We all have an outer social self and an inner struggling self. What language do you use to describe your outside self and your inner emotional self?

Here are the thoughts of four men and their descriptions of the outer and inner self.

Carl Jung, Psychiatrist, saw man as a divided being. Here is how he described the two parts. There is your ego self. That is your outer social identity. Then there is your shadow self. This includes your dark, evil, repressed side.

Donald Winnicott, Psychoanalyst, spoke of the dualism of man. He said there is a true self. That includes your authentic alive self. Then there is the false self. This is the empty-inside self that uses defense mechanisms.

John Bradshaw, Educator and Counselor, popularized the inner struggle this way: You have a wounded inner child. That is the vulnerable neglected or abandoned part of yourself. Healing occurs as you become a healthy re-parented adult.

Stephen Cervantes, Pastoral Counselor, explains it this way: In childhood, you lived with fear of failure and never felt good enough. Let’s call that your fearful unworthy self.

Heaven wants you to run on a new inner belief. Pick one.

• Chosen, forgiven, and loved.
• You are enough.
• You are never, never, never a disappointment.

Close

For more information on how to run a healthy inner and outer self study the life of Jesus.

Prayer

Father, you know how the past has shaped me. I got wounded. Now I live with fear of failure and unworthiness. I want your view of me, not mine. Touch my heart and soul. Heal my old beliefs. Your ways bring peace, rest, and joy. I want that. Amen.

Bible Connection

Jesus said this about the group of leaders known as the Pharisees. He told them, you clean the outside of the cup and dish. But, inside you are full of greed and self-indulgence. (see Matthew 23:25-26)