I Am My Own Worst Critic

''The only tyrant I accept in the world is the still, small, voice within me''

Mahatma Gandhi

The most influential voice we listen to is the one within and that ''still, small'' voice has so much power. The voice within can impress us and lift us high, it can also depress us, it can be downright destructive. I guess sometimes, the tiny voice within is not always that tiny. Seriously, would you tolerate the things you say to yourself from anyone else in your life? I doubt it! Stop listening to the critical, frustrated, irritated, and aggressive inner voice. Instead, try surrounding yourself with kind, compassionate, caring voices, this, in turn, will help to positively influence the voice within.

Listening to anything that brings about good feelings will adjust your inner voice, permitting it be more nurturing. Notice your inner voice, pay attention, if it is making you feel good don't be afraid to ''turn up the volume''. Surround yourself with people that inspire the voice, listen to music that makes the voice sing, read the words from those that invigorate the voice, recognize the art that brings about the creativity in your voice, exercise the actions that help energize the voice.

When you are faced with a situation that brings about criticism, and there will always be situations that arise, take the time to understand that these situation are only opportunities for you to truly change within. Remember change is growth and growth is good. Again, in these times of criticism, notice the influences on your inner voice. Is this criticism coming from a place of love and compassion or of manipulation and control? Now, if that criticism comes from an egoic place, full of manipulation and control than it will not inspire growth, listening to that voice may bring about ill feelings, dis-ease, and stress.

Hopefully, the criticisms that you do face come from a place of encouragement and support, if this is the case, it is all good and allow yourself to accept it joyously, doing so will allow you to change that inner tyrant into an inner inspirational mentor.

Growing everyday,

Randy