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Talking to your inner critic, can it be tamed?

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Do you have an inner critic ? Have you ever tried to talk to your inner critic. This is what happened when I tried. In my Be yourself thread people asked about how I interviewed my inner critic. So here it is.

This is adapted from a writing exercise to interview your inner critic about one's writing. As my inner critic has an opinion all aspects of my life I decided to broaden the scope of the interview.

Me: I welcome (well I don't really) this opportunity to find out why you always need to have an opinion that is always negative about me and my life.

IC: I thought this was going to be a friendly interchange of ideas but there you go with your anger and hostile remarks. I do not see myself as negative but as helping you, because you do need help.

I am here to help you why can't you see that?

Me: So when I am trying to sleep and you tell me about all my mistakes, embarrassing moments, how does that help me?

IC: I thought while you are in bed you would have time to consider some of your past behaviours. This I feel will only help you to improve.

Me: If you are so helpful why do I feel so worthless, so sad, so ignorant when you are around? Do you really know how low I can feel when you are constantly telling me all my faults?

IC: You make yourself feel that way- I am merely pointing out the truth. It is not my problem that you are so weak.

Me: Maybe this was a bad idea you are never going to listen to me or understand me.

IC: Have you ever thought that maybe you shouldn't listen to me if I upset you so much.

Me How can I ignore you when you are so loud at times.

IC: See this is what I mean you are so weak. You have the power to ignore me, to silence me but all you do is whinge and complain.

Me: I am ending this interview. Enough is enough.

What would you say to your inner critic and what do you want to hear from your inner critic? Maybe you can have a go at interviewing your inner critic.

Quirky


828 Replies 828

i like the way you talk to your IC Nat, it makes for a rather interesting read.

i hope today you were able to quieten the voices down and manage your day ok xox

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

hello everyone

I like the way Nat has distinguished between inner critic and moral compass, the former points out how hopeless we are the latter says we are good but we are nit good enough a we dont try hard enough. Correct me Nat if I have the wrong.

It was a powerful piece of writing.

SN I agree it is interesting to read and moving.

Quirky.

Hello everyone,

Is it possible to get so tired of the negative inner critic that one just ignores it and gets on with living.

I am tired so being stuck in a negative rut but seem too tired to dig my way out. Sure I can help others with advice but wth myself I am stuck.

Quirky

CMF
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Quirky,

good question. I personally have to tell it to STOP. That I am not going to allow it to control me. However, when I am tired and in a rut I find I stop caring. I know I haven't helped or really answered you question.

sorry you're feeling this way. My IC is playing up a bit but I'm trying to stomp it out, like putting out a fire. Now there's a good visualisation.

hope today is kind to you.

cmf x

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello all

Cmf. Thanks for your kind words.

I now have my sturdy old reliable boots that are good for stomping out the fire of negativity and put downs. A great visual.

Who wants to join me in stomping out those negative words of inner critic/

What boots will you wear?

How hard will you stomp?

Come and help me put out this negativity.

Quirky

IsaJett
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Quirky

I did it...I told my inner critic to "shut the hell up" and let me live my life...hahahah sometimes I be so tired but this voice just blabs on...like has an energy of its own. I now ignore it....like white noise...I notice it is in the background but it just run its course. I have found that silencing it is impossible as it just comes back stronger.

So now it just kind of drowns out ...sometimes it even goes quiet...hahaha which is great for me but I aint fighting it no more. hahaha I have found that my recent activities like hot yoga and being more attentive to my current task is what has helped. And God forbid I am also quite often coming up with positive thoughts to start up with..lol which is just simply glorious..But it can definitely happen ..the voice can be ignored 😉 have fun with the experimenting to see what works and what doesnt.

Keep Smiling 😉

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello all

Isabel Sabrina,

Thanks for your reply. I am glad you stood up to your inner critic , You are right the voice can be ignored but it takes practice, strength and time,

Quirky

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

How is your inner critic today?

Is it behaving itself or is it loud and annoying and non stop chattering.

Quirky

Morning Quirky and everyone

Mine is very loud and rather annoying today and has been the past few days. It seems to get louder before bed and the duration it takes me to get to sleep (often around 3am)

How is yours? And everyones....

Mine is OK if I keep really distracted & busy so no room to listen to the voice in my head but as soon as I stop the thoughts come back. I can't win. I'm either guilty for not helping a family member in need or if I help her I'm putting myself at risk of going under & being unable to support my husband when he leaves hospital.