Inside Chatter

Imagine you're on a date with someone you really like. In a moment of silence, they reach

across the table and say, “I’ve got something to tell you.”

Is your first thought, “They’re probably breaking up with me,” or is it, “They’re going to tell me

what I mean to them?”

Our inner voice can be a valuable friend, helping us recognize the positivity around us, guiding us towards our goals, providing bursts of motivation, enhancing our self-esteem and

self-confidence.

But, it can also be our harshest critic. This inner critic tends to focus on the negative, keeping us stuck in a limiting mindset and distorting our view of the world. It points out our mistakes, prevents us from moving on from them, and ultimately restricts our self-belief and our ability to take action.

If your inner voice sounds like -

“I can’t do that,” “It’s too difficult,” or “I’m not smart enough, pretty enough, or good enough,”

wouldn’t you be less likely to try to reach your goals? Or maybe, not even set those goals in the first place?

Left unchecked, your inner critic can hold you back and cast a dark shadow over how you see yourself. Thinking of yourself as less than, you might shy away from others as you move away from your hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

How can I work with my inner voice?

The first step is to tune in and listen to what your inner voice is saying.

If it’s supportive, amplify that voice and listen deeply.

If it’s critical, try flipping the switch to change the conversation.

We can switch our mindset by becoming our own best friend. By believing in ourselves,

prioritizing our needs, and offering ourselves acceptance, encouragement, forgiveness, and

compassion.

Imagine how it would feel to say, “I can,” instead of “I can’t,” and “I am,” instead of “I’m not.”

A positive inter voice can move us from where we are to where we want to be.

Would you like to learn how to be your own best friend? Reach out to Growing Minds and book a free 30 minute consultation with Alisa Farina today! Visit www.growingmindscounselling.com

to learn more.

Stay tuned for more of this four part series -

Part 2: 5 Ways to Reframe a Harsh Inner Voice

Part 3: What Happens When You Start Speaking Kindly to Yourself

Part 4: How to Teach Kids to Develop a Positive Inner Voice

About the Author:

Alisa Farina is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and the Founder of Growing Minds Counselling and Consulting. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with distinction, Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, and a Diploma in Special Education. With over 30 years of experience in special education, youth work, and counselling, Alisa brings deep compassion, insight, and real world understanding to her work.