Meet Maud!

Hello you fabulous humans!👋✨

Well, well, well... What a summer it's been! I essentially ghosted the entire month of August to prioritise family time and if I'm being honest, I'm only just recovering from the ordeal! It was fun, beautiful and all that jazz, but, lets be real for a moment, it was also utterly EXHAUSTING. 

So, what does one decide to do after a summer of excessive eating, limited exercise and sleep deprivation that would make an insomniac wince? Naturally, one organises a branding photoshoot and forgets to pack their Spanx. Because why not add a dash of panic to the mix, right? I came out in a cold sweat when I realised my faithful figure-hugging friends were still lounging in the laundry basket (probably laughing at my predicament.)

Now, over the years, I've spent more time practicing positive/neutral self-talk than I've spent trying to fold fitted sheets (which is a lot, trust me). However, I can sometimes find myself caught off guard by my negative thoughts - enter stage left, "Critical Maud," my personified inner critic. Picture her as a disapproving librarian with a penchant for pointing out every flaw and a voice that could curdle milk. 🤓🔍

For an hour, I struggled with negative body image and self-doubt. All I could see were my perceived flaws, magnified like I was looking through the world's most unflattering microscope. Thankfully, with the help of my photographer (bless her patient soul) and a stern talking-to in the mirror, I was able to banish 'Maud' back to whatever dark corner of my mind she lurks in.

I regained my positive perspective by reminding myself that in 20 years, I'd look back fondly at these photos. Similar to when I look at pictures of 25-year-old me and think, "Bloody heck! I was a BABE!" (Side note: Dear 25-year-old me, those jeans did NOT make you look fat. Sincerely, your future self who now understands the true meaning of 'muffin top'.) 👖😂

This experience reminded me that managing our inner critic (Maud) is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. It's like laundry - just when you think you're done, more dirty thoughts pop up.

Mastering the art of managing negative self-talk is a journey I've been on for years. Through practicing metacognition - the ability to think about our own thinking processes - I've developed the skill to (mostly) halt negative thinking in its tracks. Reframing these thoughts, even if just to neutral, has become second nature of sorts. It's like having a bouncer in my brain, ready to kick out any thoughts that don't have a VIP pass.

This aligns perfectly with the neuroscientific principle of Hebb's Law: "Neurons that fire together, wire together." When we repeatedly engage in negative thinking, we strengthen those neural pathways, making it habitual. The good news? The same principle applies to positive reframing. By consistently practicing objective thinking, we can rewire our brains for more balanced perspectives. It's like renovating your mental house - out with the dingy wallpaper of self-doubt, in with the fresh paint of self-compassion!

While I'm not advocating for toxic positivity or constant optimism, learning to manage our inner critic can significantly boost our overall happiness and well-being. A 2021 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who regularly practice positive reframing report higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression. In other words, telling 'Critical Maud' to zip it can actually make you happier. Who knew? 🤐😊

Every time we successfully reframe a negative thought, we're not just changing our mood - we're reshaping our brain, through the power of neuroplasticity, to change its response to negative information. It's like giving your brain a mini-makeover, one positive thought at a time. 💄🧠

The power to transform our mindset is truly remarkable, and with consistent practice, we can create a more positive, resilient version of ourselves. This takes time and work, but it's time and work worth doing, in my opinion. It's like going to the gym, but for your mind - and trust me, the mental gains are worth every rep. 🏋️‍♀️🧘‍♀️

So, my dears, as we bid farewell to summer and welcome the crisp embrace of autumn, let's make a pact. Let's commit to being as kind to ourselves as we would be to a friend. Let's practice catching those negative thoughts and giving them a good talking-to. And most importantly, let's remember that we are all works in progress, beautiful and imperfect, growing and learning every day.

So the next time 'Critical Maud' (or whatever you call your inner critic) pipes up, remember this: You are not defined by your thoughts, but by how you choose to act on them. You have the power to rewrite your internal narrative, to choose self-love over self-doubt and to see the beauty in your journey, Spanx or no Spanx.

Until next time, keep those positive neurons firing and remember: In the story of you, you're both the hero and the author. Make it a bestseller.

Warm wishes, Rosie