That Sneaky B…it…ch!

advice & strategies emotions & emotional inventory end of the year review gratitude gratitude list manage your inner critic setting intentions the inner critic triggers & the inner critic

She’s a sneaky little b…it….ch! I can’t even write a gratitude list without her criticism. Ugh. Nona, always chirping in my ear.

Nona is my ever present Inner Critic. The first step in managing her bitchy cacophony is separating myself from her abusive banter. As convincing as she may sound, she is NOT me.

As part of an end of my year reflection process, I created a gratitude list. When you do this type of thing you don’t force the process. My goal was ten things I am grateful for TODAY.

First observation. It was hard to get to 10 items.

I survived heartbreak.
My divine Soul-sisters.
My sons and our relationship.
I can support myself.

Breathe. Get curious. Keep going. Here’s three more.

I’m optimistic by nature.
Food, shelter, clean water, medical care.
My empathy.

Pausing. My brain is blank. Pausing…….. Only 3 more!

I’m a natural leader.

Why is this so hard? I have a great life!

My higher power, angels, guides and protectors.

Only one more…..

thinking……thinking….thinking……

OK, got it.

My willingness to learn!

Nona is shaming me for taking 33 minutes to come up with ten items. And now comes feelings of embarrassment. I ask myself, why aren’t I more thankful for other people or things? This list is mostly about being grateful for ME.

And here’s where Nona gets going…….. OMG why are you so selfish? Why are you grateful for “I can support myself” and “Your willingness to learn”? Why is it always about you? This is dumb.

This is an old groove I fall into because the tunes been with me far longer than it has not. Nona asks why I pump up my chest and talk about myself.

“Because it’s MY gratitude list! Of course it’s all about me! Nona, you just worry too much.”

Do I sit in blame, shame and guilt? At times, yes, but it’s not where I take up residence. I spend far less time in those shadows. Again, “going small” is a familiar place but it doesn’t serve me to retreat.

I am aware. I allow the feelings to surface. I’m curious.

1. I survived heartbreak.
2. My Soulful women’s community.
3. My boy’s and our relationship.
4. I can support myself.
5. I’m optimistic by nature.
6. I have food, shelter, clean water and medical care.
7. My empathy for others.
8. I am a natural leader.
9. My higher power guides, angels, protectors and spirits.
10. My willingness to learn.

I'm feeling much better now that Nona and I had this talk. Have you given your Inner Critic a name? It makes is so much easier to have these conversations when you know who you are talking to. Remember don’t believe everything you think or what your NONA-voice tells you!

From the heart,

Cara