Sunday, April 24, 2016

Let's Talk: Overthinking

Happy Sunday! I hope all is well with you. I will start posting every Sunday on different topics. So to start, let's talk about overthinking :)

My problem has always been overthinking. I know I am not the only one. I often wonder how God could use me if I continue to overthink. (Read: Ecclesiastes 11:4)

I can be such an overthinker that it hinders my ability to just live in the moment. One of my missions is to remove the bondage of thinking and fulfill it with life's adventures just as I have pictured so many times in my head.

I have pictured a life of travel, trying new things, blogging consistently, singing and connecting with new, like minded people. To some, these things come easy but for me it requires a change of mind state and the removal of overthinking. I refuse to overthink myself out of living in the moment anymore. My fear of risks and disappointing others has somehow stunted my growth. I call it being stuck.

Being stuck is just a state of mind. It is the ultimate trick of the enemy. God is waiting to make all your visions come to life but it is your choice to believe and have faith. Believing and having faith requires that you put full trust in God from the way you style your hair to saying yes/no to a job offer. I often wonder what life would be if I truly allowed God to have His way in my life. To be real, I need to stop being disobedient to God and move. What a joyous day that will be! I am learning not to search for happiness but God's joy. Question is: Do you want to get well? (Read: James 5:1-14)

I do not know about you but overthinking is exhausting. It is like running 100 miles in your mind and never getting anywhere. Before you know it, another day, week, month, and year has passed, and there is nothing to show for it. God wants us to cast all our cares on Him and He will give us rest because He cares for us. What a joy and relief! (Read: 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22). My overthinking spurs from worry and doubt. It is a constant wonder about what the future holds but I am learning that there is nothing better in life than God's joy and peace. I am learning to laugh and lean on God for all wisdom and understanding. I am free to live with no more bondage. (Read Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 31:25).

God's joy brings peace inside of a storm. It can make you happy for others when your world is falling apart. It gives you strength to pray for your enemies.

When my dad passed about 2 years ago, many people wondered (and still wonder) why I had not completely broken a part. Sometimes, admittedly I shock myself. My dad was a protector, provider, and one of my greatest advisors/counselors. If anything happened in my life, I knew I had my dad to bounce ideas off of or just simply help me make the right decisions for my life. He passed unexpectedly But what kept me was God. If it was not for my relationship with God, I do not know where I would be right now. God's peace surpasses all understanding. (Read: Philippians 4:7)

This experience of death and grief completely changed my whole world. All at once, my covering was gone. As an already overthinker, I never saw this coming. It opened my eyes to change my mindset on life and sitting around thinking became something I knew I had to change. Yes, I struggle just like every other person with my own insecurities and inside/outside confusions But God.

There are lives waiting for me to overcome this hurdle of overthinking and being stuck. The best advice I could give to anyone dealing with this same issue is: 1. Take it one day at a time, 2. Reach out for help (we all need accountability and the right mentorship), 3. Take up a hobby, i.e. blogging, singing, dancing, exercising, or whatever tickles your fancy lol. It is all about getting active. There is so much work to do. (Read: Romans 6:13)

The time spent on overthinking has probably cost me opportunities and even worse God's blessings but I am vowing going forward to God and to anyone reading this to get discipline and serious about the things God has told me to do. We all have something to give to this world. Don't go to your grave full.

Reminder: God can use anything and anyone for His glory. Never feel like God cannot use you or the time you feel you have wasted.

I love all of you. Please connect with me on Instagram and Twitter @Love1FreeDom. Also if you can relate to this topic do not be afraid to comment below. I would love to hear your perspective. Sharing is caring :).

xoxo - Dominique

4 comments:

  1. Love your post sis!!! I cannot wait to read so much more. Writing is definitely one of your many strengths! - Deena

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  2. Amen!! I love it Dom! This is so encouraging, I know your Dad is proud! With God, nothing is impossible! Keep going girl!! Love you! -Jei

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    1. Love you too, Jei! You are such an inspiration to me. Keep doing your thing as well :)

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