Dear Inner Critic,

I’m writing to let you know that you are doing a fabulous job. You give me passion when I see things that are amiss and strength to do better work. You’ve played a vital role in my ability to evaluate what I am doing and find a more focused path. In fact, you’re doing such a great job, I want to reward you with an extended vacation!

While your presence over these last few months has been invaluable, a jaunt of time spent apart may be the key to revitalizing our relationship. Feel free to explore the world and take note of all you experience- I’ll be here keep to the show running on my own.

You see, critic, we haven’t started anything new together in a long time. We’ve tried some kitschy, one-off projects here and there, but we haven’t decided to make something big. And I’ve been itching to do just that. The only problem is, I need some space. Your talents will be needed in the future when it’s time to review the blueprints, but it’s hard to get sketches down with you peering over my shoulder.

And don’t you need some space, too? When’s the last time you looked at something just to consider it? You’ve gotten so adept at finding flaws, perhaps your view of perfection has become stale. Wouldn’t you like to go out and see what other people are doing and reevaluate how you evaluate?

The truth is, I can’t do this without you, and if you’re not at your best, then neither am I. That’s why I think we should spend some time apart. Let me make a mess of things without the worry of you coming around the corner before I’m ready to show you what I’ve created. Seek out beauty and perfection, and deepen your understanding of both. I know our next meeting will be a joyous one, where we share what we’ve discovered with one another. Until then, inner critic, bon voyage!

Sincerely,

Me