What are you stuck on? What is the situation, the problem, the relationship, or the issue that seems to always return to your mind? It could be replying your last foot in mouth moment. It could be a deteriorating relationship. It could be endless worry about a loved one or friend. Whenever your mind isn’t actively thinking about something else… this is the thing your mind returns to. Counseling has a term for this- rumination. Tossing the same cycle of thoughts over and over in your head like a washing machine. But, did you know that the term rumination actually comes from a cow chewing the cud? Cows chew the same mouthful of grass or hay over and over again. Swallowing it and burping it back up. Like some kind of weird, bovine chewing gum. Not the prettiest mental picture, I know. But, in essence, this is what we are doing to ourselves. Poking and prodding at the same situation, without any real progress or solutions. Today, I challenge you to pull yourself out of the spin cycle. When the familiar thought pattern returns, just gently remind yourself that you aren’t going to be stuck there today. And then actively think of something else. Or turn on a TV show, music, or a podcast. Call a friend. Do something to get the bouncy child that is your mind distracted and onto another thing. And then do it again. And again. Give yourself the gift of mental freedom. And take deep breaths and remind yourself that you are good, you are beautiful, and that this too shall pass.