Are you your own worst enemy? Awareness is half the battle! Throughout our day we can unintentionally say or think things about ourselves that contributes to an unhealthy and unhelpful self-narrative (the story we tell ourselves and consequently believe about who we are). Join Gina & Polly as they discuss the ins and outs of our thoughts and how to become free from self criticism!
What was the first thing you thought about yourself today? Was it how wonderful you are and how you couldn’t wait to start the day being you? Cuz you know you’re gonna crush it!
Or, was it a thought of what you failed to do the day before? Did you get on your phone and immediately start the day with comparison? Or did you get on the scale and speak unkind words to your body that works so hard to serve you well each day?
Whether it begins the moment we open our eyes or creeps in throughout the day, we all have that inner critic that is our own worst enemy. Join us today as we discuss how to defeat the enemy within.
You Can Watch This!
In case you need a little more inspiration on how to quiet the inner critic, watch these!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNtPVgblzWY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgw8OFVHzd4
You Can Read This!
One of our favorite books on dealing with our inner critic is from Lysa TerKeurst and we think the title says it all:
Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely
https://www.amazon.com/Uninvited-Living-Loved-When-Lonely/dp/1400205875/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540908274&sr=8-1&keywords=uninvited+lysa+terkeurst&dpID=410-8-uoqrL&preST=SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70&dpSrc=srch
While our next pick is a book for writers, it is a book for anyone who wants to know themselves well and learn how to respond to the inner critic. Anne Lamott has been a precious voice in my (Gina) walk through life, love and faith. Even if the only thing you ever write is a grocery list, we think you’ll enjoy this work.
Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540908413&sr=8-1&keywords=bird+by+bird&dpID=416KhjPwuKL&preST=SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40&dpSrc=srch
You Can Do This!
Awareness is half the battle! Throughout our day we unintentionally say or think things about ourselves that contributes to an unhealthy and unhelpful self-narrative (the story we tell ourselves and consequently believe about who we are).
To become less likely to speak ill of ourselves (That was stupid. I can’t believe I did that. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be more like…) we need to first realize how often we fall into this habit. Purchase one of the counters from the links below (or a local store, but if its more likely you’ll actually do it if you only have to click on one of the following links, then do that).
Then, simply begin to ‘click’ for every time you think or say something unhealthy or unhelpful about yourself. Don’t dwell on the fact you said or thought it, just notice it and count it. Then, at the end of each day, write your number on a calendar or in your phone. This act alone will help to decrease the habit.
If it becomes overwhelming, simply reduce the amount of time you count (maybe only half the day) until your numbers begin to reduce.
If it becomes troublesome, this is a signal that it would be good to talk with someone about your inner struggles.
This first counter comes with six little colorful friends, should you decide you want to get some friends or a small group involved in the revolution to silence the inner critic.
https://www.amazon.com/Ktrio-Counter-Mechanical-Clicker-Assorted/dp/B06XPD1YK3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540908525&sr=8-3&keywords=tally+counter
Here’s a second tally counter option
https://www.amazon.com/HORSKY-Counter-Handheld-Mechanical-Clicker/dp/B071W3QTBX/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1540908653&sr=8-6&keywords=tally+counter&dpID=31ClTOQubcL&preST=SX300_QL70&dpSrc=srch