Over-Explaining
Simplify the anxious tendency to over-explain. Anxiety drives over-explanation of choices, plans, and boundaries.
Simplify by…
- self-soothing the inner anxious chatter.
- Choosing self-trust.
- Embracing your firm and brief responses.
If you accept your responses, others will too. Don’t temperature check the room to ensure your choices are okay. Trust yourself.
Reasonable and simple responses:
I can’t come. I hope it’s a great time.
No, that won’t work for me.
It’s not your job to manage the anxiety and expectations of others. It’s your job to be honest with yourself.
Journal Prompt: I need to simplify my explanations when…
A note on journaling: The goal of journaling is to process, organize, and self-reflect. There are no right ways to journal. There are no wrong ways to journal. Journaling can be done with words, bullet points, pictures, lyrics, drawings, and more. What comes natural to you, is the right way to journal.
Boundaries: Journal Prompt Series
Anxiety: Journal Prompt Series
Big Decisions: Journal Prompt Series
Hi, I’m Brooke. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Substance Abuse Counselor.
I write about boundaries, quality of life, and journaling.
Mental Health & Journaling 