Rewiring My Mind: Part Seven - Overthinking

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Hello there Beauties! 

I am on a journey to change the way I think. The mind can be scary, so I am taking mine apart piece by piece. For this week, I am focusing on overthinking because it got the better of me, unfortunately. Overthinking is when you dwell on or worry about the same thing repeatedly. Coupled with anxiety, this can be so paralysing and exhausting. 


The Background

Worrying has never been out of character for me. It has been a personality trait of mine for as long as I can remember. I learnt some time ago that worrying about things or making up scenarios about things that haven’t happened yet is not normal. Not everyone spends all the time thinking/ worrying. It was shocking to find out that not everyone worries about every possible outcome (good or bad, but mostly bad) in weeks or months leading up to something. That has been my reality since Beloushii was Beloushii. 


The Struggle

It became exhausting when I could no longer control or limit it. There is no reprieve when I cannot get out of my head to enjoy an experience like a normal person. Sometimes it is necessary to plan/think ahead - like when I am travelling out of parish and need to get somewhere on time. But sitting down and worrying excessively about my life 10 years from now isn't helpful, because they're usually just negative thoughts. 


The Solution

Two questions I have had to ask myself several times this week:


  1. Can I immediately fix any part of this situation?

  • Do I have the means to fix it? >> If yes, then work out a plan to fix it. If not, leave it be. 
  • Do I have access to resources that can help me fix it? >> If yes, locate those resources and figure out how to use them for a solution. >> If not, can I access those resources with no trouble? If yes, locate those resources. If not, leave it be.  
  • Can I make any changes now that will directly impact this situation? >> If yes, make those changes. If not, leave it be. 


    2.  Is this a warped version of reality or is it real?

  • If not real, what is the reality? >> Don't think about what it could be, think about what it is. 
  • If it is real, how much of it is real, and how much isn't? >> Separate the fantasy from the reality.
  • Can I change anything now that will change the outcome? >> If yes, go ahead and make those changes. If not, Leave it be. 

Granted, this seems easy on paper; the reality is much harder. To be honest, I am still working through this, I am still trying to overcome the anxiety and overthinking, and I am still an avid overthinker. Putting this down here holds me accountable, and accountability is what I need. 


QOTD: How do you handle your anxiety? Pulse of Potential has a great community that I joined. There are weekly challenges, workbooks, etc. that have been helpful. 

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