Blessing My Demons: How to Name, Tame, and Transform Your Inner Critic

In this positive self-talk book, discover how to change negative thinking and use radical self-compassion, the Enneagram, and other wisdom traditions to diffuse—and yes, befriend—your whole wacky cast of inner critics.“This guide to taming and transforming your inner critic will not only prove invaluable, it will also make you laugh—and demons hate being laughed at!” —Sean W. Murphy, Hemingway Award-winning novelist and Zen meditation teacher “You’re not good enough. Why are you even trying? This isn’t going to work out.”We all have an inner critic. Maybe you’ve tried to push it away, pretend it’s not there, fight against it, numb yourself to it, or appease it with external validation.What if instead of battling our demons, we tried befriending them? How would they transform if we thanked them for their concern, offered them a warm cup of tea and a kiss on the forehead, and affirmed: “I’ve got this”?Chelsea Forbrook is a certified Enneagram teacher and spiritual director with almost a decade of experience coaching individuals and teams in inner work, healing, and self-awareness. Her personal experience with limiting negative thoughts (Enneagram One, anybody?) inspired her to explore the relationship between self-compassion and the subconscious mind.Bringing together lessons from the Enneagram, Buddhism, Contemplative Christianity, and 12 Steps programs, this inner critic book shares powerful tips for how to name it, tame it—and ultimately, transform it.With relatable humor, lighthearted illustrations, and action-based Inner Work exercises, discover how to:understand your inner critic’s motivation through the lens of your unique personality,release gatekeeping habits of fear, shame, and unworthiness,create more fulfilling intimate relationships by identifying judgmental thoughts,see yourself clearly—shadowy parts and all—to let your true self shine forth and open a world of possibilities.With the approachable humor of Burnout and the practical tools of Belonging: Overcome Your Inner Critic and Reclaim Your Joy, this surprisingly fun journey offers gentle and powerful advice for embracing your inner critic with curiosity, generosity, and patience.Your inner critic can rest easy knowing that you are cared for and carried. It’s time you take back the driver’s seat.“With breathtaking honesty, Chelsea Forbrook reveals her various inner critics in all their petty, outrageous, and often hilarious glory. Her sincerity, warmth, and compassion felt like a soul friend on the journey of facing and blessing my own demons.” Jenny Campbell, Riso-Hudson certified Enneagram teacher Read more