Headspace Studios.

Welcome to Radio Headspace. I'm Dora, and I'm so happy that you're here.

Confession time. When I first started dating my now boyfriend, I used to

obsess over every text I sent him. I'd type at a simple message like, hey, how was your day?

But then immediately start second guessing it. Was that too casual? Not casual enough? Maybe I should

add an emoji. Or was that trying too hard?

I'd rewrite it three times, delete it twice, and then stare at my phone as if the perfect

words would magically appear.

Beneath all this mental back and forth was a familiar voice whispering.

If this message isn't perfect, he'll lose interest.

Or, you're being too much, tone it down. It seemed harmless, almost funny at times, but it made me wonder,

what if I just stopped editing myself so much?

What if being myself was actually enough?

We all have an inner voice.

Sometimes it's our cheerleader, and sometimes it's overly cautious, maybe even a bit harsh.

And we've grown so accustomed to this inner critic that we often mistake it for truth.

Yes, that voice might mean well, but it's trying to keep us safe, from embarrassment and from rejection.

However, safety shouldn't mean shrinking. Mindfulness can help us notice these stories,

investigate them, and create space for a kinder, more compassionate voice to come through.

Early on in my relationship, mindfulness helped me notice just how often I was getting caught up in these anxious narratives.

I remember one night in particular.

We had an amazing date filled with laughter and great conversation.

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