Don't Let your Thoughts Spiral
Thoughts fly through my mind… some I chase and some I acknowledge and let pass. Those thoughts I end up chasing take me in quite a bit of a spiral.
True story example:
Don’t forget, Bev – schedule a dentist appointment for the kids
I better go check if I saved the dentist office so I don’t have to dig and look for it later
Well what days are best for my schedule with work and life?
How will this appointment go with them wearing a mask to sitting in the chair with them?
Shoot, I should really look into scheduling my own dentist appointment too
My husband hasn’t gone himself in so long!
In fact, I have to schedule his dentist, optometrist and doctor’s appointment
On…
and on…
and on….
The spiral just spins down QUICK in the matter of minutes! And all of a sudden, I’m tired and have some anxiety about getting everything done before I even forget! I just don’t want to do any of this at all right now and my time, energy and mind was just consumed with information that didn’t serve me one bit but to simply tell myself I need to schedule the kids dentist appointment!
I can do without all the extra non-serving, presence-robbing thoughts in my brain. Fortunately, I’ve been practicing healthy ways to sort through those thoughts and gain clarity to the ones I decide to prioritize. Here are 5 ways to gain clarity on YOUR thoughts so you can release them and go back to enjoying what’s in front of you:
Mind dump in journal – put a pen to paper and simply write everything that comes to mind. Don’t pass judgement, don’t worry about proper grammar, don’t overthink it- just write! It’s helpful to set a timer and write for the entire time until your timer goes off. This is a great cleanse of your thoughts and feelings which most of the time can get stuck in a story that isn’t serving you. I love doing this first thing in the morning when I am doing my quiet time before the day starts!
Write down your questions – write out 100 questions that you have about a thought or problem you are trying to solve. Your curiosity tends to simply be just curiosity that you don’t have to necessarily solve for. Other times, your curiosity can spark further clarity if your questions target the similar themes.
Schedule a meeting with spouse – yes, we talk a lot to our spouse, but there’s something so relieving when you can focus a conversation on a topic on a specified date and time. Both of you have prep time to think and then offer up your individual thoughts and concerns. When I do this with my hubs, it tends to be straight to the point and much more smooth sailing when we know what we’re talking about or solving for!
Phone a friend – this is a fan fave! Pick up the phone and call your family or friend. It helps if you preface the convo with if you’re looking for empathy or strategy. That way he/she knows if you want to simply be heard and leave it there... or if you need problem solving. It’s okay to ask for what you need!
Walk in nature – Throw on your shoes and take a very present walk outside. Listen to the leaves bristle in the wind, to the birds chirping loudly, feel the sun or rain or cold air against your skin, and feel each step hit the pavement as you move your legs. Breathe in that fresh air and exhale any uncertainties!
Our thoughts do not own us… we are not defined by them! So release them in one of these 5 ways and gain clarity on what truly matters then get right back to what’s directly in front of you. All of a sudden, you’ll blink and that person, pet, thing will be onto other things before you know it!
What thoughts can you release? Which method can you take action on RIGHT NOW?
Light + Love,
Bev
P.S. I have a pretty infographic of these 5 Ways to Gain Clarity on your Thoughts. Check out my FREEBIES page on the website!
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