Re-Writing Internal Dialogue

Let’s talk about Internal Dialogue in Life

My internal voice tirelessly observes and comments on the world and how I see myself navigating in it. These voices are unforgiving and relenting with their self-critique. They buzz in my head with the force of a whip or a punisher, delivering dark messages of screw-ups. I hear them most just before I lay my head down for the night.

Most of the time I’m cognizant of their presence — a sneaky and uninvited life-long intrusion to my well- being and peace of mind. As much as I am aware and as much as I know what I must do to evict the perpetrators — at least temporarily — comments I soaked up during my developing years. They have transformed into a complicated web complete with colors and jingles to get my attention. What’s worse, they paint a picture that resembles nothing of who I am.

These messages doggedly accompany me to social situations, rendering me mute and helpless. They are a bunch of judgmental hooligans who cast a dark shadow over me and who jump at the opportunity to make fun of my introverted self.

Eventually, I learned ways to soothe myself, but not always successfully. Overriding encrypted coding requires awareness, humongous concentration and dedication. In a loud and resolute tone, I command these voices. “Stop it!!!” “Stop it!!!” “Stop it!!!” Then I go on to dispute their erroneous observation of me, that they are ill-informed and thus have to keep their mouth shut.

And when I don’t talk to them, I chant this mantra:

You are great, you are good, you are wonderful.

You are great, you are good, you are wonderful.

You are great, you are good, you are wonderful.

I repeat these words several times until I get a peaceful feeling. Until my head clears. Until my body calms, and so is my mind. Until I feel euphoric and happy. I mean it! That helps. Me.

Let’s Talk About Internal Dialogue in Novels

Like real everyday humans, some characters are reluctant to tell me their innermost thoughts.

As a novelist, I understand that internal dialogue is an essential tool for obtaining the reader’s confidence in the story I’m relaying. To get to the heart of the story, I poke around the recesses of their mind and conscience to extract information. By understanding the characters motives, their hopes, dreams, needs, it possible to empathize with them.

When I read a book, internal dialogue satisfies the craving I get when looking for a good story. I want to feel involved and invested, and only when a character divulges inner thoughts, do feels myself immersed in the story.

To Summarize Inner Dialogue in Fiction and Life

In conclusion, in writing, and in life I believe that internal dialogue plays a big part in who we are and how we deal with the world at large. Internal discourse dictates decision making, it helps to influence opinions about anything. It helps to choose whether to believe something or not. It is non-stop and continually shaping and reshaping the world and dictating thinking.

The trick is to LISTEN. Listen to the voices. Listen to what the inner spool unwinds. Listening is designed to unlock secrets and bring them out to light. Exposing them unburdens the load of crap that is designed to be taken as gospel.