The Renewal Mindset

If I could change one thing about myself, it would hands-down be how much I overthink. I overthink everything. Big decisions, small decisions, what someone said, what I said — even what brand of granola to buy at the grocery store. I’m the girl who stands in an aisle comparing two nearly identical labels like time doesn’t exist.

It’s not cute. It’s not quirky. It’s exhausting.

And for most of my life, overthinking has felt like this tiny, invisible weight that follows me everywhere — from family events, to work emails, to those quiet moments at the end of the day when the world finally slows down and my mind decides to speed up.

But now, in this very transformative, healing season of my life, I’m actively learning how to stop. To pause. To breathe. To train my brain to find peace instead of spiraling. If you struggle with overthinking too, I hope my story helps you feel a little more understood — and a lot less alone.

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The Everyday Moments Where Overthinking Takes Over

For me, overthinking shows up in ways big and small:

• What to order at a restaurant
• Which brand to buy at the store
• Replaying every conversation after a family event
• Rereading a work email five times to make sure it sounded “okay”
• Wondering if I could’ve said or done something differently
• Questioning my life path, my purpose, and whether I’m “where I should be”

If I have too much free time at the end of the day, I can easily slip into what I call the Existential Olympics. Suddenly I’m thinking about the meaning of life, where I’ve been, where I’m going, and why I felt so weird that one time in 2017.

Sometimes it’s energizing. Sometimes it’s a downward spiral.

And honestly? I think a lot of it stems from the beautiful but chaotic combination of ADHD + anxiety. A fun little cocktail I never asked for.

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Why We Overthink So Much in Our 20s and 30s

Overthinking became especially heavy in high school and my early twenties — and it makes sense. When you’re young, you’re still discovering who you are, what you want, and where you’re headed. But you don’t realize that in the moment. So everything feels like a test.

Add in social media, and the pressure increases by 1000%.

Everyone your age is:

• Buying homes
• Having kids
• Getting married
• Graduating
• Traveling
• “Figuring life out” (or so it seems)

Meanwhile, you’re sitting there thinking, Why don’t I have it all together yet? What’s wrong with me?

But here’s the truth I had to learn:
Nothing is wrong with you. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.

Your path isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s. God has a plan for you — one that unfolds in His timing, not yours.

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The Moment I Realized I Needed to Change

I reached a point where I knew I needed a healthier mind. A quieter mind. A mind that didn’t over analyze every breath I took.

So I started reminding myself of a few simple truths:

• I’m a good person.
• I try my best every single day.
• I show up, I work hard, and I care.
• I uplift others whenever I can.

And if I’m doing all of that… what exactly am I overthinking for?

This mindset shift didn’t fix everything overnight — but it gave me space to breathe. And that space is where the healing started.

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The Triggers I Noticed (And How I Manage Them)

1. Too Much Free Time

When my mind isn’t occupied, it wanders — fast. I’ve learned that I need activities that stimulate my brain and give my energy somewhere positive to go.

2. The Gym = My Therapy

Working out has become one of my biggest tools for managing my thoughts.
It’s the one place where:

• My phone is away
• My mind is focused
• My body is moving
• My energy is releasing

And let’s be honest, Elle Woods once said it best:

“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. And happy people don’t kill their husbands — they just don’t!”

She wasn’t wrong.

Exercise is powerful — and for nights when I don’t make it to the gym, I turn to simpler at-home rituals: Click Here to Read 10 CALMING Ways to Relax After a Busy Day of Work!

3. Cutting Out Alcohol

I still love a cozy wine night — but the hangxiety? It eats me alive.

After drinking, I wake up feeling shaky, paranoid, and convinced everyone hates me. That spiral isn’t worth it.

So in my late twenties, I’ve chosen calm, sober nights in over “crazy girls’ nights out.” And surprisingly, it feels amazing.

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How I’m Rewiring My Brain in This New Season of Life

This year has been a transformational one for me. I finally feel like I’m coming into my true, authentic self — softer, more grounded, and more aware.

Here’s what I’m practicing daily:

• Pausing before reacting
• Not attaching meaning to every emotion
• Letting little things be “little things”
• Telling myself, “Erin… you’re overthinking again. It’s okay. Just stop.”

It sounds simple, but those gentle reminders genuinely help.

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Overthinking in Today’s World Is… Normal

We’re juggling so much:

• Finances
• Work
• Relationships
• Health
• Family
• Future plans
• Home purchases
• Kids (or plans for kids)
• Social expectations

There is always something to think about — which is exactly why learning to stop overthinking is so important.

Life will always have stress, uncertainty, and big decisions. But peace? Peace we have to create intentionally.

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What I’m Learning — One Day at a Time

I’m learning to take life moment by moment.
To put my best foot forward.
To trust God’s timing.
To trust my intuition.
And to trust that everything will be okay — because it always has been.

If you struggle with overthinking too, I want you to know this:

You are not alone.
You are not behind.
You are doing better than you think.
And you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

One day, one breath, one gentle reminder at a time — we can overcome this.