Tag: comparison

Thought Life, Uncategorized

Tired of Your Inner Critic? Here’s How to Take Back Control

Jaime

Let’s talk about that voice inside your head. You know, the one that constantly tells you you’re not doing enough and not measuring. Yeah, that one.

We all have it—it’s just a bit louder for us. It never lets us forget our flaws. It’s exhausting.

But here’s the deal: That voice is a liar, and it’s time to shut her down.

Recognize the Lies

That inner critic is not from God. It’s the enemy’s way of keeping us stuck in insecurity and comparison. The minute we start feeding into those lies, the louder and more convincing they get. So what do we do? We hit “mute.” We recognize when we’re being fed lies, and we replace them with God’s truth.

Stop Holding Yourself to Unrealistic Expectations

We want to do it all: be the perfect wife, the perfect mom, the perfect Christian. But there is no such thing. We are imperfect people, and that’s okay. Know your limits.

Speak Truth Over Yourself

I’m not talking about the world’s version of “you have your truth, I have mine” self-affirmation stuff. I’m talking about truth grounded in God’s never-changing Word. The more you do this, the quieter that inner critic will become.

Accept God’s Grace (again and again)

You didn’t get everything done today? You yelled at the people you love? Maybe not your proudest moment, but you are human. Let’s stop beating ourselves up every time we fall short. Instead, let’s give God the space to work through our weaknesses and refine us for His glory. Accept the work that has already been done on that cross.

And, Finally, Pray

Sometimes, that inner critic just won’t let up. And when it gets too loud, rebuke it. Ask God to replace those harsh, critical thoughts with His truth and peace. Choose what He says about you over the loud-mouthed critic who doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

What lies have you been listening to, and how are you going to replace them with God’s truth today? Drop a comment or share this with a friend who could use a reminder of her worth. You are not alone in this journey!

The Holidays
Jaime

Limit Your Stress During The Holidays By Doing These 5 Things.

I get anxious around the Holidays, specifically around cooking. I am not the best cook, so I’m always scared that I am going to poison my guests. I am hosting Thanksgiving this year, and instead of stressing out, I decided to get an already-cooked turkey and ham. I also got canned cranberry sauce (I’m a fan of the can).

If you want to enjoy the holidays with less stress, here are some tips:

Get premade dishes
Not everything needs to be homemade, no matter what anyone else says, and who has enough space to cook all the things, anyway? It also helps so you don’t have to time all your dishes to be ready at once.

Don’t go crazy cleaning your house
It’s clean enough. People don’t notice the things you notice. I’ve allowed this chore to steal my joy, and you know what they say: a mama’s attitude can make or break things.

Decorate Minimally
I have fall decorations around the house (I can’t even begin to think of Christmas) and already know how I’m setting the table. I don’t have a fancy tablecloth or a dazzling centerpiece. Just two small pumpkins, and the table settings.

Don’t compare yourself with others
Social media will make you feel terrible about yourself. It’s such a comparison trap. Those posts might look pretty, but you have no clue what is happening behind the scenes. Focus on what’s important, the company you are with.

Don’t worry about what’s been done in the generations past
I know we think that we can do everything but it’s okay to acknowledge your limits and make new memories. Heck, eat Chinese Food and enjoy spending time with family.

What is one thing you can do this holiday season to lessen the stress?

Attitude, Thought Life

How To Persevere When Discouraged

Jaime

It’s hard to persevere when you’re not getting the results you had hoped for.

I’ve been writing for a while now. My goals have shifted more than once over the years (aspiring author, speaker, life coach), but, at this point, I kind of expected to be further along than I am, which can be discouraging at times.

I get caught up in the number game; followers, engagements, likes, and any other validation around being an influencer. I start comparing my brand aesthetics and overall content with other bloggers who are more “popular.” It can easily lead me to question my purpose.

We set goals with the intention of meeting them. When we realize that we are not meeting them or that there might be a chance of failure, we think about throwing in the towel (or do). “Might as well opt out now before we fail for real.”

We need measurable goals to determine outcomes, and there may come a time when we need to concede (I’m so not there yet), but we also need to remember the “why” behind our goals and desires. Our why is our driving force.

I loathed myself for many years and spent so much time and energy searching for identity and wholeness. I don’t want ANYONE to ever feel this way about themselves. THIS is my why.

So tell me, what’s yours?

Drugs, Identity, Mental Health

Letter To My Junior High Self

Jaime

Dear 12-Year-Old Me,

I know life is hard right now. All you can see is what’s here and now. There is so much more to come…

You are in the midst of an awkward phase (totally normal, btw). Don’t waste your time trying to fit in. Appreciate who you were created to be. Haters are going to hate. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.

Those who appear perfect, aren’t. What you see is not always what you get. You have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes. Be kind and compassionate. Don’t play the comparison game. We were all created with different gifts and strengths. Appreciate them and use yours wisely.

How you look doesn’t define you. I repeat, how you look doesn’t define you. Don’t internalize what the media or boys think are attractive. Focus on what the God of the universe says about you. One size doesn’t fit all.

Calm your hormones girl! I know how loud they are, but they do not need to rule over you. Learn your value as a young woman according to Gods Word. See his expectations of you through the lens of value vs. fear. You are so precious to him.

Don’t party so much. I know you think it’s fun, but there are going to be physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual consequences down the road.

Be nicer to mom and dad. They love you so much. They are not superheroes, but flawed human beings like the rest of us. Be respectful. They will be around for the long haul when many others won’t.

I know you think you have it all figured out, but you don’t. Life is going to take you on a ride. You are not the controller of the universe (even though you want to be).

And finally…

You are loved more than you can ever imagine.

P.S. It’s not all about you. The sooner you learn this, the better.

Love,

Future Self