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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 can't sleep tonight...anxiety and critic are throwing a party and they're SO loud. They make my head hurt.

I could just cry. I feel sick

I wish I'd taken sleep meds, but it might be too late now - boo!!

Chloe_M
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hi MF, are you feeling okay now? Did you at least sleep a little? Go easy on yourself today, you will be quite fatigued xx

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello everyone,

Music, have you ever tried music or mediation to help you sleep.? I know different types have been recommended on the forums.

I hope you managed to sleep.

Chloe, you are so helpful to others?How are you going?

Quirky

Thanks quirky and Chloe, I'm OK...just really tired. I got some sleep. Fighting is exhausting. I will take it easy today, with nothing planned.

I used to play youtube clips, but found it awkward with earbuds in, so I don't know a way around it, really

Chloe_M
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hey quirky,

thank you! I'm not that great tbh, inner critic messing with my head so much today the anxiety is overwhelming. Had a mental breakdown earlier... Cried for 3 hours straight... Still distraught and I'm not quite sure why...

anyhow enough about me, how are you?

MF good you got some sleep, hope you are feeling more energetic tomorrow xx

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello all those reading,

Chloe, sorry you are not doing well. Thanks for being honest .

You must be exhausted after the crying. I find I feel cleansed after a cry .

I have been busy with putting away and pricing books in my shop. I find when I am busy my inner critic sometimes is quiet.

Quirky

Chloe_M
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Im much better now, the anxiety has lessened and the critic is sleeping. I am quite exhausted; this crying session however was not refreshing, I usually am refreshed after crying... This time I am just fatigued.

I also find that keeping busy keeps my critic quiet. Which is why I try and stay busy. But I can't be to busy; that increases my stress levels and anxiety. So I have to be careful to find a balance.

Chloe

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Big wave and smile to all,

How are you feeling today.

I am going to keep a diary about when and how my inner critic interacts its me. I have done this before with other behaviours and I find it very helpful.

I ill let you know what I discover over a week, and you can try it if you want to.

Quirky

Chloe_M
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hi quirky,

im feeling pretty darn good today. Am on a high.

Thats a really good idea, the diary thing. I am considering doing the diary thing for my highs/lows and neutral days. Still giving it some thought though.

How are you doing today quirky?

chloe 🤗

HI Quirky, im not doing so well atm an my IC is very loud as well as my SI thoughts.

i like your idea of an IC diary though, i hadnt thought of that one before. i do journal though- how would you suggest doing a diary for ic interactions?