When I ask that question, who is the first person to come to mind? Is it your sports rival? Is it your coworker who you feel like is constantly trying to one-up you? Is it your neighbor who lets her dog do his business on your lawn and never cleans it up?  

Would you be horrified if I told you that YOU might be your own worst enemy? You might be asking, “How is that possible, Grace? How could I be my own worst enemy”? Sometimes it’s not your actions, but rather the thoughts you have about yourself that are the most destructive.

There may be a critical voice inside your head that judges yourself harshly, and to a different standard than you hold others to. It is an internalization of expectations from your parents, society, and yourself. It is often accompanied by blaming, shaming, and judging thoughts. You might repeatedly beat yourself up for a mistake, instead of seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. You might be slow to forgive yourself and punish yourself for the past. Your inner critic may make you feel inadequate and unworthy.