Sometimes I succumb to negativity by thinking too much.  This behavior is deadly to a peaceful mindset.  When a person overthinks, that behavior has a tendency to morph into worry.  And then it can become a problem that grows in one’s mind.  This is not a road I want to travel.  But it happens, and I let it happen.  

I think I need to come up with a script, something to say to myself when I see that I am heading in that direction.  The problem with that, is that I don’t always see where I am heading.  Is it just me, or do other people do this too?  

I am trying very hard to come up with a plan, perhaps a mantra?  What could I say to myself?  I decided to search for an answer.  I typed my query into my computer and found many, many ways to stop thinking too much.  Of course, I already knew them all.  They were all common sense answers.  But, that didn’t help me to decide what was the most effective one(s) for me.

Maybe a mantra is the best thing for me.  Simple, yet full of possibility!  One word, “STOP” can be the 1st thing to say to myself.  If I arrest my immediate behavior, at least that will be a start.

Then, I will need to come up with a short script.  I can write it out, try it out and edit it if necessary.  Something short and to the point should do it!  Okay!  Hmm.  “Stop thinking, Lora! You’re doing it again!” 

Wait a minute!  Could it be?  Could it be that simple?  No, it has to have more words than that, doesn’t it?  Well?  Doesn’t it?  Of course not!

I looked up “mantra.”  “A commonly repeated word or phrase.” A word or phrase?  Why, it’s perfect as it is!  “Stop thinking, Lora! You’re doing it again!”  “Stop thinking, Lora! You’re doing it again!” 

Yes!  That’s it!  I think this will work.  Yes, I really do.  I feel better already.  I’ll let you know how it goes.