Inner Critic


Thomasina looked at her computer monitor and frowned.

She typed a few words…

And stopped.

Bernard, the harshest of the Inner Critics approached. “What are you doing?” Bernard asked, although not really interested.

“I’m writing a blog post.” She replied. “Only I’m struggling for something to say. Perhaps you could help?”

Bernard looked at the screen. “Move the curser here.” He tapped the screen.

“To the beginning?” Thomasina asked. Bernard nodded, and she did as he asked.

“Now, press and hold this key.”

“The delete key?” Thomasina watched as Bernard nodded again. She deleted what she’d written so far.

“Now, click on this box,” He pointed to the red X in the top corner of the screen, “and close the whole thing down. Nobody will read what you write anyway.” He walked away without another word.

Thomasina didn’t click the red X. She looked at the blank screen in front of her. Although she now didn’t have any words, she knew she had more to say.

28 responses to “Inner Critic”

  1. Books & Bonsai avatar

    Funny what gets us writing, isn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It is indeed! My Inner Beings try all sorts of things! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Elaine avatar

    He doesn’t sound like a very nice man!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Bernard is everyone’s worst nightmare, Elaine. He’s my Inner Nagging Voice – the one who constantly says I’m not good enough (etc)! He’s really grumpy. I’ve sent him away on a mission to search for a number of needles in an ever-changing number of haystacks around the world, but it appears he’s now searching in the UK again. I named him Bernard so I can tell him where to go when he turns up! 🤣 It works for a while.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Elaine avatar

        You don’t want people like him in your life, 😬 tell him you are more than good enough then give him a kick! 😡

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          Exactly! Will do! I think he’s getting the message! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Chris Hall avatar

    I think Bernard’s looking over my shoulder this morning!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Oh, no! I hope not Chris. If he is there, send him packing pronto! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Chris Hall avatar

        It’s okay, Tom, he’s gone!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          Phew! You don’t need that, sorry him, hanging around! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Chris Hall avatar

            ✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻

            Liked by 1 person

  4. earthskyair avatar

    Ha! All too relatable! Bernard, eh? I shall have to give mine a name, too. 🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It’s easier when they’re named, Earthskyair… easier to send them away and ignore them! 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

  5. -Eugenia avatar

    I have a Bernard hanging around my place too! Time to give him the boot. 😠

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Go for it, Eugenia! The sooner they know, the better! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Shweta Suresh avatar

    He sounds horrible. It’s best to kick all Bernards out and keep the door firmly locked to prevent their entry!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      He is, Shweta! Not the most helpful! I do send him away… but he always manages a sneaky way back. Best just to be aware… just in case! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Shweta Suresh avatar

        That’s the problem with our inner critics. They always find a way to creep in, especially when we’re feeling low! All we can do is to be aware.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          Indeed! And carry on regardless as best we can!

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Diane Henders avatar

    Oh, those annoying inner critics! Time to give Bernard the old heave-ho.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      He keeps getting the old heave-ho, Diane, but he always manages to bring it back! I might give him a heavy heave-ho this time! ☺

      Like

  8. Visionkeeper avatar

    I can relate…Especially lately, my mind just goes blank with so much garbage stuffed inside… VK

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      We just have to keep on keeping on, VK. We know the way! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Visionkeeper avatar

        Just follow the white rabbit 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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