This week I was putting the final touches on my eight-week online program, Healing From Within, and was battling crazy critical thoughts...
What if it's not perfect?
What if there are mistakes?
What if it doesn't make sense?
What if it doesn't help people?
I was scrutinizing each sentence, criticizing each module and second guessing everything I had written. I was about to rip my hair out, so I decided to go for a walk.
The distractions of the city pulled me out of my mind, and it dawned on me...
Why am I being SO critical of myself and my work?
I know the program is solid. I know it's filled with quality content. And I know, without a doubt, that I poured my heart and soul into it. So why can't I trust in the powers to be that my best will be enough?
This critical mindset is all too common. It's something many many women struggle with. We are insanely hard on ourselves, in almost every aspect of our lives.
I didn't do that well giving that presentation this morning.
I look horrible in this dress.
I shouldn't have eaten that second slice of pizza.
I can't even look at my reflection in the mirror.
This critical nature permeates how we view everything: how we perform in our jobs, how we relate to people, and how we see our bodies. Especially how we see our bodies.
We don't give ourselves credit for a job well done (we could have done better), don't celebrate our small milestones (we should have achieved more), and agonize over every flaw in the mirror (we must have a bikini ready body by summer).
But what if, just for once, we let ourselves be enough?
What if we gave ourselves permission to acknowledge that, at our core, we are doing the best we can at any given moment, even if it's not perfect?
Can we relax into knowing that we don't need to be anything more than we already are?
I remember years ago sobbing to my sister in the midst of one of my "post food binge" fits. I hated my body and myself; I just couldn't get a handle on feeling good about ME. I still hear her words whisper in my soul:
I wish you could see yourself how others see you.
Kind. Compassionate. Smart. Beautiful. Perfect-as I am.
If only we could all see ourselves like that. If only every woman on this planet could see herself how those who love her do. What a different world we would live in.
Can you begin to take a step out of your critical, harsh mind to view yourself as your friends, family, and significant others see you? Can you imagine a world where each of us let go of the self-inflicted criticism, recognized our worth, and saw ourselves as those who love us see us?
My challenge to you is this: the next time you're standing in front of the mirror staring in horror at your body, berating yourself for not getting your to-do list finished, or criticizing yourself for having a bad eating day, I want you to stop yourself and think of the person who loves you most in this world-would they be thinking these thoughts about you? Not a chance.
Dare to see yourself as others see you. You in all your unique beauty. Without the critical filter.
Tired of always starting over on Monday? Download your FREE "Must Have Guide to End the Diet Cycle Today." For more information on how to stop obsessing over your eating and weight, visit jennhand.com or come say on facebook!
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.