Tag / self improvement

Embracing Your Worth
by Coach Wendy

3 Simple Steps to Silencing Your Inner Critic and Embracing Your Worth

Do you ever feel like you have a little voice in your head constantly telling you that you aren’t good enough? That nagging voice, your inner critic, can make you doubt your abilities, second-guess your decisions, and keep you from taking action toward your dreams.

But what if you could learn to silence that voice and finally start embracing your true worth?

The truth is, you can. You don’t have to live with a constant stream of self-doubt. By using these three simple steps, you can begin to quiet your inner critic and live a life in which you feel truly worthy.

Step 1: Acknowledge, Don’t Argue

When your inner critic starts to speak up, your first instinct might be to argue with it or try to prove it wrong. However, this often gives it more power. Instead, simply acknowledge what it’s saying without judgment.

Think of it like a noisy neighbor—you hear them, but you don’t have to engage in a full-blown argument. Acknowledge the thought by saying to yourself, “I hear you, inner critic. I hear that you’re worried about _________, but I’ve got this.” This simple act of observation creates a healthy distance and reduces the power of the negative thought.

Step 2: Reframe the Narrative

Your inner critic’s story is often based on fear. Your job is to replace that fear-based story with one rooted in truth and self-worth. When a negative thought arises, ask yourself: “What is the truth here?”

For example, if your inner critic says, “You’re not good enough to do that,” you can reframe it. A truthful reframe might be, “I am committed to learning and growing. I have overcome challenges before, and I can do this, too.” This act of reframing changes the conversation from one of fear to one of empowerment.

How to Say No: A Guide for People Pleasers

Step 3: Celebrate Small Wins

You’ve been conditioned to focus on everything that’s not working. It’s time to retrain your brain to see your successes. Make a conscious effort to notice and celebrate every small win, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Did you stick to your plan? Did you have the courage to speak your mind? Did you start working on a difficult project? Acknowledging these small victories builds momentum and proves to your subconscious that you are capable and worthy of success. Over time, these small celebrations will build a solid foundation of self-worth that your inner critic can no longer shake.

Ready to Find Your Inner GPS?

Silencing your inner critic is a journey, not a destination. These three steps are just the beginning of your path toward embracing your worth. If you’re ready to dive in and get the support you need to create lasting change, I invite you to discover your unique path to peace and clarity.

As a free gift, take The Overwhelmed Woman’s Inner GPS Quiz to get an instant action plan for less stress and more flow.

[Click Here to Take the Free Quiz]

In love & light,

Coach Wendy's signature
by Coach Wendy

Why Self-Care Seems So Impossible 🥵 AND How You Can Change That ✅

Are you someone who is so overwhelmed with work, aging parents and children that you don’t take time for yourself?    Are you screaming YES to me?

This brings up a question that I get all of the time:

1. Why does it seem so impossible at times?

Well first, as women, we have been conditioned by the patriarchy (F that!) to prioritize the needs of others before our own.  We know this is absolute rubbish and we are fighting back – again.

Then we have the pressure we impose on ourselves.  Do you ever notice yourself saying, “I’m fine” or “I’ve got this”.   We think we can add one more thing to our already overloaded plate and then before you know it, your shrimp slips off to the floor.  And you really like shrimp. (Thank you Elaine for that analogy!)

The feeling of it being impossible shows up as a result of:

  • Overcommitment: Taking on too many responsibilities can leave little room for self-care.   (Full plate, shrimp on floor)
  • Guilt: Many of us feel guilty for wanting time for ourselves, believing it’s selfish to step away.  (F that!)
  • Lack of Support: By not saying, “I need help.  Go do _________” it leads to all of these responsibilities piling up on YOU.

So you step out of that scenario and you decide to treat yourself to some aspect of self care.  Only to have this question show up:

2. Why does it seem like when I make a new commitment to self-care, it gets sabotaged?

First, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  When you decide to prioritize yourself and self-care, it’s common to encounter setbacks. Here are some reasons why your commitment to putting yourself first gets sabotaged:

  • Unexpected Responsibilities: Life is unpredictable, and new obligations are constantly popping up with no warning, pushing self-care to the back burner.
  • Internal Resistance: Sometimes, the desire to care for others can overshadow personal needs, leading to self-sabotage.
  • Plain old Sabotage: When you make a change, those around you see that as a threat.  As a threat, they will do whatever they can (sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally) to go back to the way things used to be so that it is comfortable for them. 

There is good news though!  While the setbacks are real, there are effective strategies to help you reclaim your time and power:

1. Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries with family members. Communicate your needs and the importance of self-care to those you support. This might mean designating specific times for personal activities or saying no to additional commitments that don’t serve your well-being.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Make self-care non-negotiable. Schedule it into your calendar just like any other important commitment. This could be as simple as taking a daily walk, practicing mindfulness, or doing something that brings you joy.  Do you remember joy?

3. Create a Support Network

Surround yourself with friends, family, or support groups who understand and are in a similar situation. Sharing experiences and resources can lighten the load and provide encouragement.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help center your thoughts and reduce stress, making it easier to focus on your needs.

➡️ To get started, Download Your FREE 8 Days of Journaling Prompts for Peace of Mind here.⬅️

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate small victories in your journey toward balance. Whether it’s a successful day of self-care or a moment of relaxation, recognizing these achievements can motivate you to continue prioritizing your well-being.

Here’s the thing.  Finding balance is undeniably challenging, AND it is not impossible. Now that you understand what might get in your way  and begin implementing simple strategies, you canreclaim your time and nurture yourself.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

In love & light,  

P.S.  Share this on to a friend who needs support ➡️🩷 

by Coach Wendy

Armoring Yourself in Gratitude: How to Protect Yourself from Burnout

As a busy, professional woman juggling the demands of work, family, and caregiving, I know it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. Between the pressure to perform at your job, the needs of aging parents or a sick child, and the constant pull to be everything to everyone, do you find yourself exhausted, frustrated, and questioning your own self-worth?

What if I told you there’s a way to fortify yourself against the relentless onslaught of obligations and responsibilities? Would you want to know more about that? Well, here’s what I know for sure…… the antidote to burnout lies in cultivating a deep sense of appreciation.

Gratitude as a Protective Shield
Just as a knight’s armor shielded them from the blows of battle, gratitude can serve as a buffer against the stress and negativity that threatens to consume you. When you make a conscious effort to focus on what you’re thankful for, it shifts your perspective and helps you recognize the blessings in your life, even amidst the chaos.

This is especially important as you struggle with feelings of unworthiness or the pressure to be “selfless” at the expense of your own well-being. By donning the armor of gratitude, you give yourself permission to prioritize self-care without the guilt. After all, how can you pour from an empty cup?

Cultivating a Gratitude Practice
Building a gratitude practice doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the laughter of a loved one, or the beautiful sunset you witnessed on your commute home.

For a more structured approach, I invite you to check out my Self-Care Sanctuary Journal. This 30-day journaling program offers daily prompts and reflections to help you cultivate a deep sense of appreciation and inner peace, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

By donning the armor of gratitude, you’ll not only protect yourself from burnout but also create the mental space and clarity to tackle your to-do list with renewed energy and focus. So, the next time you feel the weight of the world pressing down on you, remember to reach for your gratitude shield and let it fortify you for the journey ahead.

In love & light,