Snack 73: Talking Yourself (& Your Vacuum) Off a Cliff

The Whole Pineapple

How do you stop “catastrophizing”? And if it’s not clear from context, “catastrophizing” is the art/science/self-destructive spin-out of getting stuck in what Bridget Jones referred to as a “negative thought bog,” like getting mired in a swamp of despair. Like “doom scrolling,” catastrophizing is that rut of negativity you just can’t seem to fight free of.

Not to make this a list of metaphors, but Anne’s Roomba story in this episode is perhaps the most perfect example of catastrophizing. But you’ll have to listen to get the joke. 🙂

Fortunately for us, Jaime Mammenga is back to talk us down, allow us a space to express our concerns, and help us learn to let go. And if anything is confusing, Anne has a Roomba analogy to help you through!

In this episode, Jaime and Anne discuss how emotions need wiggle room, they need to move. You can’t just push emotions away and expect them to stay gone. Complaining to a patient friend, writing it out in a journal, pummeling a punching bag — those things can allow you to vent rather than explode, stop catastrophizing, and get that feeling of being in control back.

In this episode, Jaime and Anne cover:

• How to focus on the present moment. (1:04)
• How does this work in your relationship? (4:38)
• The importance of journaling and venting. (8:31)
• Letting go of the worry. (13:10)
• Worry dolls and how they help. (17:12)
• The difference between sexy time and worry time. (21:37)
• Jaime’s meditation (23:06)

If you need more Jaime (and who doesn’t need more Jaime??) you can find her meditations on The Whole Pineapple podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find them here, along with all the episodes with hosts Anne and Ruby: thewholepineapple.com. Jaime is on to new adventures in her professional life; stay tuned for updates!