How do you deal with your inner critic?

[LovebirdsFlying]

You know, that constant self-doubting, nagging thought in your head that doesn't have anything nice to say about you. It tells you that you can't do it, that you're not worth it, that you're not good enough, and other such lies.

I named my inner critic Luci. That's short for Lucifer, because one way or another, that's where I believe such thoughts are coming from. I have told people in my life that any time they hear Luci's words coming out of my mouth, they are absolutely welcome to tell Luci to shut up. They won't hurt my feelings, because they aren't talking to me. They're talking to Luci.

If I start having those self-doubting thoughts, I've found it quite helpful to come right out and say, "Shut up, Luci!" That's if I'm alone, or with someone who knows what's going on. It happened today because I'm still relatively new at driving. Anxiety disorder plays a big role there. I didn't get my license until I was in my late 40's.

On my way home today, at one point I was behind a bus that happens to be the line that runs by my house. Luci whispered in my ear that I should be on that bus, rather than driving myself in my own car. Being independent and taking care of business myself isn't my station in life. That isn't who I am.

I said out loud, very firmly, "Shut up, Luci!" Then I kept on driving until I was home.

 

[Go Braves]

Good for you!!!!

 

[OK Jeff]

“Get behind me Satan” is my saying, ultimately the same.
I remember once when I was still in the clutches of alcoholism, I was filled with shame buying me beer when I heard this wonderful older Christian woman talking to the cashier. She was talking about a book she’d been reading and said that belittling voice you hear telling you you’re stupid, how can you have messed up again, you’ll never get it right, exc....that’s not God, it’s the enemy. God’s voice is the one you aren’t hearing during these times. It’s saying “I’m so happy for you, only xxx more times you’re going to do this and then you’ll finally get it”. I took these words to heart that day, and was sober a couple months later. I often wonder if she knows how much her words meant to me.

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

I usually say, "Remember 1 John 3:19-20? Well you can try to condemn me all you want but God is still greater than you and He knows everything! Now clear off!"