Countering our Critics

If you are being waylaid by negative thoughts, you know what I mean, those voices inside that tell you that you have nothing worthwhile to say, that no one cares, and who are you to think you should be writing, then welcome to the experience of being human! I live with those voices all the time, every day! They don't even want me to write these emails! Or post blogs! Or say any of this!

The truth is those thoughts are conditioning inside us that we can subvert! We can talk back to them. But sometimes that takes more energy than we have, especially when they get loud and use all our energy to sap us!

One thing I do to make sure I don't get re-traumatized by all those negative thoughts is that I have other thoughts in place, a kind and inspiring response ready to go, for when my negative thoughts start up. I tell myself, "there are so many people who will be soothed and saved by my stories and my experiences and my words. I can't stop writing. I can't stop trying to get my work into the world, or the people who need my words will never read them or hear them. People would be surprised to know what I have lived through, and it will give them strength. I have to tell my stories. I have to write down my truths. I must do this work because it will mean something to someone."

You have reasons to write too! If you can write down those reasons, you can get past your critics and censors. Write about the people who need your work! Imagine helping them with your sense of humor, with your imagination, with any part of your writing that you think will help them! Create a built-in response to those bullies who rise up when you want to work. Write your response down and tape it to your desk!

Come to Brave Space and write with like-minded people. We are all learning to talking back to our critics and judges!