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!