The Voice of a Good Friend - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 5)

What would change if your inner critic had a microphone and your best friend could hear every word? We put that scenario to work and build a practical way to answer harsh self-talk with grounded compassion. Instead of arguing with the critic or pretending it isn’t there, we slow down, test its claims, and invite the voice of a true friend to sit at the table with us.

We start by imagining our most judgmental thoughts broadcast aloud, then ask a simple question: how would a caring friend respond? That shift unlocks clarity. Suddenly, “I’m incompetent” becomes “I made a mistake and I’m learning.” “I’m unworthy” turns into “I matter even when I miss the mark.” Along the way, we separate facts from exaggerations, replace sweeping labels with specific observations, and learn language that pairs honesty with warmth. This is not empty positivity; it is accurate compassion that acknowledges error without attacking identity.

Then we flip the lens. Picture a friend speaking about themselves with the same cruelty. What would you say to them? Most of us instinctively challenge the lies, point to real strengths, and offer steps forward. We bring that same approach inward: write the critic’s claim in one line, answer it like a friend in one paragraph, and list three pieces of evidence that support your competence, worth, or likability. The effect is cumulative—less shame, more energy for growth, and a steadier mind when challenges arise.

By the end, you’ll have a repeatable exercise to calm negative self-talk, build resilience, and strengthen self-trust. If this practice helps you breathe a little easier and stand a little taller, share it with someone who needs a kinder inner voice today. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what would your best friend say to you right now?

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Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix of:

• Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings
• Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers
• Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers
• Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change

If you’re interested in:

• Mindfulness meditation for everyday life
• Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices
• Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way
• Deepening your own practice while supporting others

…you’re in the right place.

Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.