We all have an inner critic—a voice within that evaluates, judges, and often berates us. While it may vary in tone and intensity from person to person, the inner critic is a near-universal experience. It frequently manifests as self-doubt, harsh judgment, or relentless perfectionism, shaping how we view ourselves and
The Destructive Path of Toxic Shame
“I wish I could be more like my friend Jermaine. When he gets rejected, he just shrugs and lets it roll off his back. ‘Their loss,’ he’ll say, sometimes with a tinge of anger. But not me. When I get rejected, I sink down into a shame response so deep
Compartmentalization, Escapism, and the Beleaguered Self
Seeking out pleasurable or restorative activities are forms of self-care that can bring much-needed balance to our lives. And because work and home life demand so much of you, you might find that you need to be intentional about integrating these types of beneficial activities into your life because otherwise,
The Shrinking Self
Emotional pain is unavoidable. And many are forced to deal with this pain very early in life: the sting of failing, of being let down, of coming face-to-face with real and imagined limitations; the pain caused by bullying and ostracism; grief brought about by the death of a parent or
Avoidant Attachment: Close, but Not Too Close
We all practice avoidance. Whether it’s keeping away from a person you don’t enjoy being around, avoiding certain foods for health reasons, or steering clear of a congested road during your commute, it’s not hard to argue the fact that avoidance is a smart option. Truly, avoidance can be an