> I was angry at always feeling like I was coming short with my work. That it wasn’t going to be good enough. Then I was angry at that anger. Why couldn’t I let go of this need for validation? Don’t I know by now that this is why I became burned out in the first place? Why can’t I be happy just writing, which is already a privilege in itself?
This paragraph hit the nail on the head for me. The frustration is real when you know you know better yet you're still berating yourself to *be* better.
I like how you personified the feeling as the "Inner Critic." To me, the Inner Critic is like a particularly harsh parent or friend. They mean well but they always seem to point out the negatives. They make you "better" in the performative sense but they make the journey a grind. Thank you Inner Critic, but white-knuckling through life ain't that fun.
Wow V, this is a powerful one. I just recently learned about IFS and I'm inspired to spend more time working with my own parts after peeking behind the curtain on your relationship with some of yours. Thank you for this beautiful and revelatory share! I deeply admire and appreciate you.
> I was angry at always feeling like I was coming short with my work. That it wasn’t going to be good enough. Then I was angry at that anger. Why couldn’t I let go of this need for validation? Don’t I know by now that this is why I became burned out in the first place? Why can’t I be happy just writing, which is already a privilege in itself?
This paragraph hit the nail on the head for me. The frustration is real when you know you know better yet you're still berating yourself to *be* better.
I like how you personified the feeling as the "Inner Critic." To me, the Inner Critic is like a particularly harsh parent or friend. They mean well but they always seem to point out the negatives. They make you "better" in the performative sense but they make the journey a grind. Thank you Inner Critic, but white-knuckling through life ain't that fun.
Great post!
It is hard and requires lots of courage to be vulnerable. Seriously admire you .
It is good to feel your feelings, it will make you a good human , actually a better human.
Wow V, this is a powerful one. I just recently learned about IFS and I'm inspired to spend more time working with my own parts after peeking behind the curtain on your relationship with some of yours. Thank you for this beautiful and revelatory share! I deeply admire and appreciate you.