How to hype yourself up 🎤
And pry the mic out of your Inner Critic's hands
Ladies and gentlemen: let me introduce you to the one, the only… ALISONNNNN!!!!
She has no idea what she’s doing. Her ideas are basic-ally trash 🗑️. Everyone is smarter, prettier, and more successful than she is. She is so0o00o behind in life. And she should totally give up on her dreams right? She’s definitely not good enough. Who does she think she is? lolz!
My name’s Inner Critic. You’ve been a great audience! I’m here every day (and night)!
😮💨😮💨😮💨
Does your Inner Critic ever sound like this?
(I hope so, or else I’m really embarrassed that I just put all that out there 🫢)
Over the past couple weeks my Inner Critic hasn’t just taken the mic, it’s taken the megaphone 📢.
At this point, I know myself well enough to know why my IC is feeling particularly loud and intrusive lately:
I’m building something incredibly meaningful and worthwhile to me — without a roadmap — which can be pretty overwhelming at times because I want it to succeed so. badly.
I’ve been scrolling. A lot. (a fast track to comparisonitis)
Every day feels like Groundhog’s Day. I haven’t been intentional about carving out time for play, creativity, or joy.
I feel pressure to Keep Up — with news, podcasts, shows, books, etc.
I’m in my head too much (and not tuning into my body’s wisdom)
To take back control of the narrative that’s been playing on a loop, I called on my Inner Hype Girl 👸🏻.
My Inner Hype Girl is Wise. She’s the one:
In the audience nodding enthusiastically when I’m speaking.
Saying “Brilliant idea!!!” when I have an a ha! moment.
Telling me I can be / do / have anything because, duh, of course I can!
But I forget. I need reminders — constantly. Because the Inner Critic is really loud sometimes and pretty convincing.
Deep down I know IC is all (trash) talk and my Inner Hype Girl speaks the capital T Truth.
So if you’re needing to turn the volume ⬇️ on your IC and turn the volume ⬆️ on encouragement, affirmation, and reassurances, grab a pen and paper.
A journal prompt to hype yourself up when your Inner Critic is being loud/annoying
I call this prompt, “Sticky notes (of encouragement)”. In your notebook:
DRAW a series of sticky notes/squares all over the page. They should be large enough to write a little note in, but small enough to fit about 6-8 on a page.
TAKE a deep breath and ask yourself what words of encouragement, affirmations, or reassurances you need to hear.
WRITE down each message in its own ‘sticky note’.
I’d love to hear what messages come through for you. Here’s a peek at mine:
I am positively fizzing that my holiday journaling series is starting today!
As someone who likes to make everyday moments ✨ magical ✨, the holidays are where I shine. But far too many times I’m so busy making them special for everyone else that I’m too busy or exhausted to enjoy them myself.
Case in point: I’ve had one too many cold hot chocolates.
This year, I’ve vowed to be waaaaay more intentional with how I’m spending my precious holidays and with whom.
Happy Holidays is a 3-week mindful writing experience where you’ll:
Slow down and approach the holiday season with intention, prioritizing the people and experiences that really matter to you
Navigate holiday stressors so you can show up to holiday gatherings mentally clear and emotionally strong
Cultivate gratitude and strengthen the relationships you have with yourself and loved ones
Experience the powerfully meditative and restorative act of writing. on. paper.
What’s included:
Three live 1-hour interactive sessions led by me, featuring custom prompts and writing-based exercises to do in real time (and you know I’ll curate a selection of poetry and literature to serve as inspiring touchpoints throughout!)
Engaging group dialogue — totally optional! You can participate as much or as little as you like
Community, empathy, and connection with a group of like-minded humans who want to proactively enjoy the holidays (rather than simply survive them)
The dates:
Thursday, November 21
Thursday, December 5
Thursday, December 12
4:30PM PDT | 7:30PM EDT | Sessions will be recorded
Investment: $360
Two polls for you!
First, I’d love to know: how would you prefer to hear from me? Do you enjoy reading longform newsletters, or do you prefer to receive a shorter newsletter + follow someone on socials?
Second, IF you’re still hanging out online please share WHERE so I can show up in places that are relevant to you.
TYSM for voting!