Was My Inner Critic Really Ok with This?

You may have noticed the void last week – no regularly scheduled biweekly post. I can just picture you, waiting with bated breath, only to find... nothing. 

 Zip. Nada. Zilch. 

But here’s the thing, it wasn’t an oversight or some crisis that kept me away. I just didn't do it. 

Yep, you read that right.

Now, before you think I’ve given up or that I’m taking our connection lightly, let me explain.

I was simply taking a breather. And guess what? My Inner Critic, who’s quite the taskmaster, was actually ok with it! (Crazy! I know.)

After my Costa Rican adventure, which turned into post-Costa Rican sickness (I swear, it felt like the brink of death at one point), I found myself at a crossroads: write the post or not.

Despite having ideas, and even writing out a few thoughts, I chose not to.

And, more importantly, I chose not to beat myself up for it.

Walking this line between discipline and self-compassion is tricky.

Yes, pushing through reluctance can be incredibly growth-inducing. 

But so can listening to what you need and offering yourself grace and understanding.

Staying in your comfort zone won't get you far, but neither will running yourself ragged just on principle.

My Inner Critic, who by the way, is a 'he', used to fear the slippery slope of letting commitments slide. He was certain if I skipped out on something I was earning myself a one-way ticket to hell in a handbasket! 😈

And I don't necessarily think he's wrong. Disciple and consistency are high values of mine. I believe they are cornerstones to a fulfilling life. 

But my Critic and I have come a loooong way together.

Now, my Adult often shows up with consistency and discipline – which is exactly what has won over my Critic's trust. 

I really felt the shift in our relationship when last week he didn’t utter a peep when I skipped the email.

This decision was not made out of insecurity, fear or even laziness. It came from my Adult who knew it was okay to take a pause. 

And Critic was cool with it, trusting that I’d be back, which I am. 😎

Turns out, it even gave us something to talk about!

So, what about you? Could you use a bit of leniency with yourself? Is your Inner Critic pushing too hard? Or have you been a bit too forgiving lately? 

Either way, it's never too late to recalibrate, to find that sweet spot between discipline and self-care. 

And take it from me, once you do find it, the Inner Critic, the Adult, and even the Inner Child, will be much happier because of it.