We all have an inner critic. I think women, and mothers in particular, tend to have rather harsh critics. Possibly because there are so many more demands on us, or perhaps because of how society has defined our roles and responsibilities. Regardless, the inner critic holds us back, puts us down, and distorts our vision of reality.
I see a therapist who specializes in helping parents who have kids with autism. Because, well, that’s a particularly stressful reality. A few weeks ago, we were in fact talking about the inner critic, cause mine is LOUD. And I spent a lot of time in my teens and early 20s listening too closely. Traumatizing experiences followed leaving lasting scars. So my therapist had me do a writing exercise to define this “other me”, this inner critic. The result was surprising and inspiring.
I see a therapist who specializes in helping parents who have kids with autism. Because, well, that’s a particularly stressful reality. A few weeks ago, we were in fact talking about the inner critic, cause mine is LOUD. And I spent a lot of time in my teens and early 20s listening too closely. Traumatizing experiences followed leaving lasting scars. So my therapist had me do a writing exercise to define this “other me”, this inner critic. The result was surprising and inspiring.
The last paragraph struck me so much, because I had written it in the same flow that all the rest came from, and yet, there’s the insight I needed. I had it the whole time.
I realized how very true this is, and it’s true for all of us. No matter how perfect she seems, she didn’t earn it. We are as wonderful and imperfect as we are, because we put in the work to get here. It’s such a powerful thought. Use that thought, and pull the plug on your own inner critic.
I realized how very true this is, and it’s true for all of us. No matter how perfect she seems, she didn’t earn it. We are as wonderful and imperfect as we are, because we put in the work to get here. It’s such a powerful thought. Use that thought, and pull the plug on your own inner critic.