The Cure for Overthinking


I feel like the title of this post is overreaching. What I am about to share will not magically fix every situation of overthinking, it won't even fix all of mine. But...it sounds good, does it not? ;)

So I overthink. If you've been reading Arnica Anonymous for very long you probably already guessed that.

I get on this circular train of thought when I'm anxious and can't seem to stop it or bailout. Too panicked.
Image result for sarah's scribbles train of thought

This picture PERFECTLY describes my life. Raise your hand if you have been here too. (I know you have.)

I stumbled across an article today that discussed exactly what overthinking is. The author defined it as focusing on the problem continually and letting yourself be paralyzed by that perception. If all we are staring at is the problem, of course it's going to seem insurmountable! To my surprise, the article did not list a solution for this misplaced focus--which seems ironic to me. But we are smart people and can think for ourselves (when not panicked) right?

What is the opposite of focusing on the problem? I already hinted at it.

Exactly! Looking for a solution.

I know for me personally, this is often easier said than done. But if for one moment I can get in control of my thoughts and switch gears from "Problem" to "Problem Solver" I know I will be much calmer in the long run.

Short but sweet post I know. Just my thoughts from today. :)

Comments

  1. Keturah LambDecember 3, 2019 at 6:43 AM

    Ahhh that's perfect. I often tell people when I tell them to stop overtbinkiny that's it's simple, and explain why it's simple with a solution. Yet I never thought of this for myself. Great thoughts ;)

    MB> keturahskorner.blogspot.com
    PB> thegirlwhodoesntexist.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arnica AnonymousDecember 5, 2019 at 1:37 PM

      Isn't it funny how we can council others so well but are blind when it comes to the same issues with us?

      Delete
    2. Keturah LambDecember 6, 2019 at 11:18 PM

      It is amazing
      And I always hate how I never catch my typos until AFTER it's too late 😂

      Delete
    3. Arnica AnonymousJanuary 1, 2020 at 1:42 PM

      Yes!! Why isn't there an edit button like all other social media platforms??

      Delete

Post a Comment

Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions (politely please) and be sure to check back later--I respond to every comment!

Popular posts from this blog

Modesty: Is My Heart Really in the "Right Spot"?

Image
  (I would recommend caution for young readers. This post is unusually gritty for me and may not be suitable for young minds.) It's a rare thing that I feel the need to add my two cents to a viral controversy but a recent influx of Facebook posts by some friends I once loved dearly has made me think a lot and you get to reap the benefits of this thinking! ;) The controversial issue I am speaking of is modesty.
Read more

Our Hearts--His Home

Image
Let's just agree that I won't apologize for not posting regularly and you won't be offended by my lack of interaction on all your lovely blogs. Deal?? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I had the chance to attend a conference with my sister's church several weeks ago. During one session the teacher connected two Bible verses in a way that I had never before considered. Ephesians 3:17 says -- "That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith." When we move into a new house what do we do to make it "our home"? We take out old furniture and put in new. We tear down walls. We strip out old cabinets. Basically, we make the place look entirely different and we make it fit us. Can you imagine how awkward it would be to try and do that with the previous owners still there? They would be offended and fight every change we made. When we ask Christ to make His home in our hearts we cannot retain ownership. There are no roped off areas marked "No
Read more

My Safety Line in Depression

Image
I've mentioned in my most recent posts that I struggle with depression. This problem is not unique to me but I do fight with it more than your average Christian young woman. It all started when I was thirteen. An acquaintance came to visit our family for a week and become a good friend. When he left it suddenly occurred to me that he would never be coming back. We would never see him again. We would never laugh with him again. We would never have the chance to tease him again. (He actually left with plans to return soon but my premonition turned out correct--we never saw him again). At these thoughts my world tilted. I began noticing just how many friends dropped out of my life, older relatives died, etc. and over and over a question came to mind, "Is God really good?" There is not a more terrifying thing to doubt.
Read more