Let's face it; we all do it. Something happens at work or with a friend that really makes us mad and we keep the story going all day long, perhaps even days. The thing to remember though is that the emotions and chemicals that flooded your body at the time of the bad experience gets repeated over and over again each time you tell the story. You go home and you may call your mom, then your friends and even when you aren't talking to someone about it; your mind keeps replaying the experience. Maybe it feels as though you have to replay it over and over to see if you could have done something differently. Maybe you should have said what you really wanted to say or any other scenario that would not have left you feeling like you are feeling now.

 How long we hold onto the story is up to us. Some people have a wonderful way of leaving it once it has happened and the ability to move onto something else that makes them feel good. Maybe they addressed the situation in the exact way they wanted to, then moved on. Some people will come home and look at the situation one more time and release whatever negative emotions it conjured up, then say, "Well it is over and I did the best I could in that situation." You might even put the mind at ease by saying, "I am sure ____ was just having a bad day, I won't take it personally."

 The real tragedy is when we let something that happened in the past hold us prisoner for days. When we see it is no longer the situation, but us that is keeping the story going, there is a freedom. A freedom of choice. Say, "I can actually stop telling this story now because it is over and I want to be totally present to enjoy this very moment in time." This can of course be easier said than done. But it is doable and a healthier approach to life and living more in the now. It can take time, but with practice your mind will drop undesirable stories faster and faster. 

April Rohde, The Power of you