Why is our default setting to criticise ourselves?

Why do we automatically focus on what we perceive to be the shit bits of ourselves?

I have got a lot better at this, but I have just been tested!

Joe’s most recent New Zealand Vlog is out on Youtube . It shows the first 4 nights of my visit, in the North island and I bloody love it!

I love revisiting where we went.

I love how he shows it on the map.

I love watching the banter

I love being reminded of how amazing van life was

I love seeing our sea dips…I can almost feel them again.

But I could feel my internal critic, Betty Bitch Voice wanting to have her say…

What a mess

You should have had your hair cut before you went

You are looking old

You are looking fat

Your arms have got bigger

You should have worn leggings

Don’t wear a bikini again

Wear a polo neck to cover your neck!

You say stupid things

It’s madness how she just shows up uninvited!

Well I am not having it!

I know I have got a lot better over the years as Joe did call me yesterday to see If I wanted to pre watch the video, to vet it for any unwanted camera angles…I declined.

I am happy for it to go on Youtube as it is…it’s me, my true self.

Yes, I am getting older, I am not as toned as I used to be, I carry more body fat than I did 10 years ago, and I can say some really stupid things, much to my families amusement!

But this amazing mind and body of mine took me to the other side of the world on my own!

I have swum in seas and beautiful lakes, climbed mountains, walked miles, driven a big van for the first time, soaked in hot pools, swung over canyons, chased sunrises and had the best bloody time making memories that will last a lifetime, and I got home safely through Dubai…I have a hell of a lot to be thankful for.

I am NOT going to let Betty and her opinion of me get in the way of remembering all those magic moments. I love and accept myself as I am.

So this is your reminder to do things that scare you, travel on your own, drive the van, climb the mountain, don’t succumb to a life living in long sleeve tops and leggings, choose the vests, wear the damn shorts, and enjoy the ice cream and be bloody proud of the amazing body and mind that allows you to do all of these things!

Betty can fuck off!