Thread by @WePublicHealth

The final session for the day is keynote by @ClareBowditch, musician, broadcaster, sometimes actor, speak and best-selling author, who will be speaking about ‘How to tame your inner critic – How to tell yourself a better story about yourself’ #GiantSteps22

But, first Jo Gibbs joins the stage for some chair yoga - she has noticed in her work in hospitals that many people are cognitively fatigued... away for a minute to do some shoulder rolls #GiantSteps22

"My joy being here with you is that I get to use a couple of my special, natural gifts with you" - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

Acknowledges amazing work of healthcare workers over past couple of years, supporting many families get through challenges with strength and honesty - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

@ClareBowditch recounts that as the youngest of 5, she learned to gain attention in her family by singing #GiantSteps22

Bowditch's parents taught her about hope & community - "this isn't all there is, there's more" - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

She goes on to recount her experience with anxiety and how she found Dr Clare Weekes' book 'Complete Self-Help for Your Nerves' whose message was to be kind to yourself, be hopeful & keep things simple -
@ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

Dr Weekes' book said something to @ClareBowditch at the right time - "you will recover" & Clare believed her. 'Face, accept, float & let time pass' - #GiantSteps22

Naming her anxiety "Frank" helped, as did telling "Frank" where to go, although acknowledging that telling "Frank" where to go is not a long-term solution - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

How to tame your inner critic - it doesn't happen overnight
1) spot your self-doubts
2) name them - "play with the folly of your self-doubt"
- @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

3) tame it - find a playful way to tell your inner critic to go away (for now)
4) authority, kindness, develop your inner champion
- @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

If you can't find your inner champion, find a song that makes you feel "alive", reminds you of joy - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

"It's alright to feel bad, it's OK to feel what you're feeling & give yourself a different story" - @ClareBowditch's message to her younger self #GiantSteps22

Loved the reframing of "breakdown" to "breakthrough" - language so important @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22

Finishing with a song that's "not just one of those folk songs", Clare says - One Little River - "your heart wants to be loved by you" - @ClareBowditch #GiantSteps22
'Tame your inner critic' playlist on spotify
open.spotify.com/playlist/39Yiv…