Thought Life, Uncategorized

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

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!

Thought Life

I’m Judging You

I confess I judge others. My mind just seems to go there at times without my permission, AND other times it has my full consent. This usually occurs upon first seeing someone, the whole book by a cover thing. I have nothing else to go by except for what I see. It’s part of my humanity.

I confess I judge others

One day while at the airport waiting for my flight, I heard some women talking about a fellow female who was also waiting for a plane. She was a pretty girl, wearing something looking similar to lingerie; something that would be worn in the comfort of one’s home.  

Of course, I had to look and see what they were talking about; I am human. At that moment I had a choice to make. Was I going to judge too? Instead, I started wondering about her. Who is she? What’s her story?

I had a choice to make

So, what did I choose to do? Well, I still don’t know her story and didn’t take the time to find out (wasn’t the time or place). But, I chose compassion (which is not my natural response). I decided to view her as God does, as his beautiful daughter.

For much of my life any time a thought or feeling would arise I’d go with it. I never knew I had the choice to engage or disengage.

I don’t know if we ever get to a place of complete nonjudgement (I’m not there yet), but after my initial automatic judgy thought arises, I get to choose what comes after.                                                 

I get to choose

Remember that girl I just spoke about? As I was boarding the plane, I saw her sitting in first class with a not so good looking guy (judgment). I thought to myself “she must be with him because he has money (judgment).” Do you see! I JUST decided not to judge, and there my mind goes again. So, yes, it appears to be the human condition.

Before slamming that gavel down, I need to remember a few things:

They (whoever they are) are made in the image of God, just like me.

I have my own issues. Even though mine may not be visible to others, they still exist.

Check in with me to see if there are any feelings of jealousy or envy involved.

How can you choose compassion over judgement today?