Why is it that some people are able to let things go and others are not? Why is it that some of us experience guilty feelings or shame about our mistakes and are unable to forgive ourselves, while others acknowledge their errors and move on? It may have to do with our ability to manage ruminating thoughts.
Can you imagine being Cody Parkey right now? How awful to be remembered as the guy who kicked the failed field goal to end the 2018 Chicago Bears chances of advancing in the playoffs. Yes, he is paid a ton of money to kick a field goal. Yes, that is his professional job. But, his fickle fan base is quick to forget that 4 years ago he set a NFL rookie record with 150 points and also made the pro bowl with 32 of 36 field goals while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Right now however, all that is being thought about and talked about is his inability to kick that field-goal. He is having to tolerate scrutiny and social media shaming that no one should have to endure.
While I don’t know him and I’m speculating, I’m assuming Cody Parkey experienced feelings of disappointment and shame following all of the news reports and social media blasts after, the now infamous, game ending “Double Doink”. So, is he ruminating about the missed field goal? I’m guessing he did. At least for awhile. I’m hoping he is well practiced in calming himself and his thought patterns. We all get caught up in our own thoughts . Being able to control and manage the intensity of the thoughts is really important for our mental health.
Ruminating is a toxic thought pattern that can present in times of stress, anxiety and depression. Left untreated, ruminating thoughts can be debilitating. The following article offers suggestions to cope with ruminating thoughts. We hope you find it a valuable resource. Please reach out with any questions you may have about this topic or any other.
