Week 7: What My Inner Voice Sounds Like Now

What My Inner Voice Sounds Like Now: How has your self-talk evolved over the years?

What My Inner Voice Sounds Like Now: A Self-Talk Glow-Up

Once upon a time, my inner voice was like that one overbearing friend who means well but has no filter. You know the one—the friend who critiques your outfit choices, reminds you of that one embarrassing thing you did in seventh grade, and questions every life decision you make. Yep, that was my self-talk for a long time.

For years, my inner dialogue was fueled by self-doubt, people-pleasing tendencies, and an unrelenting need for external validation. It was like an unpaid, overly critical life coach with a megaphone. Negative self-talk was my default setting, and I had a bad habit of putting myself down before anyone else had the chance. If there was a self-deprecating joke to be made, I was already three steps ahead. But thankfully, over time (and with a lot of self-work), my inner voice has evolved from a judgmental peanut gallery to a wise-cracking but supportive best friend.

So, how did this transformation happen? And what does my inner voice sound like now? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and compare the old and the new.

Then: The Doom Narrator
“Oh wow, you really think you can pull that off? You’re an idiot. Good luck with that. Also, don’t forget, you once called your teacher ‘Mom’ in fourth grade. Just putting that out there.”

My old self-talk thrived on perfectionism and fear. It reminded me constantly of my mistakes, overanalyzed every social interaction, and loved pointing out the worst-case scenario. It was exhausting.

Now: The Encouraging Hype Squad
“Okay, so you tripped in public—big deal! You made someone’s day a little more entertaining. Now go on and conquer the world, you graceful gazelle.”

These days, my inner voice is more forgiving, more humorous, and definitely more fun. It no longer bullies me over minor mistakes but instead cheers me on like a supportive bestie who just wants me to live my best life.

What Changed?

1. Therapy & Self-Work: I put in the work to recognize my negative thought patterns and replace them with kinder, more rational perspectives.
2. Boundaries & People-Pleasing Detox: Learning to prioritize my needs over trying to keep everyone happy has done wonders for my mental peace.
3. Mindfulness & Self-Compassion: I started treating myself like I would a good friend—offering kindness, understanding, and a little humor when needed.

The Takeaway
Self-talk is a journey (shoutout to my blog, JourneyOnStrong.com). It’s not about silencing your inner voice but teaching it to be a little less of a jerk and a lot more of a cheerleader. If my self-talk can go from doom-and-gloom to a quirky life coach with a sense of humor, yours can too.

And if all else fails, just imagine your inner voice speaking in the tone of a delightful British butler or an enthusiastic game show host—it makes everything sound way more fun.

Join me on this blogging challenge. Visit the page and download the PDF. I would love to read your story! 

• Week 7 – Blogging Challenge for Codependency Recovery:
  • Forgiveness: Others and Myself: Explore how forgiveness plays a role in healing.
• Week 7 – Blogging Challenge for Advanced Codependency Recovery:
  • What My Inner Voice Sounds Like Now: How has your self-talk evolved over the years?

#CodependencyChallenge2025