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The Prison of Your Mind


Oxford defines the word overthinking as, "to think about something for too long".
I actually prefer UrbanDictionary's definition:

Overthinking: the art of creating problems that aren't there.

We are all guilty of this. Some just do it more so than others. We tend to take small pebbles and turn them into huge boulders.

It seems that I do the majority of my overthinking during my thirty minute commute home. Something I said or did earlier that day will pop into my head forcing me to think of how I could have handled that particular situation in a better manner.

Instead of finding an easy, simple solution and letting my thoughts quickly come and go, I inadvertantly pick apart every little detail. Apparently I am starring in my own version of Ramis' Groundhog's Day, where I relive the same moment of my life over and over and over again; trying to "make it right". In reality, I am only causing harm to myself.

NO amount of anxiety will change the future. NO amount of regret will alter the past. Practice living in the present. Learn to take a deep breath and let go.

What's done is done. You cannot change a word already spoken or an action already taken. Admit, accept and move on knowing a lesson has been learned and that you are now stronger and better for having lived it.

Realize there is nothing wrong with thinking. THINKING is good. But OVERTHINKING can end things before they even have a chance to develop.

Overthinking kills happiness.
It's ruins friendships.
It ruins relationships.
It creates problems you never had.

If you're struggling with thinking too much, remind yourself of these 10 statements:

1. The past is irreversible.
2. Overthinking can cause you sadness.
3. You only fail if you quit.
4. Everyone's journey is different.
5. Life goes on.
6. Opinions don't define you.
7. Positivity breeds positivity.
8. Not everything is in your control.
9. Only focus on what you can change.
10. Look at the big picture. Is this going to be just as important in a week, a month, a year?

I'll leave you with this beautiful quote by Osho, who sums it all up quite nicely.

"Get out of your head 
And get into your heart. 
Think less. 
Feel more."


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