I’ve had that critical voice in my head for as long as I can remember. I’ve done a lot of work to change my relationship to it, how I react to it, interpret it. I’ve had some definite progress, but I also feel that self-compassion will be a lifelong challenge, not a thing I’ll just overcome and get past one day.
I’ve had that critical voice in my head for as long as I can remember. I’ve done a lot of work to change my relationship to it, how I react to it, interpret it. I’ve had some definite progress, but I also feel that self-compassion will be a lifelong challenge, not a thing I’ll just overcome and get past one day.
I remember a quote from Liz Gilbert, who I’m deeply inspired by, which went like this: “Universal compassion is not universal if it doesn’t include you.” I was struck by it, because I definitely find it easier to be compassionate and understanding of others versus myself.
Yet, like most things, knowing all this doesn’t quiet the voice. My best tactic seems to be to laugh at its silliness. The way my voice will tell me one thing and then criticize it in the opposite way, one can only laugh at its ridiculousness sometimes 😅
All great points. I certainly find that the thoughts that go through my head are sometimes things I would NEVER say to a friend who was struggling under the same circumstances. That alone is a really helpful realization, if I can recognize it in the moment.
And yes to laughter! Although sometimes even that can lead back to the same place, in a "Why am I being so ridiculous?" sort of way. It's tough. Like you say, a lifelong journey. :)
I’ve had that critical voice in my head for as long as I can remember. I’ve done a lot of work to change my relationship to it, how I react to it, interpret it. I’ve had some definite progress, but I also feel that self-compassion will be a lifelong challenge, not a thing I’ll just overcome and get past one day.
I remember a quote from Liz Gilbert, who I’m deeply inspired by, which went like this: “Universal compassion is not universal if it doesn’t include you.” I was struck by it, because I definitely find it easier to be compassionate and understanding of others versus myself.
Yet, like most things, knowing all this doesn’t quiet the voice. My best tactic seems to be to laugh at its silliness. The way my voice will tell me one thing and then criticize it in the opposite way, one can only laugh at its ridiculousness sometimes 😅
All great points. I certainly find that the thoughts that go through my head are sometimes things I would NEVER say to a friend who was struggling under the same circumstances. That alone is a really helpful realization, if I can recognize it in the moment.
And yes to laughter! Although sometimes even that can lead back to the same place, in a "Why am I being so ridiculous?" sort of way. It's tough. Like you say, a lifelong journey. :)