One of my favorite parts about writing this blog is that it’s been like holding a mirror up to myself. I mean, how can I tell you not to worry if I worry all the time? It’s caused a lot of introspection in why I see, think and react the way I do. I consider this lovely experiment a chance for all of us to grow together.

Lately, I’ve been confronted with what some call my “inner critic”. I think all of us have one;  it’s just that some voice their opinions louder than others. It’s the thought that comes to your mind that reminds you of how you messed up today or how much weight that you’ve gained. It never lets your rest or enjoy a moment, but instead, it’s nagging you to get more and more accomplished. Mine loves to go a few rounds with the old technique of “not good enough”. Thin enough, pretty enough, smart enough, blah, blah, blah. It’s the same old tired move. But yet, I still take my lumps, and some days, I even let it take me down.

I say, it’s time to fight back.

Letting your inner critic bully you is completely counter-productive. Have you ever gotten anything done faster or more efficiently when someone was nagging, berating and hovering over you? Of course not. Same goes for how you treat yourself. Beating yourself up over where you think you should be won’t get you there any faster. If anything, the negativity slows you down. It robs you of your peace and makes you far too self-conscious to be of use to anyone else.

When your brain wants to go on a rant on why you’re not measuring up, just say no. After all, you’re in control. It’s your life, and you were endowed by your Creator with everything you need to be everything necessary for this moment. No matter where you are or what you’re doing (or you’ve done), you’re enough. In fact, you’re pretty fantastic.

So, put your fists down and pick yourself up. With a cheerleader in your heart rather than a critic, you’ll be more inclined to believe (and celebrate) the truth of who you really are.