Let it Be.

Trying not to over-think when you are an extreme analyst is impossible, but what is possible is to slow down your train of thought and let your mind to be at peace with the present in order to accept the things you cannot control.

I’m not going to sugar-coat this, it takes hard work. I feel like at times people have told me I am the literal definition to a T of an over-thinker. It took me this year and some life changes to realize this for what it truly was. I came to terms with all of this and I realized it was something I didn’t just have to work on, but in order to thrive, I needed to work on it or at least put my mind in a place of serenity when I feel it’s drifting.

I have a hard time letting go – things, people, thoughts, places, memories, emotions… well… you name it. This also means when someone talks with me or does/says something I disagree with, I really have to catch myself and accept things for what they are. I don’t want to dispute or fight back; I just won’t let myself anymore. What’s the point? People have different viewpoints and perspectives; that’s what makes us unique. Yeah, sometimes people just straight up act like idiots and they deserve a, “What the hell man,” but this is deeper than that. It’s about not gaining control; rather it should be about letting things be as they should and just happen. However, I do think there are healthy disputes, there is just a right and a wrong way to say what you’re thinking or what you disagree with.

I think that has always been my biggest struggle in relationships – romantically or even just with friends & family. I’ve typically been the person to give my “two cents,” and now as much as it pains me, sometimes to not over-think and “chime in,” I ask myself how will this benefit the other person and the conversation. Is what I say and my opinion really worth it? Or, why am I bringing it up in the first place? Is there an end goal to this?

This year, I have trained my body and my mind to stay at peace in difficult situations. I will say, being in Duluth and surrounded by nature, certainly helps. I think the environment you create for yourself dicates a lot of your daily thinking. If you can create that peaceful environment for yourself, you would be amazed how it changes your life on a daily basis. Just ask yourself, what does that peaceful environment look like? Self-care is important, remember that. It has a great deal to do with how you respond to daily-life interactions, because if you start your day off right in that environment you created for yourself, your attitude will positively reflect those around you.

I like to use the phrase “small potatoes.” I learned that phrase from someone at a previous job, and what can I say, it just stuck with me. It is very rare now that I find myself in those “large potato” or maybe fat potato situations. So in comparison, will I let these “small potatoes” affect my day, conversation, or even mentality? Absolutely not. Not anymore, it’s not worth it. Not worth the time, and certainly not the energy.

So I encourage you, if you are an over-thinker like me, let go of those “small potatoes” in life. Moments are fleeting, and it’s important to enjoy them while you can.