Dear Joe:

The “inner critic” is the voice in our brain that criticizes or judges ourselves. For example, your inner critic judges your nose as being the wrong nose to have (from your previous thread).

The “outer critic” is the voice in our brain that criticizes or judges other people. An example would be: look at that person’s nose- it is the wrong nose to have!

Often, when a person’s inner critic is very active, so is the person’s outer critic. It is the inner critic takes a break when the outer critic is speaking, a relief from self criticism.

You asked: “how to become nonjudgmental and appreciate people for what they truly are”?

My answer: by becoming nonjudgmental toward yourself and appreciate yourself for who you truly are. Of course it is easier said than done but still it is possible through sincere and persistent work over time.

anita

Joe,

Here’s a suggestion on starting to love yourself.  Everyday, write down three things that you appreciate about yourself.  These could be things you did that day, qualities of yourself, etc.  Make it a self-love journal.

Also every morning look into the mirror and say “I love you.”

Mark