What if that mean voice in your head—the one telling you that you’re not good enough, you’re going to fail, or everyone is judging you—isn’t actually you?

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I’m talking about the inner critic (or, as I like to call mine, Regina George), why that voice may actually be trying to protect us, and how our attempts to avoid pain and discomfort can end up creating even more suffering.

We’ll talk about what it means to be the “watcher” of your thoughts, why you don’t have to believe everything your brain tells you, and what can happen when you stop organizing your life around avoiding discomfort.

Because freedom isn’t about creating a life where nothing hurts. It’s about building the strength and capacity to stay open when it does.

You are not the voice in your head. You are the one listening—and you get to decide what happens next.

Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching Email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

Website: wendyparrish.com

Everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see. In this episode, we explore the quiet reality that people are often walking through battles they never speak about—and how easy it is to misjudge, react, or add weight to someone who is already struggling. Through personal reflection and everyday examples, this conversation invites you to pause, soften, and consider what might be happening beneath the surface.

We also dive into the role of grace—what it really means, why it matters for your mental health, and how choosing compassion over judgment doesn’t just change how you treat others, but how you experience your own life. Because when you don’t know someone’s story, grace isn’t just kind… it’s necessary.

contact me:

wendy@wenyparrish.com

instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching

wendyparrish.com

We spend so much of our lives trying to feel in control—of our kids, our relationships, our decisions, and even how others see us. But what if the very thing we’re clinging to for safety is actually what’s keeping us stuck? In this episode, I’m unpacking the illusion of control and the subtle ways it shows up in our everyday lives—from parenting and relationships to overthinking and needing to explain ourselves. Because the truth is, worry isn’t control… it’s just exhausting.

This conversation is a gentle invitation to loosen your grip and come back to what is actually yours. You’ll learn how trying to control outcomes, people, and perceptions creates more anxiety—not less—and what it looks like to shift into a more grounded, compassionate way of living. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or responsible for everything and everyone around you, this episode will help you find a little more space to breathe.

Calm Connection Parenting Summit:

https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/parrish

contact me:

wendy@wendyparrish.com

Instagram:

@wendyparrishcoaching