Be as kind to yourself as you are to a friend

Something I've been practicing lately: talking to myself the way I talk to a friend. When I mess something up, my first thought is usually harsh — 'how could I get that so wrong?' But I'd never say that to a friend. To a friend I'd say, 'that was a rough day, anyone would have struggled with that.'

So now when the harsh version shows up, I rephrase it out loud, the way I'd actually talk to someone I care about. It feels awkward at first — almost silly. But hearing the kinder words in my own voice seems to make them land.

Would you try it today? When your inner critic shows up, answer it the way a good friend would. I'd love to hear how it goes for you.