The '30 lines of criticism' are proof that you took on a challenge. A conversation between my daughter and me one night.

My daughter suddenly spoke to me with a look that suggested she was on the verge of tears.

“You know, something really shocking happened.”

She pointed to her computer screen to show me a message exchange from her part-time job.

When I asked her about it, it turned out she had received some very harsh feedback on a slide presentation she had worked hard to create.

For my daughter, who had only recently started the job and had little professional experience, the 30 lines of criticism on the screen felt like a personal rejection.

“You were always good at making slides, weren't you? But remember, the message written here is about the material, not directed at you personally.”

I sat next to her and began to offer my words, slowly and carefully.

I first told her “thank you” for opening up to me about everything—the frustration that her efforts weren't rewarded, the harsh tone of the feedback, and her anxiety about future interactions.

No matter how down she felt right now, she had taken the initiative to make time, prepare materials for the team, and deliver them.

Taking the initiative for the team is not something everyone can do. Above all, it was because this material served as a 'draft' that the team's work was able to move forward.

Materials can be rewritten as many times as needed. But I felt that the 'pure passion to do something for someone else' that she possesses is something I must never let anyone hurt.

I continued with my words.

She should be confident that she took the first step on behalf of everyone.

When you enter the professional world, you may encounter people with different values, or sometimes people who say things without much consideration. But that never means they are rejecting you as a person.

“Yeah, I understand. Thank you for listening.”

Seeing her expression soften just a little, I felt relieved.

I hope that when she looks back on this night someday, she will remember the certain pride of 'having taken a step forward' rather than the harsh words on the screen.

The stone you cast without fear of getting hurt will one day turn into a force that helps someone else.

The process might be painful, but by overcoming it, you build up a small sense of confidence within yourself, which will eventually bloom into colorful flowers.

May she open a new page in her own unique colors. I will always be her biggest supporter, quietly waiting for that 'next step'.