I am often guilty of reading entire stories in a single-word text or an unknown expression.
Sometimes, it gets the better of me because, at its core, this is what overthinking is. And being an overthinker is exhausting – especially when misunderstood by those who don’t experience it.
Yes, it’s draining to overthink. No, it doesn’t simply vanish because someone dismissively says, “Just stop.”
But without this part of me, I wouldn’t have the insight I bring to the people around me. I wouldn’t see what’s missing and advocate for its inclusion.
For most of my life, the stories I saw in those single-word texts were damaging, not life-giving. I internalised the ridicule that came with overthinking.
But what if I reframe this ability to see stories as my superpower? As the quality that pushes me to name things people don’t readily see themselves?
Suddenly, it becomes a beautiful part of myself that I can proudly embrace, and that’s quite something!
