We are all a product of our past. The things we have seen they way we have been parented and every experience we’ve had up until the point of reading this blog right now has formed the basis of us. Somewhere in our formative years we developed an internal voice. Getting to know yours will you’re your child immensely if they are struggling with theirs. Everyone has an internal voice, the one that likes to add criticism, judgment and evaluation to our thoughts which in turn negatively impacts our feelings. Sometimes this voice is full of praise and encouragement but its usually the more negative voice that seems louder and more dominant. How we “speak” to ourselves is extremely important because it informs how we feel about ourselves, which in turn impacts how we view the world and our place within it as well as how we feel about those around us and ultimately how we connect with others which informs the depth of our relationships with them.
Take time to start to listen and observe to your internal voice over the course of the next week or so. Write down any themes that emerge, what is the tone used from the internal voice and what language is used. Note when you are most critical with yourself and others.