Rewind and replay

Our brain is an incredible piece of equipment. It stores vast amounts of information and acts as the control center for our bodily functions. It also provides the means for replaying situations in our heads looking for new ways to approach old problems. When this thinking leads to a fresh view of a problem, it serves a positive purpose. When it results in repeatedly playing an old scenario hoping that, in doing so, it will somehow change, it becomes the grist for sleepless nights. On occasions such as this, ask yourself which of the two results you hope to accomplish. Are you looking for new solutions or beating yourself up with what might have been? There is actually a term for this replay process; it is called ruminating. It is like listening to a tape that is stuck and playing the same section of the song over and over. It never moves forward. It can lead to anxiety and depression. When you are stuck in your thinking, switch your thoughts to something positive or engage in a behavior you enjoy. Seek solutions. Focus on the concretes of the situation and plan for positive changes to improve your life. This interrupts the cycle and allows you to move forward. What is in your rewind and replay mode today that you can switch to the forward button?