Why are we sometimes so much harder on ourselves than we would ever be on someone else?

In Part 1 of our conversation about the inner critic, we’re getting curious about that running commentary in our heads: what it sounds like, where it comes from, and what it might be trying to do for us.

We talk about Sage vs. Saboteur, Wise Mind, toxic positivity, and the difference between useful self-reflection and criticism that slides into shame. Then we get personal about what our own inner critics actually say—from “I’m not good enough” and “I’m taking up too much space” to perfectionism, anxiety, people-pleasing, and the fear of disappointing other people.

We also dig into shame vs. embarrassment, vulnerability, and why having safe people who can see the messy parts of us—and still love us—can change the way we relate to that critical voice.

And we’re not done. 👀 In Part 2, we’ll talk about when the inner critic gets louder, what it may actually be trying to protect us from, and how we can start moving from self-criticism toward self-compassion.

CHAPTERS

00:00 👋 Opening
00:51 🥂 What’s in Your Chalice?
02:54 🍂 Cycle Season Check-In
05:24 🧠 What Is Your Inner Critic?
09:16 🧙‍♀️ Sage, Saboteur, & Wise Mind
15:17 🗣️ What Our Inner Critics Say
18:10 😳 Shame, Embarrassment, & the Inner Critic
30:21 🤝 Vulnerability, Safety, & Being Seen

RESOURCES MENTIONED

🧠 Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

🎧 The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

💜 Curious About Your Own Saboteurs? Take the Free Assessment

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Living Luteal Loca! 💜

A QUICK NOTE

Living Luteal Loca is for education and entertainment and isn’t a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Please work with your own healthcare team for advice specific to you.

🎵 Music: “Posy” — licensed through Soundstripe via Riverside