When I wake up with voices filling my mind, each offering direction, advice, critique. I sit with the feeling of being pulled.
I feel alive.
I take a piece of paper and draw a stick figure
—As the first voice emerges,
it says, “You’re wasting your time,”
I write the words around the stick figure’s head, where I feel them.
“This is getting you nowhere,”
Another voice chimes in…
“You’re fat,”
“You’re a loser,”
They seem to be coming from the left side of my head.
“Things don’t change. What’s always been will always be,” the voice continues.
I write it all down. And I believe them. I see the evidence.
These are old recordings, old ‘help’ that doesn’t serve me now. I thank them. I acknowledge them and their intent. “I hear you,” “I know you’re trying to keep me safe, protect me”. I see their best intent. I reassure them.
“I am safe”,
“I am ok”,
“I am an adult now.”
“I can take care of myself”.
A voice returns, with some more advice, I listen again. I don’t dismiss it outright, i consider its words. I ask it what it wants. It wants some assurance I’ll take care of myself.
“I can exercise”.
“I can take things one day at a time.”
I can build trust with these aspects of myself, showing them I am capable of taking action, of living a life that is both colourful and beautiful.
I can acknowledge that I’m surrounded by love, by true friends. I am creative, strong, and beautiful (and everything else).
Learning to parent my inner child with the voice of self-compassion amidst the noise is a skill that needs practise.
This journey through voices, through self-doubt and criticism, to a place of self-compassion and acceptance, is a reminder of the power within me. It underscores the importance of listening, of acknowledging the parts of ourselves that are scared or hurt, and of offering them the comfort and assurance they need.
The path to self-compassion is paved with understanding, kindness, and a profound acknowledgement of our shared humanity. It’s a journey that brings us closer to our true selves, to a life filled with colour, love, and the quiet strength of knowing we are enough, just as we are AND that enables us to do what we want to do and be who we truly are.
Life is so beautiful and wild and free and so are we.
Jen May is a passionate coach specialising in female empowerment and self-expression. She is dedicated to guiding women to follow their wild hearts and discover new pathways to freedom and strength. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Jen brings rich expertise to her coaching practice. She is certified in NLP(ABNLP), EFT, TFT(ATFT), Life Coaching(MASC), and Hypnotherapy(ABH).
Jen invites you to embrace the mystery of life, to connect with the wildness of your soul, the depth of your emotions, and the power of your unique voice. Together, you will explore the beauty of being fully alive, embracing the challenges and joys of life with an open and resilient heart. Her coaching is a profound call to transformation, to find your voice, and to step into the light of your true Self.