Brain, I love you but…

Dear Brain,

You are awesome! You’ve supported me through writing papers, tests, college, and many complex decisions. You are amazingly adaptable. I couldn’t get by without you- in fact, I love you. Yet, I need to have an important talk with you.This isn’t really your fault- it’s not you- it’s me. Sometimes, you (I mean- we) get stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns and you do what you do so well- you think about problems from complex angles, and start coming up with solutions and creating patterns. This is all great. But, sometimes, I need to let thoughts go and at times – you are too good at what you do.

I’ve noticed that when I’m worried, my thoughts loop in a three ring circus complete with acrobatics and elephants. Lately, I’ve been ruminating and you are stellar at this too. But, it’s time we develop a new relationship.

Are you on board? I want to let some things go that I can’t control. I want to learn how to manage uncertainty better. I want to relax. I’m going to need your help. Maybe we can come up with actual solvable opportunities rather than the endless fearful looping?

Let’s start with this thought of gratitude, “Thank you brain for serving me so well all these years.” It’s time to adapt to a new way of living – one with much more peace. This is going to take some discipline – the kind of discipline that it takes to start eating healthy after weeks of holiday junk food.

We can do this. I believe in us. Thank you for listening to this, dear Brain. Let me know your thoughts (pun intended). Let’s talk soon.

Yours always, Shelley