In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative questions you can ask yourself as a mother: What if that critical inner voice isn't telling you the truth? If you've ever wished for an "off switch" to your brain or felt trapped by anxiety, self-doubt, and that nagging voice saying you're not doing enough, this episode offers a completely different perspective on how to work with your inner critic.

Key Points

• Why there's no "off switch" to your thoughts (and why that's actually okay)
• Understanding that your inner critic isn't YOU - it's a protective part that's been programmed by past experiences
• The difference between your inner truth and your inner protector
• How nervous system states create the lens through which we see everything in our lives
• Why that voice feels so true in the moment but is wrong 99% of the time
• The negativity bias and how our biology is wired to focus on threats and problems
• Practical steps for questioning and redirecting your inner critic
• Why affirmations don't work when your nervous system isn't aligned
• The importance of practicing new feeling states, not just new thoughts

Quotes "What if the voice inside your head is wrong? What if it's not that you need to turn it off, it's that you need to question it."

"That inner voice is not your inner truth, it's your inner protector."

"Whatever you're practicing, you're getting good at."

Practice Invitation When you notice familiar patterns of anxiety, shame, or self-doubt, pause and ask: "Who's talking right now? What part of me is this? What do they need?" This simple practice brings your mindful awareness online and shifts you into a more grounded nervous system state.

Meta-Phrase Practice Place a hand on your heart and say: "May I choose to feel and see things differently? May I practice new thoughts and new feelings that are here for my thriving?"

Resources Mentioned

• The School of Mom community and 80-90% program retention rates: https://theschoolofmom.com/waitlist 
• Upcoming Nourish retreat for deeper nervous system work: https://theschoolofmom.com/nourish 
• Free resource at Why Smart Moms Still Feel Stuck—And What Actually Helps : https://theschoolofmom.com/smart 

What's Coming Next Continue exploring how to tend to the different parts of yourself with compassion while building capacity for new ways of thinking and being that support your thriving rather than just your surviving.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

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