The Voice That Wasn’t Mine
There was a time—many moons ago—when I couldn’t sit still in silence. Not because I had ADHD (I probably do, but that’s not the point), but because silence meant the inner voice would show up.
That voice wasn’t kind. It wasn’t supportive. It was the one that whispered after every achievement: “Well, that could’ve been better.” Or after a gym session: “Still not enough muscle, bro.” Or post-blog post: “Yeah, nice try, Rumi.”
You know that voice. It sounds like you, but with worse lighting and more judgment.
We don’t talk enough about it. But this isn’t a sad story.
This is a story about how I unfollowed that inner critic like I’d unfollow a toxic ex on Instagram. No drama. Just clean detachment.
My Inner Dialogue Was a Full-Blown Reality Show
It all started during a rainy evening in Pune. The power went out (classic), and I was left alone with my thoughts. No Wi-Fi. No Reels. Just me and that VIP guest in my head.
“You could’ve done more today.”
“Your blog isn’t that great.”
“People think you’re spiritual? Hah.”
Yaar, this wasn’t introspection. This was inner trolling.
So I did what any modern yogi with a cracked phone screen would do—I lit a candle, brewed some green tea that tasted like boiled grass, and stared at the flame like it owed me answers.
And then, a question slipped out of my mouth, almost by accident:
“Whose voice are you, really?”
And that changed everything.
Because suddenly, the critic didn’t sound like me anymore.
It sounded like old teachers. Over-involved relatives. Fitness coaches who thought mental health was a protein deficiency. Childhood moments. Past failures. A soup of impressions that had taken residence in my head like they paid rent.
That night, I didn’t journal. I didn’t meditate. I just listened.
Letting the Critic Speak (So It Could Shut Up)
Here’s the wildest thing I discovered:
My inner critic wasn’t trying to ruin me.
It was trying to protect me. Like a paranoid security guard who didn’t get the memo that I was no longer 14 and scared of being laughed at.
Every time it said, “Don’t post that,” it meant, “Don’t get rejected.”
Every time it said, “You’re not ready,” it meant, “Don’t get hurt.”
I wasn’t battling a villain. I was babysitting a scared version of myself.
So I started responding to it.
“Thanks for the concern, buddy. But I’ve got this now.”
It felt weird at first—talking back to myself like I was in an Ekta Kapoor drama. But slowly, that voice softened. From a judge, it became a passenger. From a boss, it became a background character.
And one fine day, I realized—I hadn’t heard from it in a while.
Why We All Need to Fire Our Inner Editors
The Difference Between Awareness and Abuse
Self-awareness is gold. But self-abuse, dressed up as discipline, is just psychological self-harm in yoga pants.
We’ve glamorized hustle, high standards, and “pushing through” so much that we’ve forgotten how to listen—not just to others, but to ourselves.
There’s no medal for being your own worst enemy.
Spirituality Isn’t Always About Peace—Sometimes It’s About Permission
Permission to suck at things.
Permission to rest.
Permission to feel jealous, angry, lost.
And permission to still deserve love through it all.
Once you give yourself that, the inner critic starts packing its bags. Because its job is done.
What To Do When Your Mind Becomes a Loud Indian Market
Step 1: Don’t React. Listen.
Let the critic speak. Don’t shut it down. Hear the intention behind the insult. Most times, it’s just a scared version of you, trying to avoid embarrassment, heartbreak, or failure.
Step 2: Ask, “Is This My Voice?”
Simple but powerful. If the answer is no, toss it out like last night’s sabzi. (And if it is your voice, give it a better script.)
Step 3: Speak Back with Compassion, Not Control
You can say, “Thanks for the concern, but I’m good now.” Say it out loud. Your subconscious loves drama and needs to hear it.
Step 4: Create New Narratives
Whenever the critic shows up, counter it with a softer, wiser voice. Not “I’m the best,” but maybe:
“I’m learning.”
“I’m healing.”
“I’m still worthy.”
That’s how we start speaking to ourselves like we would to someone we love. Finally.
Why This Matters (Especially If You’re a Creator, Dreamer, or Sensitive Soul)
In a world where everyone’s shouting, the real rebels are the ones who’ve made peace with their silence.
You don’t need a therapist in Thailand or a 10-day Vipassana to silence your inner critic. Sometimes, all you need is a quiet evening, a warm cup of chai, and the courage to not believe every thought you think.
You are not lazy. You are not late.
You are not failing. You are not broken.
You’re just shedding an old voice to make room for your own.
Closing Note: When Your Mind Shouts, Learn to Whisper Back
So, if your mind’s been sounding like a mean school teacher lately, unfollow it.
Mute it. Block it. Or just sit it down and say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
In the next post, we’ll talk about how silence can become a superpower (without quitting your job or joining an ashram, I promise). Till then—be kind, not just to others, but to the voice you use inside your own head.
Ready to Mute Your Mind’s Drama?
Liked this post? Then you’ll love the next one. Join the Inner Rebels Club—my weekly email for those who heal loud, laugh louder, and live life like a well-edited Bollywood monologue.
Subscribe Now 🔥
Read more stories like this →
Internal Link Suggestions:
Leave a Reply