Feedback: It’s not always easy to hear— but it might be the thing that helps you grow most
Note from Jamie
I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.
Feedback: It’s not always easy to hear—
but it might be the thing that helps you grow most
Hi, Friends,
I’ve been thinking a lot about feedback this week.
One of my beloved employees recently had her last day at Nourish. She’s stepping into a new season—staying home with her young kids—and while I’m so happy for her, I’ve also found myself reflecting on just how much she’s impacted me.
There’s one thing that keeps rising to the surface.
She was so good at giving feedback.
She was honest. Direct. Clear.
But never harsh. Never heavy.
She didn’t over-explain or “package” things to make them easier to hear. She just shared what was true—with a kind of steadiness that felt… clean.
There were no sticky emotions attached. No judgment. No edge.
And somehow, because of that, I could receive it.
I always knew it came from a place of care.
A desire to help.
A belief in me.
And I’ve learned so much from that.
As someone who has historically leaned toward people-pleasing, I know how easy it is to soften feedback… to cushion it… to carry emotion inside of it so it feels safer to deliver.
But what I witnessed in her was something different.
Honesty, offered with a grounded heart, doesn’t need all that.
It can simply be… truth, shared with care.
At the same time, I’ve been mentoring at a local university, working with researchers who are learning how to bring their ideas into the world.
A big part of what we focus on is something called Customer Discovery—which is really just a fancy way of saying: learning how to ask good questions and truly listen.
To gather insight.
To understand people.
To be willing to be surprised.
And here’s the thing—asking for feedback in that setting can feel so vulnerable.
Because when you’re deeply connected to something you’ve created, it’s not just an idea. It’s personal.
So when someone offers feedback—especially if it challenges what you thought you knew—it can feel like more than information.
It can feel like judgment.
But it’s not.
It’s data.
It’s perspective.
It’s a doorway to something you couldn’t see on your own.
And when we can stay open to it… that’s where the growth happens.
I’ve also seen the other side of this recently.
People so tied to their current ideas that they can’t fully hear what’s being offered.
And if I’m being honest—it’s been a gentle mirror.
A reminder to stay open.
To not assume I already know.
To question what I think is fact.
To keep learning.
Always.
Maybe this is your little nudge this week.
To ask for feedback you’ve been avoiding.
To receive something with a more open heart.
Or even to offer someone honest, loving truth—without overcomplicating it.
There’s something really powerful that happens when we trust each other enough to be real.
And something even more powerful when we trust ourselves enough to stay open.
With so much appreciation for you being here,
Jamie
Inspiration
Nourish Pick of the Week
Throat Chakra Roller Blend with Amazonite Crystals
Our Throat Chakra Roller Blend is here to support honest, clear, feel-good communication—whether you’re offering feedback, receiving it, or finally saying the thing you’ve been holding back.
Think: honesty without heaviness.
Truth, shared with care.
A voice that feels like you.
Roll onto the base of your throat, take a deep breath… and trust what wants to be said.
I speak my truth.
I express myself clearly and with love.
Recipe of the Week
Looking for a flavor explosion in a bowl? This is it!
This Sweet and Crunchy Peanut Salad delivers the perfect balance of crisp, fresh textures and a velvety-smooth peanut (or almond butter) dressing that ties it all together.
It was a massive hit at my house—Scott, Emma, and I all loved it so much we went back for seconds (and, ahem, thirds).
Live well. Be kind.
Jamie
