You’re not failing—you're just human.

Some days, despite how hard you try, you still miss the mark.

If you're like me, that can wake up the self-critical voice in your head. I had one of those days recently. And it all came down to one missing pair of shoes.

If you're the kind of woman who quietly carries everything—always the one others lean on—but rarely feel like you have someone to lean on yourself—keep reading.

The same culture that breeds burnout also encourages perfectionism. If you’re the kind of woman who strives for excellence, you might confuse the two. But here’s the truth: perfectionism is fear-driven, rooted in shame and self-doubt. Excellence is purpose-driven, grounded in clarity and care. With excellence, grace can enter in the context of a mistake—that’s what fuels growth and problem-solving. Perfectionistic self-critique? That’s stifling.

And here I am—a coach who teaches this work—and I still have to remind myself daily. Let me show you what I mean…

I had one of those weeks where nothing seemed to go right—misplacing keys, forgetting details, causing some understandable annoyance among my loved ones.

At the end of that week, I was prepping for a trip. You know the kind—where every event has a specific dress code, and your presence is part of the assignment. I had the outfits, earrings, backup options. I felt proud of myself for being so on top of it.

But just as I was finishing up, something slipped—I realized the shoes I needed for the main event were missing. I tore through bags, closets, boxes—nothing. And I needed to leave for the airport soon. I felt my chest tighten.

I was so focused on finding the shoes that I didn’t stop to take an emotional or mental inventory. I missed what I was making it mean about me—my worth, my readiness, my capacity.

I sat on the closet floor, surrounded by a mess of shoes I had already checked three times.

Then I paused.
I felt myself holding back tears.
I took a breath—and then I cried.
Not because of the shoes, but because I needed to let my body release what I had been holding. Because I knew... this wasn’t just about the shoes.

Not because of the shoes themselves—but because of what they represented. The invisible load. The pressure. The expectation to always have it together.

Finally, I received a reminder: “I am doing a lot. I am carrying a lot. And I am human, so mistakes will happen along the way. But all in all, I've been doing a good job.”

That’s when the spiral stopped and my body relaxed. Not because I found the shoes (I STILL don't know where they are). But because I found grace.

I packed backup shoes. Asked for help. Chose to release the pressure. And left for the airport lighter than I expected.

We’re allowed to drop the ball. And still—God calls us beloved.

Perfectionism tells us we have to earn our worth. But Scripture tells a different story. God doesn’t demand flawlessness—He offers grace. He knows we are dust. And in His compassion, we’re invited to respond with compassion for ourselves.

God’s compassion isn’t conditional. His grace meets us where we fall short. Always.

And if the Creator of the universe can offer us that kind of grace, surely we can begin to offer it to ourselves.

If you find yourself spiraling over small things, it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because you’re carrying more than most people can see.

But burnout doesn’t fade on its own. Perfectionism won’t dissolve just because you keep pushing. It has to be unlearned—and replaced with grace, rhythm, and support. Perfectionism won’t dissolve just because you keep pushing. It has to be unlearned—and replaced with grace, rhythm, and support.

Without intervention, that self-criticism can harden into your default. And the cost? Your joy, your rest, your sense of self-worth.

Let this be your turning point—not out of fear, but out of alignment with the life God designed for you.

Many women find self-compassion elusive. But it’s not an innate trait—it’s a skill.

And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and strengthened.

To help, I’ve created a Self-Compassion Practice Guide—an exclusive gift just for this list. It includes tangible, spiritually grounded steps you can take when that self-critical spiral starts.

Remember, the compassion you offer others is only as strong as the compassion you offer yourself.

In the future, guides like these will only be available to Patreon members. More on that in my next email!

This guide is just the beginning. But for the deeper transformation—the kind that actually shifts how you live, work, and rest—you’ll need more than a download. You’ll need support.

This is the real rhythm we build inside my coaching programs. Not a life free of spirals—but a life where spirals don’t get the final word.

Together, we: ✔️ Recognize patterns before they escalate ✔️ Rebuild your mindset around grace and capacity ✔️ Design rhythms that honor your calling and your softness

The goal isn’t just to avoid spirals—it’s to build a life that feels aligned. My clients don’t just feel better, they feel led by God. Then they lead with clarity, deepen their relationships, and show up to their work with more purpose and peace.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Together, we rebuild from the root—so your transformation is lasting, not surface-deep.

If you’ve been praying for a sign that it’s time to do this differently—this is it.

If this story felt like your own—if you’re craving support, rhythm, and spiritual softness—hit reply and say: SNEAK PEEK.

You’ll be the first to preview the Patreon spaces I’m creating—spiritually grounded communities where self-compassion is more than a buzzword, it’s a rhythm. We’ll practice together, with care, connection, and grace.

If you’ve been waiting for a nudge to do this differently—this is it.

You were never meant to carry this alone. Let me show you a gentler way.

Don't forget to stay tuned—your Self-Compassion Guide will be on its way soon.

With warmth,
Dr. Devin
liberatedpathscoaching.com 

👋🏾 P.S. This space is sacred, and it’s growing. If you're new here, welcome to The Spirit-Led Path to Ease. I’m so glad you’ve joined us.

Exciting things are on the horizon! In my next message, I'll dive into how you can unlock even more value with your Patreon membership. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this!