Overthinking Ollie hasn’t made an appearance in quite some time.
For that, I am extremely proud. (especially as kicking that overthinking tailspin came at the exact right time in my life, because I was heading down a very ugly path in my head, otherwise).
But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t rear her ugly head now and again and I have to tamp it down ever so gently (yet firmly).
You see, overthinking leads to negativity.
Overthinking leads to going for the field goal, and not the touchdown.
Overthinking leads to comparison, fear and losing trust and faith.
All of these things I have worked so hard to quell and have honestly conquered pretty damn well, I do believe.
But sometimes, overthinking rears its ugly head and I need to remind myself just how far I’ve come. In life, love, my job, and my body.
Harness that, and not the negative, questioning, comparing that can be so ugly.
This is me reminding myself to keep that overthinking Ollie at bay. Cuz I got this.
~~
PS check out this fantastic article from Emma…she interviewed me for the article and I am so proud of how it came out. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and how I harnessed my divorce to turn it into an experience that shapes me to this day. When Overachievers Divorce.
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Edited: WordPress.com made changes to commenting, out of the author’s control. If you have a WordPress account tied to the e-mail address you’re using to comment (even if it’s old, or one you don’t use), you mustsign in with that account to comment. Otherwise, just use a different e-mail? Or make one up. Frustrating and an extra step, but it seems to be the only thing that is working!
March 26, 2012 at 9:28 am
Oh love that quote! So so very true. I definitely need to remember that one more often.
March 26, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Isn’t that a good one? Ah, pinterest, how sage
March 26, 2012 at 9:41 am
I definitely struggle with overthinking. I overthink everything and invent things in my mind to worry about that aren’t even true sometimes!
March 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Invent things in your mind! I do that too!! Scary, isn’t it?
March 26, 2012 at 9:47 am
This is a good message for me today. Thanks! And thank you for the link to the HuffPost piece as well. I appreciate you sharing your story w/ me!
March 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Glad it hit you at the right time! And I loved your piece, it was excellent!!
March 26, 2012 at 10:02 am
I *just* saw this pin on pinterest and LOVED the meaning behind it.
A big huge amen to this post sis, I could use this reminder as well. Especially after last night’s “doubting” moments I shared with you via text. Thank you for talking me down, yet again. xoxo
March 26, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Sometimes it’s easier to give someone the advice from the outside looking in. And I know you’ll pay it forward the next time I have an overthinking moment! You did that for me yesterday anyway, during our phone call, remember? XOXO
March 26, 2012 at 11:53 am
Just what I needed to hear/read today. Going through a trying time and overthinking won’t help the situation. I simply must honor the situation at hand and do what I can.
March 26, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Oh I am so glad! (not that you have a situation that is trying, but that this helps you see that you can only do so much and if you can’t change it, might as well accept it, and do what you can to get through it).
March 26, 2012 at 12:17 pm
I could have used this post on Saturday during my long run. I need to start focusing on the good instead of the bad. Great post!!
March 26, 2012 at 3:09 pm
It is SO hard to focus on the good rather than the bad, isn’t it? Our minds automatically go there first!
March 26, 2012 at 12:49 pm
yes! and overthinking leads to EXHAUSTION! lets stay away.. easier said than done, amen?!
March 26, 2012 at 3:10 pm
It sure does! overthinking is freaking tiring and fruitless, isn’t it? It is easier said than done, but we can all do it together
March 26, 2012 at 1:31 pm
I have so much going on at work, marathon training, and now buying my first home…not to mention family demands, a sick mama, and a sweet niece recovering from heart surgery. I am CONSTANTLY reminding myself to NOT over think. Slow down, trust God, take deep breaths. Over thinking is tiring! And it get’s you no where. Thanks for this reminder!
March 26, 2012 at 3:11 pm
You, my dear, are a saint. How you are doing so much with so much going on around you and your family, is beyond me! You are the epitome of juggling it all and trying to prioritize what you need to, focus on growth and progress, and not sweating the small stuff too much. Hard to do, but so worth striving for!!
March 26, 2012 at 1:41 pm
It must be normal or something because I’m doing it too. I’m normal, aren’t I?
Thank you for the reminder, sweets! Love!
March 26, 2012 at 3:12 pm
You ARE normal, yes, indeed
And while hard to do, it’s worth releasing yourself from the angst that overthinking causes. It is so fruitless most of the time!
March 26, 2012 at 2:47 pm
I’m a HUGE overthinker – I have to mentally beat myself up, to stop overthinking, if that makes any sense. I find writing, even if just for myself and no one else, really helps this!
March 26, 2012 at 3:12 pm
It sort of makes sense, but I hate to hear you beating yourself up! Though I know we all do it sometimes, it isn’t the best habit I guess, huh? Writing it out is the best remedy or just talking it out with a friend or family member. Always helps me!
March 26, 2012 at 6:52 pm
seriously this is such a great reminder for all of us! I love the analogy about the field goal/touchdown.
March 26, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Thanks Dorry! Glad you like the analogy, I think it is a good one too
March 27, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Man, you know I can totally relate to everything you said here. You’re right…it makes you want to sell yourself short of all the really great things you can accomplish. Going for a field goal instead of a touchdown. Yes!! I don’t think any of us could ever live a life free of negative feelings/self-talk. Because just like when you’re constantly doubting yourself, you have days where you actually believe in yourself and feel amazing. So even when we’re feeling fantastic all the time, we have those bad days. We’re human.
March 27, 2012 at 5:39 pm
You’re right, we are human, and it happens. It is just learning to pull yourself out of it when it gets too bad, right? And of course I know you can relate