Monday, 30 December 2013

Managing Your Inner Monologue (Not Exactly a Self-Help Article)



Running inner monologue. This is something that people of the introvert sort are said to possess. However, I think everyone has this, only it's just more pronounced in introverts as they are more silent than others. But that silence is just on the surface; on the inside introverts are as loud as they can be. So many thoughts running through their minds, constantly tumbling, jumbling together into one organised mess that no one else could understand but them and their select peers.

Sometimes having a running inner monologue is comforting and entertaining. Sometimes it can get really annoying. And when it does so, you can't help but wish it had a pause or stop button. Or maybe a volume control. The good news is that it can be very easily managed. So for everyone out there who are having issues with their inner monologues, here are simple tips on how to manage your running inner monologue and even have fun with it:

1. Write. Yes, that's the first thing anyone should do when the inner monologue gets loud enough that you practically cover your ears to silence it. Your pen and notebook (or laptop if you prefer it) are your very best friends here. They're good listeners, they're silent, and they can go on and on without telling you to stop. Writing about what goes on in your head can give you ideas for stories. It brings out your creative side. Weave odes and tales that only your inner monologue and imagination can provide. They may come out as inspired and brilliant no matter what mood you are in when you write them. Or not. But who cares, what matters is that you managed to bring out your thoughts. That's what blogs (for sharing) and journals (NOT for sharing!) are for. Think of them as your own personal pensieve. Writing not your thing? Then...

2. Draw. Bring to life the inner recesses of your thoughts with your art. Light or dark, deep or comical, you'll never go wrong. Drawing stick figures and simple shapes is highly encouraged. Let your imagination go wild with your pencil, pen, crayons, oil pastels, paints, or what-have-you. Splash your world with colours. Thinking of animating your creations? Then take it to the next level, take an animation class. No one's going to hinder you. Maybe except for your resources. Bottom line, just draw. Period. (Other art forms are also very welcome.)

3. Talk. This can be a bane to people who find talking a tedious task. However, it can also be a boon because there's nothing like that light feeling afterwards of having unloaded your thoughts. Sharing what's in your mind goes very well with coffee and pastry. A word of caution though when you dare to tread in these waters. You have to take into consideration the possibility that the person you talk to might find you inane, trivial, or worst, loony because you look like you're just talking to yourself. So choose your person very well along with that coffee and pastry. When you've done so, then you've got the best combination ever. Ever, ever, ever. 

Questions? Suggestions? Comments? Drop me a line in the comment box. Cheers and advance happy new year!

No comments:

Post a Comment

sunday currently vol. 61

Currently... reading: Serena on Webtoon.  writing: this. i'm not holding my breath for when i will finally write a decent paragraph that...