Anita- good take on the “bully” within. That was a great point!

One way that I managed to quell my inner-critic, aka “bully’ was to engage him in conversation. When he opined negatively, I put a face to him so I had a visual and I asked for proof that what he as saying was true. Not just an opinion but real, unequivocal proof. I find that most of the time, he cant provide it. Only his nasty comments. Then I know I am on the right path because I have created fear in him, which is why he is screaming for attention. I gently remind him that I know he is looking out for my best interest, and also that without proof, I know that what he said was not true, so therefore I must continue on. At the end of the day, I know my inner critic is trying to help in the only way he knows how. And I know that the louder he screams, the more I am on to something good. Giving him a voice and a face has changed the direction of my life dramatically. He’s still there, except now he is more like a crusty old friend that I met along the way. I expect the bluntness but I know his heart is in the right place 🙂