People socialized as women have entire industries (we see you diet industrial complex) and literally thousands of sources of media each day telling us what we’re not doing it right, how we should be doing it better, or what will happen if we don’t fix ourselves… some days it’s amazing we can get anything done at all!

Capitalism and patriarchy had a baby and it’s called self doubt.

When we believe the messages sowing self doubt, sometimes we internalize those beliefs and turn them on ourselves with an inner critic.

You know her.

Your inner critic is the one in your head that speaks to you in a way no other person in your life would be permitted to.

Telling you you’re not smart enough, not attractive enough, or just not enough.

And if a friend or a perfect stranger said the things she does to you… you couldn’t guarantee their safety. 

On her good days, the inner critic is kinda helpful.

I mean, how else would you get to that yoga class you already paid for when you really don’t want to go, or reread that email for the 12th time just to make sure you didn’t embarrass yourself with a typo.

Sure, sometimes the ends are desirable, but the means…? Not always so great.