Doubt sets in. Usually when we have a setback or a supposed failure. Usually when we are tired or worn down, and the small voice sees an opportunity to make us quit. When we are at our most vulnerable, we can give in to the voice, the voice that tells us we can't, or we shouldn't, or what were we thinking?!

The voice reminds us how easy it would be to stop. The voice calmly chides, this will never work out like we thought it would anyway...

Whether I'm parenting, teaching yoga, or working towards any goal, especially if what I am doing is good for me and others, the critical voice is there. I've realized that this voice will never leave my thought-process. I used to think I was overly critical or a perfectionist, and that's why the voice of doubt felt so strong.

But I think we all have that voice. I think we all fear failure, and we all crave an easier solution to our problems. Most everything worthwhile requires staying, consistency, and not giving up or giving in. Staying is the hardest practice I have ever done. It doesn't matter if I am in a challenging yoga pose, if I am trying to stand firm with my kids, or if I am trying to keep up a habit (or end a habit) - of course the continued effort will not always feel good. Of course I will screw it up, and of course I will want to get out.

The trick with this inner critic is to acknowledge that it's there - that it is in all of us. The next trick is to know that the voice is not accurate or wise. The critical voice is like a bully on the school playground - just trying to get you riled up for its own petty satisfaction.

Like the bully, you don't have to answer. You don't have to engage. You don't have to respond. If there is something you are trying to achieve, or something you are trying to stick to, you absolutely can. There is no reason you can't do something you put your heart into. Most of the time when people don't achieve something, it's because they give up. They decide they don't really want it anymore. Or they decide it's too much effort. There are a million excuses. We trick ourselves into believing the particular path is not for us, when in reality we may just be giving up.

You can. That beat of your heart that tells you to keep going, listen to that. Tell the doubting voice you have everything you need. Tell yourself you are worthy, deserving, and capable. We spend too much time feeding and fearing our own self-doubt. Truthfully, not much can be avoided if we just keep at it.

Staying teaches us lessons along the way.

Staying tells the Universe we are serious.

Staying builds our character and our resolve.

Staying strengthens our heart and our resilience, instead of strengthening the voice that says we can't.

You can. I can. We all can. Nothing is out of reach for you, unless you stop reaching.