Quieting the Inner Critic: Meeting the Voice Behind the Mask
We all know that voice.
The one that says, “Who do you think you are?”
The one that tells you you’re not ready, not enough, not worthy.
That voice has a name: the inner critic. And while it can feel like the enemy, here’s the truth—your critic isn’t here to destroy you. It’s here because, at some point in your life, it believed you needed protection.
But living under its mask isn’t the same as living fully.
🕯️ Why the Critic Shows Up
The inner critic usually develops in childhood, shaped by the messages we received from parents, teachers, peers, or culture. Its job was to keep us safe—by keeping us small, hidden, or hyper-aware of mistakes.
The problem? That protection often lingers long past its usefulness. Instead of helping, it keeps us disconnected from our true self.
🌿 Meeting the Critic with Mindfulness
Here’s the shift: Instead of battling your inner critic, try meeting it with curiosity. Mindfulness helps us pause and notice:
When does the critic speak the loudest?
What tone does it use—harsh parent, snarky teenager, relentless boss?
What fear is it trying to protect you from?
Mindful awareness helps you see the critic as a part of you, not the whole truth. And in that pause, you create space to choose a different response.
🎨 Creative Ways to Loosen the Grip
Sometimes the critic is too loud for logic. That’s where creative expression comes in:
Journaling: Write down the critic’s words, then respond from a compassionate voice.
Art: Sketch your critic—give it shape, color, personality. Notice how it shifts when it’s on paper instead of in your head.
Movement: Shake out the tension the critic creates. Put on music and move in ways that feel freeing, even silly.
When you bring your critic into the light of creativity, it loses some of its power.
🌙 Taking Off the Mask
Your inner critic thrives when you’re wearing masks—pretending to be who you think you should be. But the more you practice grounding, creativity, and mindful presence, the easier it becomes to peel those layers back.
Underneath the critic, the mask, the performance—you’re still there. The real you. Whole, messy, worthy, and enough.
💛 Want Support in Softening Your Inner Critic?
This is the kind of work we do together in my offerings—meeting the voices that keep you small, and creating practices that bring you back to your truest self.
✨ Explore with me in:
1:1 Coaching – personalized support to meet your critic with compassion and step into alignment
Keep tending to your light — it’s already enough. ✨🌿
With warmth,
Jess 🤍
