Recently I had someone with whom I have had a complicated relationship send me a mean-spirited email mocking my work. I felt the usual reaction rise up in me: the discomfort in my gut, the dry mouth, the tightening of my throat. I know that when this person pokes me professionally it leaves me feeling not enough, something that he has made me feel throughout my adult life. But I genuinely enjoy my work, and in that moment, I allowed myself to acknowledge that. I felt sad that his behavior never changes, but I also saw what he was doing. This time I didn’t critique myself for being “too
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