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CHALLENGING OUR INNER CRITIC
by George
It is our thoughts that determine whether we feel positive or negative about ourselves. That will in turn affect our actions. As we go about our day, our mind is busy taking notes about what we’ve done, how we looked, our inner-narrator tells our story, and during times of struggle, the critical narrator can take over. The next exercise is designed to make us more aware of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and to re-frame our negative critical thoughts.
PSALM 94: 19, 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18.
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// 02 CHALLENGING OUR INNER CRITIC
“I’M SO LAZY, THERE’S NOTHING I CAN DO” >> LONELY, SAD, HOPELESS “NOTHING IS EVER GOING TO GET BETTER FOR ME” >> LIE IN BED, AVOID MESSAGES FROM FRIENDS What kind of stories are you telling yourself? If you mess up, is it “failed again, you’re so thick!” or “you’re worse or uglier than your friend”?
When you achieve something does it cheer you on?
Is it full of hope and positivity with a happy ending, or it is a cold, critical review?
START NOTING DOWN SOME WORDS THAT YOU ASSOCIATE WITH YOURSELF. “I AM…”
UNDERLINE WHICH ONES PUSH YOU DOWN OR HOLD YOU BACK?
CIRCLE WHICH ONES MAKES YOU STAND TALL?
Over the next week, try to listen to your inner narrator. Take some deep breaths. Notice how it makes you feel. If it turns critical, then are there any core phrases that you tend to say to yourself? As you recognise the critic talking – in your mind – shout: STOP (or whatever word or phrase you want!) Then refocus your thoughts to something more constructive. Like getting outside and going for a walk or planning what you would like to eat for dinner or what show you want to watch next on Netflix.
How can you make your inner voice a more encouraging narrative? Consider what you might say to someone you care about if they were in the same situation. Sometimes it’s easier to be kind to others than to ourselves, but being kind to ourselves is something that we can practise. Some helpful questions that you may want to ask yourself are; What is one thing I can learn from this? What is one opportunity I can find in this situation?
