How to Let Go of Misunderstandings & Protect Your Energy
What do you do when someone completely misreads your intentions—and lashes out because of it?
You could explain. You could over-explain. You could go into fix-it mode, trying to justify why you did what you did.
But what if the most powerful thing you could do… is nothing at all?
Misunderstandings are emotional minefields, especially for those of us who were raised to people-please, perform, or absorb the emotions of others. But there’s another way—and it starts with the decision to protect your energy, even when someone doesn’t understand your heart.
✨ This guide is inspired by a real experience I shared in Life Isn’t Personal →. That’s where I tell the raw story. Here, I’m breaking down the tools that helped me move through it.
1. Realize: It’s Not About You
When someone lashes out, you’ll be tempted to make it about you.
You’ll review your words, your energy, your tone. You’ll wonder what you could have done differently.
But often, their reaction is about their wounds, not your wrongdoing.
Not everything needs a defense. Not everything is yours to fix.
2. Create Space Between Reaction and Response
When emotions flare up, it’s easy to want to clarify everything in real time. But reacting from emotional urgency often leads to more misunderstanding.
Instead:
Take a breath.
Sit with the discomfort.
Decide what version of you you want to show up as.
Sometimes the highest version of you says nothing at all.
3. Protecting Your Energy Is Not Selfish
Boundaries may be misunderstood by those who benefit from your lack of them.
You don’t owe anyone access to you.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your healing.
You don’t owe anyone your peace.
Protecting your energy is an act of radical self-respect.
4. Misunderstandings Are Inevitable—So What Will You Do With Them?
You will be misunderstood.
People will project.
They will get it wrong.
Let them.
Let your peace speak louder than your need to be understood.
Clarity doesn’t always come from convincing. It often comes from letting go.
Final Thoughts
If someone doesn’t ask for clarity, they’re not open to it.
If someone’s response feels more like a wound than a conversation, you get to walk away without guilt.
This work isn’t about becoming “unbothered.”
It’s about staying rooted, soft, and powerful—no matter what noise swirls around you.
You’re not here to be palatable.
You’re here to be free.
