We are constantly thinking, and it’s obvious. From the time we came onto this planet as a untouchable infant and probably thought, “Wow, this hospital light is too bright” (and eventually started to cry), to the last thing we think of before going to sleep; they are all thoughts. We think quietly. We think with other people, and then agree or disagree with each other’s thoughts. We occasionally even think out loud, purposely and accidentally. So, it’s clear that having thoughts is human behavior, (or maybe not only so). I occasionally wonder what my cat is thinking when she awakes from a 20-minute nap, and looks up at me for what feels like a long few seconds. Cats are probably such overthinkers.
Not only do we think before we can make ourselves do/say something, but we also think after we make something happen. Undesirable comments, quick, (but memorable) embarrassing experiences, and past relationships are a few factors that can provoke us to overthink. I myself am a possible definition of an overthinker. I let both big and small experiences in my life take over the thoughts in my brain, and a lot of the time, the experiences I think of aren’t the most positive. On the internet, we are often allowed to delete any evidence of a moment, picture, or statement, but off the internet, it’s pretty impossible to rely on a ‘delete’ button for anything. I think it’s safe enough to say that we have all had those realizations that we have done something embarrassing or still cringe-worthy months ago, but still have not let it go. I know I have. Most of the time, the so-called ’embarrassing moment’ or ‘undesirable comments’ from people are so minuscule that it should not be stressed upon. I’ve learned that if you cannot control the amount you think, monitor yourself instead. It’s easier to just take a deep breath and tell yourself, “Wow, I should not be thinking about regretting that thing I said to (insert person’s name) like 6 months ago,” instead of letting the thought get you back to the same point you were 6 months ago, (obsessing over what you said, of course).
A lot of people I know are capable of just letting go of meaningless thoughts, like a balloon in their hand, (or a song from the Frozen soundtrack), but I’ve felt that it’s sometimes difficult to simply “let go” of things that keep on coming back to me. Some people I know have this same problem. That makes it easier for me to find ways to clear my mind, due to the fact that I’m not alone.
It’s good to remember that the thoughts you let wander into your brain are not always realistic, or what is happening outside of your own ‘bubble’ in actuality. Talking to friends or family members on the subject of your thoughts can help you clarify what’s going on in the “real world.” You might also find that you may be the only one who cares what you said or did months ago. There is a chance that everyone else forgot about it after a few days.
– by: Angelina Coronado –
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