From Overthinking to Over-Thanking

I caught a glimpse of the sunrise the other day while waiting for my train, and it hit me just how much my mindset has shifted. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of my time, especially during those long commutes, immersed in the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts with Fr. Mike Schmitz.

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been a "negative" person, per se, but I definitely used to be an overthinker. When things got out of hand, I’d spiral. I’d rush to find a "quick fix" for every problem, which usually just led to impulsive decisions and a trail of regret.

For a long time, I felt stuck. I was constantly looking backward, beating myself up over what I should have done better or wondering where I’d gone wrong. Some days felt like a heavy, uphill battle against my own mood, and honestly I didn’t think I could change it.

Between the teachings from Couples For Christ (CFC) and the insights from Fr. Mike, my perspective started to pivot. I began diving deeper into my faith and exploring the actual virtue of gratitude. It sounds like a cliché, I know, but the concept is actually brilliantly simple: instead of obsessing over what’s missing, start noticing what’s already there.

I started small. I began to intentionally appreciate a perfect cup of coffee in the morning, a rare ray of sunlight piercing through the unpredictable London clouds, the 3-minute "check-in" call from my wife during her lunch break, finally walking through the front door of my house after a brutal commute filled with train cancellations and those Saturday morning strolls with my family, hunting for treasures in charity shops. I realized that these "insignificant" moments actually held the most value.

Once I turned gratitude into a habit, the world started to feel a bit lighter. That "dark cloud" that used to follow me around began to lift. I wasn't just faking a smile anymore; I was actually feeling joy.

That joy has sparked a real change in me. I’m not ignoring my problems, but I finally believe I can handle them. I’ve noticed that staying positive has breathed new life into my relationships because I’m not constantly complaining. Even when things are a "big deal," I approach them with a sense of calm. I have more energy, more focus, and I finally feel like I’m in the driver’s seat of my own life.

Today, gratitude is just part of my "daily bread." It helps me navigate the bad days and savour the good ones even more. I’ve realized that there is always something good to find, even in the worst-case scenarios. As long as I keep looking for the "good stuff," I know I can handle whatever comes my way.