That’s what’s going on in my head.  How about yours?  That’s the sound of self talk. And, today, mine isn’t pretty.  It’s making lot of noise without providing much substance.  And, what substance there is is pretty irrelevant and self-defeating.  So, I’m going to have a chat with my self-talk.  I’m going to tell it just what I think of its negative, fear based, energy sucking messages.  I’m going counter it point by point and send it packing.  Here goes.  (It’s kind of a private and personal conversation, so, excuse me for a moment.  I’ll come back when I’m done.)

Phew!  That felt good!  I put her in her place!  I thanked her for her concern and then invited her to get the heck out of my way so I could get back to work.  I corrected all of her unfounded judgments and set her straight about my confidence, my ability to provide value, my successes and my self worth.  I really told her where to get off!  And, while I know she’ll creep back in from time to time, she’s out of my way for now and I can get on with my productive, generous fulfilling life. 

In order to have power over your negative inner voice, notice when it is speaking to you.  Give it a name if you like. Picture it as a little critter, sitting on your shoulder, screaming in your ear.  Then, just thank it for visiting and invite it to go away.  Like a speck of dandruff, flick it off.  Ping.  Send it flying head over heel into the corner.  Once it’s out of the way, you’ll be able to replace it with your strong inner voice;  the one that sings your praises and tells you you can do whatever you set out to do, inspite of your fears.  The one that is appreciative, curious, generous and productive.  Make it a habit to find that voice and listen to it and over time, your critical voice will be disempowered.