Ep 10: Parenting Your Singer Self

How do you speak to yourself after a bad audition? After a mistake? After a performance that didn’t go the way you hoped? Most of us would never speak to a friend the way we sometimes speak to ourselves. And yet, there’s this kind of conversation happening 👇 "You should have done better." "You messed up." "You’re not enough." In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we’re exploring something powerful: You are already parenting yourself every day. The question is: how?  Because whether you realize it or not, you are constantly coaching yourself through fear, disappointment, embarrassment, mistakes, growth, and success. Today we’re talking about how to shift from harshness and shame into something more supportive: ✨ empathy ✨ compassion ✨ encouragement ✨ unconditional love Because your singer self deserves the same kindness you naturally offer to the people you love. In this episode you'll discover: - Why we all have an ongoing "inner parenting voice" - How harsh self-talk often disguises itself as motivation - Why shame and self-criticism can become automatic - The surprising lesson Erin learned while navigating Lyme disease - How conditional love quietly shows up in our relationship with ourselves - Why empathy may be one of your greatest untapped superpowers - How working with a childhood photo can help you reconnect with your essence - The difference between analytical thinking and compassionate wisdom - How to begin developing a more nurturing relationship with yourself as a singer Your invitation this week: Find a childhood picture that brings up good feelings for you. Choose a picture that reminds you of your essence—your joy, spirit, personality, curiosity, playfulness... you.  Spend a few moments with it each day and notice: What feelings arise? What do you notice about this little person? How would you speak to them? Can you begin offering that same kindness to yourself now? And throughout the week ask: Can I hold myself with love when I mess up? Can I respond with care instead of criticism? Can I become the parent my singer self needs? A mantra from today's episode: "I love myself."  "I love myself."  "I love myself."    Mentioned in this episode: ➡ FREE Joyful Singing Workshop: The 3 Steps to Confident, Joyful Singing  In this free workshop you'll: • Learn vocal warmups that actually work to strengthen and free your voice • Create a personalized affirmation unique to your voice journey • Explore the beliefs that may be holding you back • Experience my complete 3-step Joyful Singing process Register here: erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop    Connect with Erin: Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers  Website: erinstewart.net  Email: [email protected]  If you try the childhood photo exercise or want to share your experience from this week's episode, send a message or email! Would LOVE to hear from you!   Love the show? If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend ⭐ Tag @joyfulsingingwitherin if you share on social media Your support helps more singers discover this work and build more joyful relationships with their voices.