2.4.24 Thoughts It can be hard some days to remember that it can take years to build up the courage to ask for what you need - OR - give yourself what you need. To give yourself permission to respect yourself enough when it has been programmed in you that IF you ask for permission, internalized systemic patriarchy and internalized misogyny (especially as women) will signal to you that you are a burden, not worthy enough, or selfish if you ask. Phrases my inner critic would parrot to me anxiously that I didn’t realize where defense mechanisms 👇: Other people have it harder than me, do I really need help? Why can’t I get over this, other people seem to be doing so much better at this than I am… It’s okay to help others but not okay to ask for help… It really isn’t as bad as you are making it out to be… It could have been so much worse… Have you done everything you possibly can before you ask… You are weak for asking… Just get over it… Grow up… This is a SMALL sampling of an inner...