“I recently heard a story about a woman who asked her ‘inner critic’ to retire. The ‘inner critic’ being that self-critical voice that pipes up under the guise of protecting me from failure or pushing me to be better. Inspired by this idea, I bought my ‘inner critic’ a retirement gift — something tangible I can see or hold in my hands — so that when the doubting, perfectionist voice speaks up I can gently remind her she’s been retired, and show her the small of token of appreciation I bought as proof. Shifting my focus from anxiety to gratitude.”

Claudia Dawson