Soliloquy
Call me crazy, but I have a habit that works wonders for my mental health. Self-talk has proven to be a powerful method for successfully navigating life.
Despite life's ups and downs, I've not yet been compelled to see a therapist. Which is interesting because of my deep interest in and respect for the field of psychology. My ability to work through problems without assistance likely stems from a secret habit. A habit that, ironically, could potentially have me labeled as crazy if folks knew about it.
It may sound unusual, but I talk to myself on a regular basis. Pretty much daily (when I'm alone that is). As someone who is hyper aware of myself and surroundings, I can easily become overwhelmed by my stream of consciousness. However, talking to myself is an effective way to process all of these thoughts.
I don't have an alter ego or dissociative identity (at least I don't think so). But my form of self-talk is not merely thinking out loud. There is a dialogue that takes place between my conscious and subconscious mind. And in order to bring those deep thoughts, feelings, and desires to the forefront so I can process them, I need to call them out.
With that in mind, talking to yourself could actually be a great shadow work method. Instead of keeping things trapped in the back of your mind, speaking them forces you to acknowledge the often ignored or suppressed parts of yourself.
