The Truth Behind the "I'm Fine"

Genna Marie • April 8, 2025

The Truth Behind the "I'm Fine"

There’s a moment—quiet, heavy, sometimes loud as hell—when the words “I’m fine” finally crack.

When you say them out loud and don’t even believe yourself anymore.

It usually doesn’t happen all at once. It builds.

You push things down.

You keep showing up.

You handle it.

But underneath the surface, something’s been shifting.

You’ve been too busy to deal with it.

Too afraid to admit it.

Too tired to even name it.

Then one day, it hits you.

You can’t keep pretending.

And what comes next isn’t a breakdown—it’s a breakthrough.

You whisper (or shout), “Screw it. I’m done.”

Not done with everything—but done carrying what isn’t yours.

Done ignoring what hurts.

Done shrinking yourself to fit into what no longer fits.

This is the truth behind “I’m fine.”

It’s the mask. The survival tactic. The phrase that buys you time.

But when you’re ready to be honest with yourself, “I’m fine” turns into something else:

“I need help.”

“I’m exhausted.”

“I’m not okay.”

“I want something different.”

That moment? It’s sacred.

It’s raw.

It’s brave.

But it’s also messy. Because once you see things clearly—once you admit that the life, the relationship, the version of yourself you’ve been clinging to doesn’t work anymore—there’s no un-seeing it.

That clarity can shake you.

It can feel lonely.

It can feel like everything is falling apart.

But what if things aren’t falling apart?

What if they’re finally falling into alignment?

⸻

Where Coaching Comes In

This is where coaching can help—not to fix you, but to be with you while you untangle it all.

When you stop saying “I’m fine,” and start saying, “I’m ready,” that’s when the real work begins.

As a coach, I offer a space where you don’t have to hold it all together.

Where you can speak the messy truth.

Where you’re heard—not judged.

Where your patterns are noticed, not shamed.

And where you’re supported in moving forward, one honest step at a time.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

You just have to stop pretending.

The truth behind “I’m fine” might be painful—but it’s also your doorway to freedom.

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Staying Grounded in Uncomfortable Conversations

By Genna Marie • July 27, 2025

How to hold onto yourself when things get tense Uncomfortable conversations are a part of life. Whether it’s a disagreement with a partner, an awkward talk with a family member, or confronting a friend who crossed a line — tough moments will find us. And when they do, it’s easy to lose your footing. You might find yourself going silent to avoid conflict, saying things you don’t mean, or walking away feeling drained and unsettled. But what if you could stay grounded, clear, and true to yourself — even when the conversation feels messy or hard? ⸻ 1. Anchor Yourself Before You Speak Before the conversation even starts, check in with yourself: • What am I feeling right now? • What do I hope will come from this conversation? • What do I want to make sure I don’t compromise on? Example Practice: Take 3 minutes to write in your notes app: • “I feel frustrated because I haven’t felt heard.” • “I want more understanding — not just to be ‘right.’” • “I don’t want to leave this conversation doubting my worth.” Even this brief prep work can shift your entire approach. ——— 2. Lead With Curiosity, Not Defense It’s natural to feel defensive when something lands the wrong way. But instead of jumping in with: “That’s not true.” Try: “Can you say more about what you mean?” “I hear you — but I’m not sure I understand yet.” This keeps the conversation from spiraling and helps you stay present without needing to agree. Example Practice: Pause for just 5 seconds before replying — and choose a “curious opener” instead of a rebuttal. Write a few go-to lines you can use when your emotions rise: • “I want to understand your point, but I’m having a reaction right now.” • “Let’s slow this down — this matters to me.” ⸻ 3. Listen to Hear — Not Just to Respond In uncomfortable conversations, it’s easy to listen while preparing your defense. But when we do that, we miss the actual message — and conversations become battles instead of bridges. Example Practice: Try this during your next tough conversation: • When they finish speaking, repeat back what you heard: “What I’m hearing is that you felt left out when I didn’t include you in that decision. Is that right?” • Let them clarify if needed. Only then — after they feel heard — share your perspective. This doesn’t mean you have to agree. It means you’re choosing connection over combat. ⸻ 4. Protect Your Calm Without Playing Small You can be calm and firm. You can hold your boundary without raising your voice. Example Practice: Practice a few lines aloud before the conversation — just like you’d rehearse a presentation: • “I want to continue this conversation, but not like this.” • “It’s important to me that we both feel respected — and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now.” • “Let’s pause. I want to respond with care, not defensiveness.” ______ How I Can Help If you’re facing a conversation that feels overwhelming, emotional, or uncomfortable — you don’t have to go in alone. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions to help you: • Sort through your thoughts and emotions beforehand • Understand your needs and how to express them • Prepare your language with confidence and care • Stay regulated and grounded — no matter the outcome Together, we’ll practice clarity without defensiveness. Boundaries without shutdown. Truth without fear. Message me to book a session. You deserve support that honors your voice — and your peace.

The Truth Behind the "I'm Fine"