You'd Never Say That to a Friend: Getting Curious About Your Inner Critic

When a friend is struggling, you're quick to show her patience, warmth, and remind her you still love her even when she thinks she's missing the mark. But when you're the one falling short, the voice in your head sounds very different. Many of us meet everyone else's struggles with kindness, then treat our own as proof we need to do better.

Here's the truth: that harsh inner voice isn't what keeps you on track; it's trying to protect you from something you might be ready to outgrow. We'll discuss the skill of self-compassion as one of the most powerful sources of coping and resilience we have, and it doesn't mean lowering your standards. It means learning to struggle well.

Key Takeaways:

• Why moms are often kindest to everyone but themselves, and the belief that keeps the pattern going
• How to get curious about your inner critic and what it's trying to help you with
• Three simple moves of self-compassion you can use in real time, the next time you're falling short 

Want support practicing this skill? Download the free Vibrant Mom Toolkit, which includes a self-compassion guided audio practice, at caramaiolo.com/vibrant-mom-toolkit.