What does that steady, somewhat quiet, but definitely existing hum in your head sound like? I’ve come to learn that this may be an unfamiliar concept for some, but for others like myself, it’s a constant conversation, a constant stream of consciousness that flows from the moment I wake up to the time I fall asleep – it sort of captures me. I’m talking about my inner monologue – something I’ve come to understand not everyone has and experiences.

Let me take you on a tour through the happenings of my mind, where the conversations never stop, where thoughts weave seamlessly through each other and sometimes make it out.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that not everyone has an inner monologue. You know if you do, but if you don’t, you don’t realize that others could. For me, it’s a constant dialogue, a voice that narrates my every moment.

For example, when I’m engaged in conversation with someone, catching up, sharing a joke, or talking about work, my inner monologue persists, offering commentary and reflections on the current interaction as well as several other ones that it randomly wants to remind me of. It’s like watching a movie commentary track on my real life, happening right there and then. The only difference is it also talks about every other movie I’ve ever seen.

Surprisingly, I have learned to compartmentalize my inner monologue, allowing me to remain present and focused on the task at hand. It only really gets attention when I’m doing more mindless things like watching TV, listening to music, browsing my social media, or even right now, writing this blog post. I’ve mastered the art of multitasking, effortlessly juggling my external reality and my internal dialogue.

So, what exactly does my inner monologue talk about? Well, it’s a combination of recollections, reminders, and hypothetical scenarios. It’s a mental checklist, constantly ticking off tasks and obligations, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.

For instance, as I sit down to write this blog post, my inner monologue is already mapping out tomorrow’s trip to Costco, listing the groceries I need to stock up on. Simultaneously, it’s reminding me of the chores I need to complete before bedtime without procrastinating.

It’s more than that though – my inner monologue is also a repository of knowledge, storing away newly acquired vocabulary from my language studies. It’s really a testament to my brain’s remarkable ability for information retention, constantly cataloging words and phrases for future use.

And then there are the spontaneous “shower thoughts”, like the marketing genius that went into the term “stainless steel”. Where did I even read that? Why did it just come back up now?

My inner monologue is both a blessing and a curse. While it works to keep me organized and prepared, it can also be relentless. Yet, I’ve come to appreciate its presence, recognizing it as an integral part of my identity. So now the question is, do you have an inner monologue, and what do you think about?