My favorite postcard shows planet Earth from orbit. Lights from the west coast of the USA shine into the vastness of space, and a signpost arrow signals the pin-sized location of San Francisco, CA. I bought this souvenir card as a reminder to keep my perspective.  

Loss of perspective may leave us overwhelmed by issues that seem to rise like mountains — blocking our horizons while we feel small, helpless, hopeless, and definitely not empowered to tackle the ‘stuff’ of our worlds. 

Overthinking is one of our biggest risks to perspective and to clarity. Our instincts may scream that we must figure out, and fix our problems.  But those often seem to grow in proportion to our focus on them.  There is a difference between thinking our way through a situation – and getting stuck in a vicious circle of worry and over-thinking.  

The more we worry – the greater the size and importance of our issues seem to be. The more stressed we are, the less capable of clear thinking and problem-solving we become. 

As our mountains of concern grow – our ability to handle things in the most effective manner shrinks. The term ‘analysis paralysis’ comes to mind.  We can find ourselves stuck in worry cycles that leave us with uncertainty and inactivity.  This is definitely not a path to developing happiness.

There are things we can do to fight back — to break the cycle of over thinking, when we find ourselves sucked into a vacuum of worry. 

1. STOP.  Interrupt your overthinking as soon as you recognize it.  You can sometimes achieve this by ordering the mind to ‘STOP’.  Try shouting (outloud or within your own thoughts).
2. Distract yourself with an activity that demands your attention and brings pleasure or satisfaction. Physical activity can offer great escape plus the benefits of movement.  We can also break the cycle by simply getting up and leaving the scene of worry.   

Distraction might seem simplistic – but it is powerful. Once thoughts have been freed from the worry-loop they can more easily be re-directed into positive, problem solving efforts.

1. Try making an appointment for worry.  Set aside a formal date/time for a 30 minute session of over-thinking … and then when you find yourself caught up in your thoughts at other times, remind yourself the date for this activity is already set, and you cannot engage outside of that time. 
2. Try writing your thought processes down. The act of writing demands a certain clarity and discipline.  When you can put the worrisome thinking into cohesive words – you may have come a long ways towards being able to see things more clearly and to handle them more effectively.  
3. Try taking one small step towards resolving whatever the issue is that has you trapped in a cycle of overthinking. It does not matter how small the step is – it will help restore balance and perspective.

We can also reach for the ultimate restoration of perspective.

Our imaginations can’t begin to stretch enough to understand even a fraction of the detail that our God holds and manages every second of every day.  On that scale – we are but tiny bits of dust.    

The designer and creator of the universe (and beyond), holds all of the vastness of space/time in His hands. Those hands that span all of creation – hold all of us too, and here’s what He says:

‘Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.’

Matthew 10: 29-31

Not only is our God aware of each of us – but also He has taken the time to notice and number every hair on our heads.  That’s individual attention!  

If He cares about such tiny details, how much more does He care for the things that consume our energy and our thoughts?  Think about that for a minute.  Let it soak in. 

The God of all creation is not only aware of each of us in intimate detail, but He’s interested and big enough to help with whatever is on our minds.  Try adding conscious awareness of Him with an invitation for His participation in whatever coping activity you decide to try.  

 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret