Confession time: I’m an overthinker. Actually, scratch that. I’m a massive overthinker.
All the BrenĂ© Browns in the world can’t stop me from waking up at 3:04 am, obsessing over something I said or did at 10:07 am one Friday last month.
In the spirit of self-acceptance, I find that self-deprecating comedy helps.
I mentioned my little overthinking ways at work to my bestie recently, and she was like, ‘OMG, me too!’
We then traded secrets on what got our minds really going.
For instance, when our boss barely bats an eyelid at our hearty ‘good mornings’, we both interpret this as: ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning!’
The funny thing is, this overthinking thingy has made us a right pair of ‘job worths’.
So probably not.
But giving advice is always easier than taking it, isn’t it?
‘Hark at me you!‘ I say to my bestie…
‘What’s makes me you so important’?
The poor man might of had a blazing row with his wife, or he could be thinking about about that spot that’s just come up on his arse!’
(well he might).
He might even be wondering what I’m you’re creepy staring at, trying to read him.
It could be a gazillion reasons.
Even I know that (and why I was giving it Billy big balls to my bestie).
Because the truth is: knowing this, still doesn’t stop the 2:04 am thoughts.
If anything now I’m thinking about that spot on the boss’ arse and wondering if all that creepy staring at him may have caused him and his wife to argue.
Yep. Deffo in need of help.
I’ve read you can:
- set a strict worry time
- reframe your thoughts
- practise mindfulness
- try the 5-second rule
So, running with all that…
I’ve come up with a new mantra: ‘You’re Not That Important!’
I even text it to my bestie.
Randomly.
Well, what is it they say, about your inner critic: would you say it to a friend?
Yes. Actually.
I even took this new mantra one step further…
Flying into Pisa not so long ago, I caught sight of this tiny vessel gliding gracefully in a huge body of water and couldn’t help but think (still thinking, obviously) it made the perfect visual metaphor
For the non-overthinkers in the room, this is just a grainy photo snapped flying over the Ligurian Sea (which also surrounds Portofino and Cinque Terre) and fun fact: is part of the Mediterranean Sea.
So, next time you catch yourself overthinking, repeat after me:
‘I’m just a tiny drop in the ocean‘, even smaller than the yacht [pictured]. Can you see it?
Exactly.
Think: That’s me you!
Very funny, I like it!