So...eight days into this journal project and I am still going strong. (We'll pretend like I didn't write six of those entries at one time, K? K.)
Yesterday's entry called for me to name my inner critic. I was being encouraged to talk to myself, and I do that plenty, so I might as well give my inner, petulant self a name. It only makes sense.
I named my inner critic Hetty King.
It was either that or Rachel Lynde... but I actually know people named Rachel and didn't want to be rejecting them in my head all the time. It makes for unhealthy real life relationships, I think.
I decided to try out this whole idea during my run yesterday. Marathon training has about hit the peak - I run 18 miles on Saturday and 20 miles next Sunday. Then my runs taper until the marathon. (OMG IT IS ONE MONTH FROM TOMORROW). My mid week runs have gotten longer too, which meant I was due to run 9 miles last night ... this after working all day and only sleeping for five hours the night before. As soon as I head to the gym and hop on the treadmill, Hetty kicks in. "You could be done with this in five minutes if you just hop on the bike over there." "Is that your knee hurting?" "Why is your toe asleep? Is it asleep? Maybe you should check on that..." "You need more GU."
To each of these I responded, "Hetty, SHUT UP. We are FINE."
I was shocked - it actually worked! It was probably one of the best runs I have had in a really long time. The voice made me want to go faster, push harder, and I did splendidly. Treating my inner critic like an unhealthy friendship allowed me to reject my own negativity without talking down to myself.
Have you ever thought about naming your inner critic?? I highly encourage it!
Have a fabulous Thursday, all!