Dear Girlfriends,

I'm often spread too thin - not because of my work load, to-do list, demands from my family, or volunteer work, but from a sheer brain overload of negative voices in my head.

We don't have to be diagnosed with schizophrenia to know that we deal with a barrage of nasty voices that spread us too thin. Things we literally make up, conclusions we jump to, and fantasy "showdowns" we have to set the record straight. I know you know what I'm talking about: the articulate positioning, perfect timing, and final zinger you "share" with that person that harmed you; the venting that happens over and over and over - but only in your head.

Spending time dwelling on hurts, wrongs, and misfortunes is a waste. How many hours each week do we squander, pondering how we've been wronged and how we should defend our honor? Consider the outcome if we took that same amount of time and did something useful with it. Like maybe read a book; or call someone who makes us laugh; listen to upbeat music; or better yet - pray. Imagine the positive energy we would gain by putting a stop to our negative thinking.

When I fixate on something someone has said or done (or hasn't said or hasn't done) that grieves me, my spirit is drained. My enthusiasm, loveliness, and spunk are nowhere to be found. This lack of positive life force only hurts those who haven't wronged me. How unfair is that?

But when I purposefully replace my brooding thoughts with positive observations I am joyful; I am at peace; and I can only imagine I am more a lot more fun and engaging to be around. Yes, I have to will myself to transform my thoughts in order to achieve this place of peace. No, it's not always easy, and it typically requires me to be conscious of my thoughts and diligent in my actions. But the effort is worth it.

It's time to choose the positive over the negative. Put a stop to those fantasy "showdowns" and replace them with a power walk, a good tune, or something that makes you giggle. Don't waste another minute with those nasty voices. You're spread too thin as it is.

Rethinking my thinking,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on May 15, 2007 1:52 PM  |  Category: Spread Too Thin