What is Intrapersonal Communication?Intrapersonal communication is the act of having an internal dialogue with yourself; or in other words, your practicing self-talk! Some examples of this include: “Asking yourself what you want for dinner tonight” or “Asking yourself if you should have or shouldn’t have done something?” Sometimes, we even talk out loud to ourselves! I’m sure you’ve found yourself asking a question in your head and then habitually answering the question out loud, as if someone else was standing right there. Go ahead and admit it; you’re not crazy by any means! I’ve caught my mother talking to herself a lot. She does it so much I always find myself asking her, “Who are you talking too?” It’s kind of entertaining! We’re constantly having a conversation with ourselves whether we’re aware of it or not. However, if you're not aware of how you're communicating to yourself, chances are, the conversation is negative, critical, and just plain ugly! We have complete control over how we’re going to communicate to ourselves; yet, the irony of this is, it often feels like someone else has control over our conversations. In other words, we unconsciously tell ourselves (during our intrapersonal communication habits) that we are victims to our own minds. We believe that we cannot stop the negative words and thoughts, and that, in some shape or fashion, someone else is in control of this; thus allowing ourselves to continually badger our well-being. If you want to understand why you feel bad, open your eyes to the negative conversation you’re having with yourself; and you’ll find your answer. Don't let this be you! Change your thoughts, change your words, and change the conversation you have with yourself. Don't allow yourself to be downgraded, criticized, and judged by you. If you are doing this to yourself, imagine how you’re allowing others to treat you. "Compliments? What Me? I wouldn’t dare to do such a thing. I don't want to look like someone who is conceded." There is nothing wrong with complimenting yourself, talking kindly to yourself, ignoring the negative thoughts, and humbly appreciating your uniqueness. There is nothing conceded about that at all; as a matter of fact, it’s very inspiring! I have read a series of inspiring books by Don Miquel Ruiz. In one of his books, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, he talks about the four main agreements one can make with the self. These agreements allow you to communicate with yourself in a healthy, loving way.
Don’t put it off any longer; start ignoring your negative intrapersonal communication skills and begin focusing on your positive mentality. So go ahead and talk to yourself, answer yourself, and definitely talk out loud, but whatever you do, avoid all negative self-talk as much as possible! Related Articles: Passive-Aggressive Relationships Communication Problems in Relationships How to unconditionally love yourself. How your thoughts affect your feelings.
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