#18: Healing the Inner Critic: How High-Achieving Women Can Reclaim Their Self-Worth

Welcome back to At Your Best with Roselynn Onah! In this episode, we begin a transformative new series on self-worth and inner validation. Host, Roselynn opens up space for a raw and restorative conversation with guest Kay Johnson, diving deep into what it means to heal while you lead, particularly for high-achieving women who may be silently struggling.

If you've ever felt like your worth is tied to your performance—or if you're simply tired of pretending to have it all together—this episode offers honesty, hope, and actionable steps for reclaiming your inner truth.

About the Guest: Kay Johnson

Kay Johnson is a dynamic speaker, mentor, and certified coach who specializes in helping women rebuild confidence from the inside out. Known for her transparency and empowering presence, Kay's work is rooted in her own journey through perfectionism, trauma, and emotional healing.

From surviving heartbreak and a suicide attempt in college to founding her own coaching practice, Kay now helps others navigate their own paths to purpose and self-worth.

She is also the creator of The Confident Girls Coloring Book, a faith-based art therapy tool designed to uplift and inspire. Whether she’s leading a mastermind group, hosting prayer calls, or mentoring one-on-one, Kay shows up with wisdom, authenticity, and heart.

Connect with Kay Johnson:

• Website: www.therealkayjohnson.com

• Instagram, YouTube, Facebook: @thereal_kayjohnson
• Coaching, mastermind group, coloring book info available on her site.

In This Episode:

• How heartbreak and trauma led Kay to discover her purpose.
• The role of therapy, prayer, and community in healing.
• Leading while still navigating personal wounds.
• The difference between performing and living with purpose.
• Signs you may be driven by your inner critic.
• Reframing rest and stillness as sacred, not lazy.
• Tools and practices to root your worth in being—not doing.
• Rosanna’s “hot seat” question on achievement and identity.

Practical Tools Discussed:

• Journaling for clarity and self-awareness
• Sacred morning routines with affirmations and meditation
• Prayer as a tool for shifting perspective
• Building intentional, safe community
• Creating margin for rest, laughter, and emotional honesty
• The power of redefining failure and achievement

Favorite Quotes:

• “Purpose demands all parts of you—including rest.”
• “When you’re not honoring your emotions, you break the trust with yourself.”
• “You were born with value—no cosign needed.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Kay’s book: The Confident Girls Coloring Book (art therapy meets faith!) - Available on Amazon or Get her book from the link below: https://pay.theeconfidentgirls.club/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadhCtn-VMRt0enaNzk2zsQrnhFAURxjBihCZwsbdiOc_sl0UfuURgVNRfoxVw_aem_0A9G0HJA7nRJ5QsTSJ854w
• Upcoming healing and achievement-focused community by Roselynn
• Weekly prayer calls with Kay (Mondays & Fridays at 6AM)
• Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

Takeaway