Listening for the Inner Guide
When the critic gets loud
Most of us know what it feels like when the critic takes over — the sharp, bossy voice that says “not good enough,” or “you should know better.” It can feel like that voice is the only one in the room.
But here’s what often gets overlooked: there’s another voice inside you. One that doesn’t push or shame. A quieter one, but steadier. Kinder. I call it the Inner Guide.
A different kind of support
Unlike the critic, this part doesn’t try to keep you small. It offers encouragement, perspective, and calm. It reminds you of your worth without conditions.
The tricky part? It speaks softly. And when the critic is loud, the Inner Guide can be easy to miss. But it’s always there, waiting to be heard.
A simple way to hear it
Here’s a gentle practice you can try:
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Pause and take a few slow breaths.
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Recall a time when you felt deeply cared for, safe, or at ease. This might be with a trusted person, in nature, or with a beloved pet.
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Notice what shifts in your body as you remember that moment.
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From this calmer place, ask inside: “What does my Inner Guide want me to know right now?”
It may come as a whisper, a body sensation, or simply a sense of steadiness.
Why this matters
The critic doesn’t need to disappear — it’s just not meant to run the whole show. The more we learn to listen for the Inner Guide, the more balance we bring inside ourselves.
Let me know!
If you try this, I’d love to hear what your Inner Guide had to say. Just hit reply and share — I always read your responses.
All the best,
Suzanne
P.S. Next month, we’ll look at the hidden cost of self-doubt, and how it quietly shapes the way we show up — even when everything looks fine on the outside.
Responses