(Written for women who struggle with the voice of inner criticism).
The things we tell ourselves typically have a root, a place where that thought or phrase originated.
I’m specifically calling out our critical voice; the voice full of judgement, condemnation, and unkindness. We hear it when we’re anxious, and it may sound like, “you can’t do that, you’ll fail.” We hear it when we make a mistake, “I knew it, you’re just stupid.” It screams at us when something goes wrong (even if it isn’t our fault), “you should have stopped that from happening.” It knocks us down even further when we feel rejected, “t told you, you’re worthless.”
Why? How did such a harsh voice ever become part of our daily rhetoric within ourselves? Whose voice told us these things, and when did we start believing them?
Often times, this critical voice began to whisper in our ear when we were young. It may have been said to us, or it may have been something we told ourselves as our mind tried to make sense of various situations.
Are you ready to hear something wild? That critical voice many of us hear is trying to protect us, (crazy, right)?!! That voice puts on its boxing gloves and pounds these words into us over and over in hopes of motivating us to change (just listen to how we talk to ourselves when we struggle with losing weight). If we believe the criticism, then the mind thinks it’s keeping you safe.
A challenge for today (and I’m including myself), be self-aware. Listen for that critical voice. We may not recognize it at first because we’re so use to believing those self-damaging thoughts. When it begins to speak up, tell it, “hey, I know you’re trying to protect me, but those words are not needed.” Don’t be harsh, but talk back compassionately and with love.
Let that be the voice you hear!
~Jenn Hutcherson
Jenn Hutcherson
918.214.8109
ahutchbettlerlife@aol.com
My expertise is equipping women with tools to lower anxiety and build self-esteem. You can contact me for a free consultation by phone or email provided above.