Tag: feelings

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!

Attitude, Dependence on God, Thought Life

Never Say Never

Jaime

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I could never __ “(fill in the blank)?

In a season of not being able to get pregnant, I watched a reality show about a woman going through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). At one point, she ended up in the hospital due to complications. I remember thinking, “I could never go through that. The mental and physical demands would kill me.”

Little did I know a few years later I’d be going through it, not once but four times! This is the moment where my “I could never” switched to “heck yeah I can!”

We set ourselves up for failure before even trying. Fears convince us of the impossibilities. Our feelings and thoughts attempt to rule our lives, but the truth is, they don’t have as much power as we give them credit for.

We CAN do hard things regardless of what our thoughts and feelings are communicating, especially when God has our back.

The next time you find yourself saying, “I could never…”

  1. Challenge it. Ask why?
  2. Take inventory – (remember the hard things you’ve done in the past).
  3. Flip It – (“I can do anything that God has called me to”).
  4. Fill your mind with truth – (read scriptures about overcoming fear and being strengthened in Christ).
  5. Support – (find people to encourage you along the way. Accountability will help you move forward)

What is your, “I could never?”

Mental Health

Dear Anxiety

Jaime

Dear Anxiety,

A lot is going on in the world right now. I can feel you lurking beneath the surface. It’s during these times when you awaken from hibernation.

I know you think you’re protecting me, but you’re not. The truth is, you make me nuts. Hanging out with you causes a physical reaction and an excavating of all rational thinking. You plant seeds of worry that grow into skyscrapers.

You’ve ruled my days, preventing me from enjoying the precious moments in life. You were my default for the big and little things. You advised my choices and influenced my reactions. You came at me hard after my daughter was born, making me believe she was going to die.

You’ve forced yourself upon me. I never felt like I had a choice, but now it’s different.

I’ve been training for battle. I’m heavily armed. My greatest weapon?

The Truth

Truth tells me that I no longer have to engage with you. I get to choose whether or not I accept your thoughts and feelings. Even when my breath is shallow and incessant thoughts circle my brain, I Get To Choose.

I acknowledge your presence, but you will no longer control me. My choice partnered with God’s power is indestructible. And even though you still exist, I know how the story ends.

Spoiler Alert: you don’t survive.

Mental Health, Support

#Music

Jaime

Music has always played a huge role in my life. It’s been my therapist, friend, anger management outlet, and more.

When unable to put feelings into words, this song acted as my translator:

Music Puts The Pieces Together

This song reminds me that I can’t do this life on my own, nor do I need to:

What songs have played a big part in your past and present?