Inner Talk

Who hasn’t seen the movie Encanto? We love it and the songs are playing on repeat in this house. They made many beautiful songs from the character’s inner talk, and interesting to see how this inner talk could look good at first but it could be unhelpful too. It especially shows on “Surface Pressure” song sang by Luisa (@jessdarrow) the oldest sister.

Did you ever notice your inner talk? Inner talk is that voice inside your head that you say to yourself and greatly affect how you respond to the world. It could be the best tool that helps you face the world, or it could be your worst enemy if it keeps bringing you down and sabotaging your growth. The tricky part is it happens so automatically that we sometimes don’t realize it exists!

Many times this inner talk came from way back in our childhood. From words that are said to us by our parents or people that matter to us when they are upset, and we didn’t have enough capacity to think critically and correct it. We just adopted it and it became a part of us.

If you feel your inner talk is unhealthy and hinders you from realizing your true potential (or to allow yourself to take a rest for Luisa), know that your inner talk is NOT always accurate, and you can change it!Steps you could try to have a more helpful inner talk:

1. Reflect on your inner talk, which ones are unhelpful to your life, look for an underlying topic to dismantle. “I am only worthy if I make no mistakes and don’t break under pressure”

2. Challenge this thought, look for evidence where you can do the opposite of what your inner talk is saying, ask your close and trusted ones to help you look for evidence. “I was exhausted and took a rest and could actually focus better the next day” “I made mistakes and asked for forgiveness, I still feel loved by my closest ones”

3. Create new inner talk and enforce it “I don’t strive to be perfect, but I will always give my best” “I am worthy when I am productive and when I am taking a break- both are needed”.

It will take time and might be emotionally exhausting, so do not hesitate to talk to a professional about it to have more guidance. And just like the wise words from abuela Madrigal:

“The miracle is not some magic that you’ve got.

The miracle is you, not some gift, just you.”