I used to journal every morning with my morning cigarette and cup of coffee.. then I stopped smoking and ultimately decided that it seemed a very selfish way to spend my time. I actually felt ex t's presence criticizing me (manifesting as my inner critic I suppose) for how stupid it was and I was and everything I wrote was. I experience my inner critic as very mean, demanding, belittling, and of course, very critical of my every move. I'm thinking this transference of inner critic to ex t is really because of my father, but also how I imagine ex t would be with his own kids, if that makes sense.

Great ideas though hooligan! Thank you. I think jotting down issues and keeping a mood journal would be great. Of course self care stuff is good too. This may be worse than waiting for Christmas morning as a kid lol!