Podcast #565 OPTIONAL DRAMAThere's a fine line between fact and fiction in our thoughts. This episode will teach you how to understand the difference between thoughts you should believe and thoughts you should change if you want to decrease your stress levels and enjoy your life more. You'll discover how to de-dramatize your thinking and determine with thoughts are creating "optional drama". These confidence tips this week will help you live with more confidence ease, and mental peace.In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're talking about:* Optional drama, and how it's making your life harder than it needs to be* The Fact vs. Fiction question you need to be asking yourself* How to feel less stressed and drama-free in your lifeREVIEW OF THE WEEKSPONSORSHIP NOTE:“This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CONFIDENCEPOD and get on your way to being your best self.”Do you ever find that just as you’re trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? I used to think that having a racing mind was normal. I thought that I would always feel overwhelmed and burdened with anxiety. It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. It’s helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; it empowers you to be the best version of yourself; it isn’t just for those who’ve experienced major trauma; etc.If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It’s entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge.Get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash CONFIDENCEPODtoday to get 10% off your first month. That's www.betterhelp.com/confidencepodWHAT IS OPTIONAL DRAMA?"Optional drama thoughts" typically refer to thoughts that may not be necessary or productive, but can still create unnecessary stress, conflict, or emotional turmoil. These thoughts often contribute to drama in our lives, making situations more complicated than they need to be. Here are some examples of optional drama thoughts:Assuming the Worst Intentions:* "They didn't invite me to the event; they must be purposely excluding me."* "She didn't respond to my message immediately; she must be mad at me."Creating Conspiracy Theories:* "I'm sure they're all talking about me behind my back."* "There must be some hidden agenda behind why they're being so nice."Blowing Things Out of Proportion:* "If I make one mistake at work, I'll probably get fired."* "He disagreed with my idea; he must hate everything I suggest."Playing the Victim:* "Nothing ever goes my way; life is always unfair to me."* "People are always taking advantage of my kindness."Exaggerating Small Issues:* "This minor inconvenience ruined my entire day."* "If she doesn't like my post, it means she's no longer my friend."Jumping to Conclusions:* "They canceled our plans; they probably don't want to spend time with me."* "He didn't acknowledge my greeting; he must be angry with me."Gossiping and Speculating:* "I heard that she did something really embarrassing; let me tell you all about it."* "I think there's something going on between them; I saw them talking."Assuming Everyone's Attention is on You:* "I know everyone noticed when I stumbled; they're all laughing a...