Your Inner Voices Aren’t Against You, They’re Trying to Protect You
Have you ever felt totally torn inside?
One part of you says, “Go for it, this is your chance!”
Another part whispers, “No way, it’s too risky. Stay safe.”
This kind of internal conflict is incredibly common, and incredibly human. They're not just a random jumble of thoughts, they're reflections of the internal parts of your personality, each with their own history, feelings, beliefs, fears, and motivations. These parts often stemming from early childhood experiences and, even those that seem most challenging, have a positive intention to help protect you to survive or to thrive.
Even the ones that seem like they’re blocking you from what you want?
Even the ones that make you want to quit when things get hard?
Yes, especially those.
Why We Have Parts
You’re not broken or confused because you have these mixed feelings. You have parts that first showed up in your life during moments when you were overwhelmed, by fear, shame, grief, or pressure. In those moments, when you didn’t have the tools or support to fully process what was happening, your mind subdivided to cope with the experience. The part that split off took on a job: protect, hide, distract, achieve, stay small, stay safe.
It’s as if the part froze in time, holding onto that original feeling or strategy. So even today, as an adult, you may find yourself responding to situations from a much younger version of yourself. That’s not regression, it’s a loyal part of you still trying to do its job.
That inner critic who tells you you’ll fail? It may be carrying the voice of a time when failing felt unbearable.
The part that wants to avoid anything hard? It remembers what it was like to feel totally overwhelmed.
Every part of you is doing what it believes will keep you safe.
And every part is waiting to be seen, not managed, not fixed, but truly understood.
Healing Through Listening
Real healing happens when we slow down and get curious. When we pause, drop into our bodies, and notice what we feel, not just mentally, but physically too. Tight chest? Knotted stomach? Shaky hands? Your parts speak through sensation.
When we welcome these inner voices and feelings with compassion instead of resistance, something shifts. We might say:
“I hear you. You’re scared. I want to understand.”
or
“I feel you trying to help me. Thank you, I'm here for you.”
This is the beginning of integration, when parts that were exiled or burdened start to soften, relax, and trust that they no longer have to carry the weight alone.
Your Parts Have Been Waiting for You
So if you're feeling stuck or pulled in opposite directions, remember: there is nothing wrong with you. Your inner system is working hard, maybe too hard, to protect you.
Instead of pushing through, try tuning in.
Instead of ignoring the fear or anxiety, get curious about what it’s trying to protect.
Your parts are waiting for your attention, your compassion, your presence.
They don’t need to be silenced.
They need to be seen. Felt. They need your attention.
And through that, you begin to come home to your whole self.
A Gentle Practice: Listening to Your Inner Parts
Find a quiet space and take a few slow breaths. Let your body settle. Now, bring to mind a situation where you feel torn or stuck.
-
Notice what comes up.
Are there different voices or feelings inside you? One that wants to move forward, one that’s hesitating? Just observe them. -
Choose one part to focus on.
Gently turn your attention to the part that’s most present right now. What does it feel like in your body? Is it tight, tense, heavy, jumpy? -
Welcome it in.
Instead of trying to change it or distract from it, just welcome it. You might say inwardly, “I see you. I’m here with you. I’m listening.” -
Get curious.
Ask this part: “What are you afraid would happen if you didn’t do your job?” or “What are you trying to protect me from?”
Then listen quietly. Don’t force an answer, just notice. -
Offer compassion.
Let this part know you appreciate it's effort to keep you safe. Offer reassurance that it no longer has to be alone. Let it know that you are the adult that can be with it and will take care of things now.
Even just a few minutes of this kind of presence can begin to create space and softness inside.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you're curious about how parts work could support your growth, healing, and parenting journey, I’d love to connect with you.
Click below to schedule a complimentary discovery session. We’ll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how I can support you in getting there, with warmth, clarity, and compassion.
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You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Every part of you is welcome here.
