Listening to the Negative Voice Within: A Path to Healing Your Inner World - Brittany Galland
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “There’s a part of me that feels this way… but I know it’s not true”? Maybe you’ve felt a wave of self-doubt crash over you, even though you know deep down that you’re worthy, capable, and enough. I’ve been there too. So many times, I’ve felt this inner tug-of-war—part of me shouting affirmations of strength and power, while another part sneers, “You suck. Just give up. What are you even doing?!”
For a long time, I followed the modern-day healing advice: ignore that negative voice. Push it away. Drown it out with positivity, affirmations, and good vibes only. But here’s the thing—what if that voice, that “Negative Nancy” in your head, is actually there for a reason? What if, instead of silencing it, we listened? What if that part of you has something important to say—something that could lead to real, lasting healing?
I believe that every part of us exists for a purpose. That negative voice isn’t just there to tear you down; it might be a wounded guardian, trying to protect you in its own way. It might even have years of “proof” to back up its claims—memories, experiences, or traumas that have convinced it that its fears are justified. So, what if we stopped fighting it and started a conversation instead?
A Challenge: Speak to the Negative Part of You
We live in a world that often tells us there’s no room for negativity. We’re encouraged to focus on positivity, to repeat affirmations, to push those “bad” thoughts away. But I think this approach misses something crucial. No amount of affirmations can erase that part of you—it’ll just linger in the background, waiting for a moment to speak up again. Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear; it just keeps it unhealed.
So, I want to challenge you to do something different: have a conversation with that negative part of yourself. Let it speak. Let it be heard. I truly believe that by giving it space, you can start to heal it—and in doing so, heal yourself.
Here’s how to start:
Step 1: Recognize the Voice
The first step is simply noticing that negative voice or feeling. Maybe it shows up as self-doubt, fear, or harsh criticism. Acknowledge its presence without judgment. For me, it often sounds like, “You’re not enough. Why even try?” What does yours sound like?
Step 2: Start a Dialogue
Once you’ve identified the voice, open up a conversation with it. You can do this out loud, in your head, or by writing it down—I personally love journaling for this. There’s something magical about putting pen to paper and letting the words flow. Try starting with a gentle question, like:
“Hey, I hear you saying I’m not enough. You’re questioning what I’m doing and don’t think I’m capable. Why do you feel that way?”
Then, let that part of you speak. Don’t interrupt or argue—just listen. You might be surprised at what comes up. If you’re writing, keep your pen moving and let the words pour out. You might even ask follow-up questions like:
• “When did you first start feeling this way?”
• “What are you trying to protect me from?”
• “Why do you think we need to stay safe by holding back?”
Chances are, this part of you is carrying some old wounds. It might take you back to early childhood, or it might uncover a trauma that’s still lingering in your subconscious. Even if the past feels disconnected from what you’re dealing with now, let this part of you share its story freely. Knowing what it’s been through is the first step to healing it.
Step 3: Honor and Reassure the Part
After you’ve listened, it’s time to step into your power. I like to imagine myself as the Queen of my inner world—because I am! From that place of authority, I thank this part of me for speaking up. I might say something like:
“Wow, I didn’t realize we were still carrying all of this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I see how much you care, and I appreciate that you’re trying to protect me. You’re important to me.”
Then, I reassure this part that I’ve got things under control. I might say:
“I hear your concerns, and I’ll keep them in mind. But I’m the one in charge here, and I’ve decided to move forward. I know I’m enough, even if the past has made us feel otherwise. I think it’s worth trying, and I’d love for us to work together on this.”
Sometimes, I’ll even visualize giving this part of me a big, warm hug. Other times, I’ll ask what it needs to feel better about my decision—maybe it wants a little extra reassurance, or maybe I’ll imagine giving it a symbolic gift to show my gratitude. The goal is to make this part feel seen, heard, and valued, even as you take the lead.
Why This Matters
By engaging with the negative parts of ourselves, we create space for real healing. We stop fighting an internal battle and start building an internal alliance. That negative voice isn’t your enemy—it’s a part of you that’s been hurt, and it’s trying to keep you safe in the only way it knows how. When you listen to it, you give it a chance to release its pain. And when you respond with compassion, you show it that it doesn’t have to carry that burden alone anymore.
This process isn’t about “fixing” yourself overnight. It’s about building a relationship with all the parts of you—even the ones that feel messy or broken. Over time, you might find that the negative voice softens. It might not disappear completely, but it’ll start to trust you more. It’ll see that you’re capable of leading, and it might even become an ally in your growth.
Moving Forward with Compassion
The next time that negative voice pops up, don’t push it away. Invite it to sit with you. Ask it what it needs to say. Let it know that it’s welcome in your inner world, even if you’re the one making the final decisions. Healing doesn’t come from silencing the parts of us that hurt—it comes from listening to them, loving them, and guiding them toward a new way of being. You are the ruler of your inner world, and every part of you deserves to be heard. So, take a deep breath, grab a journal or find a quiet moment, and start the conversation. You might be amazed at what you discover—and how much lighter you feel when you do. What’s the negative voice in your head been saying lately? And what might happen if you listened to it with curiosity instead of judgment? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to email me at Sacredintuitionsociety@gmail.com or Join SIS on Skool.com/sis to post about your experience in our community!
XOXO
Brittany
