My mind was my personal hell.
Updated: Oct 8
I was sitting in a coffee shop, sipping a latte and talking to my friend Susannah.
I'd only known her for a month, but she was so warm that I told her something I'd never told anyone.
My secret? My mind was my personal hell.
I spent my days grinding away mentally about everything. My husband's business eventually failing. My 7-year-old's behavior being abnormal. Winding up as an old bag lady digging in trashcans for food.
I'd never heard anyone else talk about their mind tormenting them. So I believed something was uniquely wrong with me.
Susannah just said, "Oh, this is what I do."
What I almost didn't learn
Her response stopped me cold. Instantly, I no longer felt like the only person in the world whose mind was out of control.
But then she told me what she did, and my heart sank.
It was too simple for my complicated brain. I actually thought, "I'm smarter than she is. It won't work for me."
The only reason I tried it was because I knew she'd ask me later.
What happened when I tried it
I went from grudgingly giving it a shot to gobsmacked at how well it worked.
Within 2 weeks, I spiraled 75% less. I've used the same technique for almost 2 decades, and it's still just as effective. Every damn time.
Over the last few years, I've taught hundreds of people what Susannah told me. It works the same way for smart, busy brains like ours.
I can't believe all the therapy and whatnot over the years haven't done as much as your work! Stacy S., PhD
How to stop overthinking
I just created an updated guide to stopping mental spirals.
It's the same thing Susannah told me over coffee. The thing I was sure wouldn't work on my extremely complicated brain.
If you don't have it yet, you need it.
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