“I know how moody you and I can be. One day we feel great, the next we feel miserable. One day we are full of new ideas, the next everything looks bleak and dull. One day we think can take on the whole world, but the next even a little request seems too much for us.” . . . “When we are thrown up and down by the little waves on the surface of our existence, we become easy victims of our manipulative world, but, when we continue to hear the deep gentle voice that blesses us, we can walk through life with a stable sense of well-being and true belonging.” – Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved
His words resonate with me, especially when it comes to making a decision. Oh, how I hate the feeling of mood swings – one day I’m all on board with something, the next I’m shrinking away from my ideas or excitement I previously felt. How about you? Are you a sufferer of mood swings?
I’m not talking about hormonal disruptions, those moments when waves of rage or sadness hit with intensity (thank you, estrogen, you are a force to reckon with). Even hormonal waves of emotional crazy seem minor compared to the mood swings that cause you to question the things (at one point of time) you felt very sure of.
Are you an overthinker?
- You often times have repetitive, unproductive thought.
- Your thinking often times stops you from making decisions.
- Often times you find yourself feeling anxiousness and worry.
If you’re the type who weighs the risk to the extent of overthinking – Welcome, I feel you. I understand your process of overthinking. One day you’re all in, and the next you’re all out … then comes procrastination, because being sure feels too risky. The mood swing isn’t a flip of a switch (like hormones), it’s an oversized pendulum swing that hangs from your heart, and its movement is controlling your peace, confidence, and surety.
Here are few things you can do when your overthinking brain swings fully into a change of mood.
Ask yourself: Are my thoughts factual, can I prove them to be true?
A common saying in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is, “Thoughts are not facts.” It is important to remember this because thoughts that we have about ourselves, our past, and our future can feel like facts. The truth is, the thoughts you’re having are not provable otherwise your brain would have settled on the fact and moved on. Therefore, take any ruminating thought you’re having and see if you can prove it’s truth.
Side note: Your brain is continuously searching for ways to support your thought. For example, have you ever not liked someone? … soon enough everything that person does or says will be a rub to you. Your brain will come up with, and be constantly alert to all the ways that person can get on your nerves. Same goes for your assumptious thoughts. Your brain will look for ways to support your beliefs.
Try Problem Solving Directives
Take your thoughts and give them a directive. This is an active approach in problem solving. For example, “I’m scared I’ll be a bad mom.” – take the thought and direct it toward a solution. Talk to other moms whom you admire or appreciate and vocalize your concern. Other thoughts such as, “I’m too lazy.” “I’ll never make enough money.” “There’s not enough time in the day.” … all of these can be solved by thought directives.
- Lazy? – write down what you do and what you want to change.
- Not enough money? – get your budget on paper, where is the spending going and what you need to do to improve the situation.
- No time? – Track your schedule, where are you losing time to activities not serving you.
Grab the thought problem – Analyze it – Give it a solution – Move forward
Get Wisdom
For the one who feels their overthinking is drowning their once great idea … here is where I’d like to stand with you. Will you read this, slowly? …
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding . . . Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:7 &13
Your overthinking that leads to moodiness is an indication of the importance and value you give … please don’t consider that to be a bad thing. In all your overthinking, you’re actually searching for the best-case scenario, the one that feels less risky. However, you’ll struggle to find it in your thoughts because we’re too familiar with knowing pain.
So what do you do? – You get wisdom, understanding, and instruction. You go to the Word and look for His peace that stills and steadies your heart. You reach out to trusted sources for advice and mentorship, those will speak truth and warn you of dangers. You move forward slowly, at your pace, because your lack of faith does not nullify God’s involvement in your life.
For those who experience moodiness from overthinking – you’re not alone, there are ways to detach the pendulum from your heart. Remember, Jesus’ love that includes wisdom and understanding is never moody – it’s your strong and steady.
Today – pray and release the outcome to the only One who holds the future.
Reach out to a trusted friend and share your thoughts.
Remember, your brain will support what you tell it. Be sure to tell it the truth.
If this encouraged you, share it with another!
