When the Inner Critic Says ‘You Should Know Better’: What I Remember Instead

Last week wasn’t calm or graceful. It was messy. Stressful. Loud.

There were moments I wanted to disappear under the covers and hit pause on everything — parenting, deadlines, emotions, all of it.

And here’s what I had to remind myself (again): Inner work doesn’t erase discomfort. It just helps us meet it differently — one breath, one choice, one moment at a time.

Even with years of meditation and mindfulness practice, I still have weeks that test everything I know. The truth is: the practice doesn’t make the hard days disappear. It changes how we show up for them.

But here’s what nobody talks about: These are the weeks when the inner critic is harshest.

The voice that whispers, “You should know better by now. You’ve done all this work. Why are you still struggling?”

That voice? It’s part of the pattern too. And recognizing it is half the practice.

When my nervous system was overwhelmed this week, I came back to the simplest practices:

✨ Somatically anchoring: Placing a hand on my heart and whispering, “It’s okay to feel this.” (Yes, even after all these years of practice, I still need this reminder.)

✨ Nature as regulation: Taking slow walks outside, noticing the light through the trees

✨ Permission to feel: Letting myself cry instead of rushing to fix it — and especially instead of judging myself for needing to cry

Somewhere in the middle of all that imperfection, something softened.

The goal was never to “stay zen.” The goal was to stay honest — to allow every part of me to exist without judgment. Even the part that judges.

We’re not projects to perfect. We’re humans learning to integrate — ego, emotions, inner critic, and all. That’s the real work.

So if your week has been heavy too, here’s your reminder:

You’re not falling apart — you’re integrating. Your ego, your emotions, your full humanity? They’re not problems to solve. They’re part of the practice.

And that inner voice telling you “you should be further along by now”? That’s just another part calling out to be integrated with compassion.

The messy days count too. They’re proof that you’re showing up for life — even when it’s unscripted, even when the inner critic is loud, even when you don’t have it all figured out.

💙 And if you need a little extra support this week, I’ve created a free Vagus Nerve Reset Journal to help you ground when everything feels too much. It’s been a lifeline for me — I hope it serves you too.

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About Myriam Gareau

Myriam Gareau is a Coach, Author and Meditation Teacher. She transformed her expertise from corporate risk consulting. She now calls it “inner risk consulting.” This new focus helps people break free from the internal barriers that keep them stuck.

Myriam graduated from the davidji Meditation Academy and studied at the Institute for Coaching Mastery (ICM). She blends business acumen with holistic practices. Her goal is to empower and guide clients to move from where they are to where they want to be.

Books by Myriam

Holistic Vagus Nerve Reset Practical tools for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.

Inner Child Freedom A guide to transforming your relationship with your inner child and reclaiming your authentic power.

Work With Myriam

Free Breakthrough Session I’m currently offering complimentary 45-minute Breakthrough Sessions for those ready to break patterns, not just manage them. Book your session here

Corporate Workshops Bring mindfulness, stress management, and emotional regulation tools to your organization. Contact: myriam@myriamgareau.com

One-on-One Coaching Transformational coaching for lasting change through inner child work, nervous system regulation, and somatic practices. Contact: myriam@myriamgareau.com

Connect With Myriam

Website: www.myriamgareau.com/services
Instagram: @free_ocean_spirit
LinkedIn: Myriam Gareau
Facebook: Myriam Gareau

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