by Janet

Food For Thought

First of all, I was asked to do a panel Saturday night. When I got there and saw my friend behind a podium (with a microphone!)… I almost lost my cookies. And yes… that is what I had to do. Share my story in front of a fairly large group from behind that podium. That’s a FIRST for me, for sure.

One good thing about “telling your story” is that you really can’t mess it up, because it IS your story! It never changes! Overall I think it went well. Which leads me to the point of my post…

My inner critic.

Let the Lunatics Out of the Attic

I read the coolest thing in a book on introverts. Visualizing your inner critic. I’m sharing it with you because there must be someone else out there who could benefit from it. That’s my guess anyway.

So, the inner critic starts out looking like a big ogre. A large, mean and very grumpy looking character. He looks a bit like a judge; wearing a robe, a frown and holding a gavel. Why he’s a HE I don’t know… you tell me (that’s supposed to be humorous).

He says things like “you can’t do that!;” “you’re not doing enough!” or “You don’t know enough!”

Sound familiar?

Anyway… this guy just got an overhaul. We changed his look, AND his demeanor. Now he’s a cool looking dude with a hat, flip flops, shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. And he only says encouraging things. “Nice job!” — “You’re doing great!” — “Don’t worry… you are right where you need to be!”.

So… that’s what I’ve been practicing, and I can tell you it’s made a huge difference. And what’s funny is that I don’t have to do it much. Just knowing that this new guy rolled into town seems to be enough to keep that old grouchy judge at bay. He’s learning that he’s no longer in charge, and that he’s not allowed to spill out his negativity.

I’ve been looking forward to sharing this because it really IS very helpful.

Don’t worry—be happy.
And stay cool man.

17 Comments

  2. I like how you handled the inner critic…. it’s inspiring. It makes me think of change. Maybe I need a young dude in a Hawaiian shirt in my head as well, telling me I’m doing ok.

    I laughed at the “I wonder if my post makes it sound as though they are loose in my head… running wild!” Lol!! I had not thought of that until you wrote it 😀 Then I saw an old judge and a surfer-looking dude running around in your brain, haha!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Exactly! And now I’m thinking old grumpy judge probably has a cane…. that must hurt!! Lure him out through your ear so you only have dude with flipflops left 🙂 Flipflops must be gentle stepping.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I was going to say he has a drink with an umbrella in it but I guess we better make sure its non-alcoholic first! Seriously tho… You should try it. Since my friend Gil has been my encourager I thought maybe I would name my guy The Gilster. Lol.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Haha The Gilster! I like that!! I think I want mine to be female…. actually, I know she is. I can see her. But she is still criticizing. But I have decided that my new critic will have flowers in her hair.

      Liked by 1 person

    7. La la la…. With flowers in her hair… She sounds very nice. 😎 I am so glad you popped in and made me laugh. I needed that!! Thank you. 💃🌸🎶

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Janet, wonderfully written! On my blog when I write about being a gentle witness, I always stress the importance of sharing our personal walk of faith because it is ours and authentic! Thank you for sharing your gifts!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Yes, my inner tyrant is just that, although a bit asexual-neither male nor female but a grump just the same. I love your title! Let the lunatics out! all of them- be gone! Love this.

    Liked by 1 person

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