Growing the Compassionate Voice Within

Kristina Talbot reflects upon quieting critical internal voices while making room for greater compassion.

I recently had to fire someone. Firings are always difficult whether it’s the lead up or the aftermath. One could say that this was a different type of termination, but necessary, nonetheless. She was toxic, intrusive, negative, and often accusatory—not the type of feedback that you want around. The aftermath has been remarkably peaceful and confirmed that removal was a necessary action. Thankfully, in this case, the one fired was not an actual person, but rather a critical voice within my mind.

For years, especially as I hit the holiday season, I was driven to stress and anxiety by a nagging toxic internalized voice that only spoke of what I wasn’t doing and what I should do. Through prayer and reflection, I concluded it was in everyone’s best interest to part ways with this mentality. And thus, in recent weeks, I gave notice that she was fired and no longer in charge. This has generated a very different beginning to Advent and preparation for the Christmas season. With the removal of this critical voice, there is much greater room for a compassionate and loving internalized voice.

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in heavens. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

null

There are so many demands placed upon us during this time year. I often feel as though I am thriving in one area and drowning in another but rarely succeeding across the board. For example: Christmas gifts may be prepared but I’m behind at work; outfits may be selected but Christmas cards are not ordered; decorations may be out of storage but not up, and the list goes on. There are family traditions to uphold as well as an unending lists of performances and parties. All these things can generate a critical internal voice pointing out ways that we are not up to snuff which simultaneously negates the amazing things we are doing to help make this time of year special.

For me, as the voice of compassion grows within, there is love spoken about the beauty and gift of this season. It may be as simple as my 6-year-old bringing home presents from the school gift shop, too excited to wait until Christmas to give his carefully selected items to family members. It could also be in the joy of my daughter’s delight following endless rehearsals coming to fruition during her performance before a warm receptive audience. As full as this time of year is of obligations and demands; it is also filled with moments to absorb.

Click to tweet:
As I hit the holiday season, I was driven to stress and anxiety by a nagging toxic internalized voice that only spoke of what I wasn’t doing and what I should do. #CatholicMom

We are drawing closer to celebrating the greatest story ever told in all of humanity. Perhaps as we prepare our hearts, it is time to make room within by removing those negative voices who act as thieves robbing us of our peace and stealing our joy.

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service has ended, that her guilt is expiated, that she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:1-3)

Christ entered the world for the sake of our salvation. He did not come to make accusations about our shortcomings; He came that we might have life and have it abundantly. As we continue in this season of preparation, may we make room for a compassionate, loving, patient, and kind voice within so that the wasteland of our doubts and fears is expiated.

null