Why Am I Still Thinking About That Comment?

Have you ever had someone say one careless thing, and hours later you’re still thinking about it?

You smiled and moved on. Then, while unloading the dishwasher, you started replaying what they said and wondering if they were right. I’ve done that more times than I’d like to admit.

Usually, the comments that stick are the ones that touch an insecurity I already have. My mind takes a five second remark and turns it into a whole story about who I am.

When I catch myself doing that, I try to pause and ask: What actually happened, and what am I telling myself it means?

Maybe someone made a thoughtless comment. That doesn’t mean everyone agrees with them. Maybe I made a mistake. That doesn’t mean I always get everything wrong.

Sometimes I need a quiet minute with God to sort that out. My prayer is usually simple: “God, that hurt. Help me see what’s true.”

I’m still practicing. Some days I let a comment go. Other days I’m thinking about it two days later while making coffee. But I’m learning that I can acknowledge what hurt without believing every harsh thought that follows.

Just because a thought keeps coming back doesn’t mean it’s true.