I’m fine…until I’m not

Based on an extract from her latest book, I’m Fine. Really?, life coach Darla Nelson looks at why we often hide our true emotions and how honesty sets us free 

The day I finally let go wasn’t dramatic. There were no tears on the bathroom floor, no late-night breakdown, no moment where someone found me curled up, unable to breathe. It was quieter than that – and maybe that’s why it changed everything. 

Years ago, our daughter was dating someone who was not good for her. As a mother, I knew the relationship was not going in the right direction. I was that mum – you know, the one saying all the wrong things: “Why are you with him? Why are you going out with him again? He is not good for you.” Each question came from a place of fear, but to her it sounded like judgment. And the more I tried to intervene, the more she pulled away.