Dear Inner Critic,
Wow, you sure showed up today in all your loudness and strength. You clearly do not like others witnessing my weaknesses, insecurities and raw emotions. But you know what? It is okay. Sometimes it’s not unsafe to show up in the truth, even if it might paint me in a less-than-perfect light. Because I am not perfect. I am human. So, today, I want to have an open and honest conversation with you, to tell you the impact you have had on my life and expressing my sincere desire for change.
Over the years, I have come to realize that your constant critical voices and the shame you remind me I “should” be carrying have been holding me back from living my full, authentic life. Your voice has become a familiar echo, always highlighting my perceived flaws and inadequacies, judging my past actions, making me question my every move and filling me with doubt. Your presence has built a barrier between who I truly am and the life I long to lead.
But I want you to know that I am grateful for the role you have played. Your intentions have always been to protect me, to shield me from disappointment, rejection, and failure. In your own way, you have tried to keep me safe from harm, and I acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
However, as I come face-to-face with the long-hidden parts of myself, and struggle to love them and nurture them, I have come to understand that your methods, though well-intentioned, are no longer serving me. The constant judgement, self-criticism and shame have become heavy burdens that prevent me from embracing new opportunities, exploring my passions, and taking risks that could lead to joyful adventures and a fulfilling life. I am ready to shed the shackles of fear that you have placed upon me and step into the vast potential that lies within me.
So, I kindly ask you to take a step back. Allow me to experience life without the weight of constant self-judgment. I know there will be challenges and risks along the way, but I trust myself to navigate them with wisdom and resilience. I am capable and competent, even if I may not always feel ready or prepared for what lies ahead. I am ready to make decisions for myself, to learn from both success and failure, and to grow into the person I aspire to be.
I invite you to remind me when I may become arrogant, to bring me back to a grounded state. But know that I am more than good enough. At my core, I am a unique individual, with my own strengths, talents, and values. I am deserving of love, acceptance, and happiness, regardless of any perceived imperfections. Instead of focusing on what I lack or what I could have done better, I want to celebrate my accomplishments, big or small, and embrace the beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-expression.
Thank you for everything you have done for me up until now. Your presence has taught me valuable lessons about self-awareness and the importance of self-reflection. I am ready to take what I have learned and move forward, guided by a compassionate and supportive inner voice.
Together, let’s embark on this transformative journey. Let’s replace self-criticism and shame with self-compassion and acceptance. I invite you to witness as I step into my full, authentic self and live the life I truly desire.
With gratitude and determination,
ME
Christine Sharpe: Writer, Speaker, Leader . 
I think Inner Critic likes to hang with it’s big brother procrastination, together they love to pick on their little sister Ambition. Every time she gets an exciting idea, her brothers start picking on her, distracting and discouraging her from doing what she really wants. Telling her it won’t work out and maybe try later, let’s go do this instead because it will be more fun. Once in awhile father determination and mother will power step in and tell the boys to leave there little sister alone. You go ahead ambition and do what you wanted to do. Ambition wins with the support of determination and will power backing her up.
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Beautifully said!
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