I came home from my home group last night and spent some time thinking (“Danger Will Robinson, DANGER!! LOL!).  The topic was on the 7th Step which I was so grateful for because I don’t sit in enough meetings about 6 & 7 anymore.  I truly believe at over 3 decades of sobriety that Steps 6 & 7 are the meat and substance of our program.  Don’t get me wrong, I know that all 12 Steps are important, but this alcoholic needs to have a personal relationship with 6 & 7 on the daily or I’m screwed.  Being willing to become entirely ready to have my defects removed in 6, and remembering that I’m not the one carrying the “mallet” in 7 was a great reminder for me.

And as if I don’t already see that “Is it odd or is it God” saying playing out in my life on a daily basis, when I got home, I ran across a video on TikTok that was titled, “Inside the Mind of an Overthinker: Ten Eye Opening Facts” that really got me thinking even more (ironic, eh?).  Bill told us on the top of page 35 in More About Alcoholism, “So we shall describe some of the mental states that precede a relapse into drinking, for obviously this is the crux of the problem.” My poor home group gets so tired of me quoting that sentence, but I will never forget the day that it FINALLY and fully explained to me what my real problem is – and it AIN’T alcohol.  It’s the noise, the thinking, that lives between my left ear and my right ear that tells me a myriad of things like, “This time it will be different,” or “I can drink like a normal person.” There are many places in the Big Book that talk about alcohol being only a symptom of the real problem and now I finally know what the real problem is – MY THINKING!

Now that I’ve got some time under my belt, I see that playing out daily if I’m not spiritually fit. My thinking can get me into a whole lot of trouble still today.  It’s clear to this alcoholic that my defects manifest in my life because they start with me…

• PRIDE/EGO: Thinking I’m better than…
• ANGER: Thinking that you did me wrong…
• GREED: Thinking that I don’t have enough…
• GLUTTONY: Thinking that I just want more…
• LUST: Thinking that if I just had “that” I would be ok…
• SLOTH: Thinking I can just do that later…

That TikTok video inspired me to build the graphic above and to write this post in the hopes that it might create some identification for some of you.  I’m sure your magical mystical mind will want to refute some of this and that’s ok.  Mine did too!  LOL!  But the bottom line here is that I know for me to be able to be of maximum usefulness to those around me, I need to be willing to reflect on MY truth and when I saw that video, I saw ME all over it.

1. Fact One: Overthinkers have a never ending thought carousel.
   Their minds are like a ferris wheel, constantly spinning with thoughts, worries, and ideas. It’s a wild ride they can’t get off.
2. Fact Two: They’re experts at finding hidden meanings.
   Overthinkers can spot the tiniest nuances and read between the lines like detectives. No gesture or word goes unnoticed.
3. Fact Three: Overthinkers are the kings and queens of “what if?”
   They can create an entire alternate reality in their minds exploring every possibility and consequence. It’s like they have a mental time machine.
4. Fact Four: They’re perfectionism personified.
   Overthinkers strive for excellence in everything they do but can get trapped in an unattainable quest for flawlessness. It’s a constant battle between high standards and self-acceptance.
5. Fact Five: They’re experts at predicting worst case scenarios.
   Overthinkers have a talent for conjuring up catastrophic outcomes even in the most mundane situations. It’s like their minds are stuck in a never ending disaster movie.
6. Fact Six: Overthinkers are natural problem solvers.
   They analyze challenges from every angle, seeking the perfect solution. Their analytical skills can be impressive but it can also lead to decision making paralysis.
7. Fact Seven: They have a PhD in over analyzing past conversations.
   Overthinkers replay conversations in their heads, dissecting every word and gesture looking for hidden messages or signs of approval. It’s like being trapped in a mental loop.
8. Fact Eight: Overthinkers are masters of should’ve/could’ve.
   They have an uncanny ability to dwell on past mistakes and regret missed opportunities. Learning to let go is a lifelong lesson for them.
9. Fact Nine: They experience analysis overload.
   Overthinkers can become overwhelmed by their own thoughts leading to mental exhaustion and burnout. It’s like having a crowded party in their head all day every day.
10. Fact Ten: Overthinkers are deeply empathetic. They have a keen understanding of emotions and can sense when something is off with others. They’re the compassionate friends who are always there to lend an ear.

I hope that you are in a place in your recovery today where you can see yourself in at least some of the things written here.  I know I do, and I pray that God relieves me of the bondage of self enough today so that I can stop thinking and start doing.  Share this within your recovered network and see what kinds of conversation it generates.  May God bless you today as much as I’ve been blessed.

In love and service,