design work. I wasn’t expecting much more than a few casual conversations, but that’s when I met Loise. Her warm smile and genuine curiosity instantly put me at ease, and we quickly connected over our shared passion for creativity and supporting local businesses. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and by the end of the event, I felt like I had made a wonderful new friend.
A few months later, Loise reached out to me with a fantastic opportunity. One of her biggest clients, a family-owned café, needed a complete rebrand, and she believed I was the perfect fit for the job. I was ecstatic—this was exactly the kind of project I had been hoping for. With my heart full of excitement and determination, I dove into the work, aiming to create a fresh, modern design that still captured the café’s warmth and charm.
When I presented my designs to the café owner, I felt nervous but hopeful. I watched their faces for any hint of a reaction, but instead of immediate enthusiasm, I saw hesitation. They politely expressed that while they appreciated the effort, the design didn’t quite align with their vision. I could feel my heart sink. All my hard work, all those late nights perfecting every detail—it felt like it wasn’t enough.
Later that day, Loise called to discuss the feedback. I could hear the hesitancy in her voice, and my stomach tightened with anxiety. She was in a difficult position—caught between supporting me as her friend and fulfilling her duty to her client. I felt a wave of emotions wash over me—disappointment, frustration, and a bit of insecurity. I had put so much into this project, and it was hard to hear that it might not be right.
But then Loise did something that truly surprised me. She spoke with kindness but was completely honest about the café owner's concerns. She didn’t sugar-coat it or try to spare my feelings. At first, her words stung, but as I listened, I realized she was doing this because she respected me. She trusted that I could handle the truth, and that realization shifted something in me. I felt a sense of gratitude toward her, knowing that she cared enough to be straightforward.
I decided not to let my emotions get the best of me. Instead of feeling defeated, I saw an opportunity to learn and grow. I suggested that Loise and I meet with the café owner together to better understand what they were looking for. During that meeting, Loise was amazing—she created a safe space for the owner to express their concerns and for me to explain my creative vision. It was an open, honest conversation, and by the end, I felt a new sense of clarity and motivation.
Over the next few weeks, I worked closely with Loise, revising the design to better capture the café’s essence while keeping some of the creative elements I believed in. Each change felt like a step forward, and with every revision, I felt my confidence returning. When we finally presented the revised version, I watched the café owner’s face light up with joy. They were thrilled, and so was I. The rebrand turned out to be a huge success, drawing in new customers and breathing fresh life into the café.
Looking back, I realize just how grateful I am for the way Loise handled everything. She could have softened the feedback, but instead, she chose honesty and integrity. It deepened my trust in her—not just as a friend, but as a professional who values the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Her approach made me feel respected and understood, and it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
This experience taught me that trust is built on honest communication, even when it’s uncomfortable. Loyalty isn’t just about always agreeing or avoiding difficult conversations; it’s about standing by each other’s side through thick and thin, supporting growth, and being willing to face the tough moments together. Integrity is the foundation that holds it all together.
Our friendship is stronger now because we know we can rely on each other for honesty and support. I feel blessed to have a friend like Loise, who has shown me what it truly means to be loyal, trustworthy, and full of integrity.
Questions to Ponder:
How do you handle the emotions that come with giving or receiving difficult feedback from a friend?
In what ways can we show loyalty without compromising our values or the truth?
What steps can we take to turn feelings of disappointment or insecurity into motivation for growth?
How can honest communication deepen trust, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging?
How do we balance empathy and honesty in both personal and professional relationships?
Reflecting on these questions, I realize that emotions are a vital part of our connections. They teach us about our values, guide our actions, and help us build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on trust, integrity, and the delicate balance between personal and professional relationships, I’m reminded of how important it is to stay true to ourselves while being open to growth. Building meaningful connections requires honesty, empathy, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. It’s about recognizing that every challenge is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.
That’s why Coach Ignatius created Emotions-Based Coaching, a different way of helping people connect with their emotions on a deeper level. With tools like Emoli Cards, he helps clients explore the stories behind their feelings and understand the hidden layers of what they’re going through. This journey is made even richer by Calm3D, a mood management tool that adds another dimension to the coaching experience, offering a more personal and well-rounded path to self-discovery and growth.
Through this unique approach, Coach Ignatius shows us that understanding our emotions is key to navigating our relationships with integrity and trust. By exploring the deeper layers of our feelings, we learn to connect more authentically with ourselves and others, ultimately fostering relationships that are built to last.
Reflections by Bev Cuayzon
Bev, a devoted mother at heart, finds joy in working from home. Balancing her roles as a travel consultant, self-published author, and SEO analyst, she's deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge to empower others, particularly fellow mothers. During her journey, Bev discovered the importance of mental wellness. She realized that maintaining a healthy mind is essential for navigating the demands of work, family, and personal pursuits. |
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