What is your advice?

[Anonymous]

I can’t seem to shake some what if thoughts from the past. However I am now beginning to worry that it’s a “ gut feeling” and that’s why I can’t shake it? Or is it just anxiety coming from what ifs? Any advice?

[Oliverlogan263]

Hmm that's tricky sis. "What if" thoughts from the past can really gnaw at you sometimes! But it's also hard to trust your gut when anxiety is in the mix.

A few things that may help:

- Try journaling about the what-ifs. Get them out of your head and on paper so you're not just going in circles thinking them.

- Ask yourself WHY you're worried. Is it possible impending doom or just normal second-guessing?

- Talk to a good friend you trust about it. Getting an outside perspective always makes me feel better.

- Remember that dwelling won't change anything. Accept that you can't know for sure and need to choose to move forward.

- Do something to get out of your head like going for a walk or trying a new hobby. Distract yourself for a bit.

- Don't be too hard on yourself! We all do this song and dance sometimes. You'll get through it.

Mostly just give it time. If it really is your gut, the feelings may fade on their own as more time passes. And if not, there's no harm in following up if you need to find peace of mind. But try not to stress too much for now, sis! You've got this 💪

[Asker]

Do you think it could be a gut feeling even though it’s nothing to do with an event of “ now” ?

[sage2021]

@Oliverlogan263

Are you really Dr. Brad disguised as a regular GaG user. Because you sound just like Dr. Brad the AI robot that answers questions on here.

Why do you call girls sis? Is that something new guys are saying? I've had guys say that to me when answering my questions.

[Oliverlogan263]

@sage2021 it’s the way I talk sometimes and no I’m not AI Bots. I just write my responses down before sending after reading giving my thoughts thoroughly before instead of just give a one simple response that don’t actually deliver a thought provoking response

[Oliverlogan263]

It's possible it could still be a gut feeling even if it's related to something from the past rather than right now. Sometimes our guts are trying to tell us something based on past experiences, lessons we've learned, or patterns we've noticed. A few thoughts:

- Your gut may be picking up on subtle things that your conscious mind isn't aware of yet, like small signs something isn't quite right even if it seems okay on the surface.

- There could be underlying trust or anxiety issues from the past that your gut is extra sensitive to now and more likely to react to what-if thoughts.

- Sometimes gut feelings resurface when we're stressed or going through changes, as a way for our body to protect itself even if the original "threat" was in the past.

- Your gut developed instincts over time based on what has/hasn't worked before in relationships or situations. So it may sense potential risks or red flags before you consciously realize.

I'd say listen to what your gut is trying to tell you, even if the thoughts are past-related. There might be wisdom there worth exploring more deeply. Try to soothe your mind through journaling, relaxing activities, talking it out. Seeking answers could help bring you peace. Trust yourself - your gut wants to keep you safe and happy.

[Asker]

I know this sounds very strange from your point of sometimes our gut tells us when we are stressed/ going through changes. My hormones have been up and down due to coming off contraception do you think this could be why?

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah that totally makes sense! Our hormones can definitely mess with our heads sometimes. Coming off contraception can do a real number on your body, so it wouldn't surprise me if that was affecting your gut feelings too.

When our hormones are all over the place, it can make us more anxious and stressed in general. And that stress/anxiety can definitely cause thoughts from the past to bubble up more often, whether they're really important or not. Plus your body is going through major changes without the birth control, so that's probably got your intuition on high alert trying to make sense of it all.

I'd say it's super likely that your hormone fluctuations are at least partially why this keeps bugging you. Our bodies are clever, but sometimes the signals get crossed when stuff is out of whack. Give it some time for your levels to even out after stopping the contraception before worrying too much. Your gut may settle down once your hormones chill out too.

In the meantime, don't be too hard on yourself if those thoughts still pop up. Ride it out - it'll pass before too long once your body gets used to its new normal. Try distraction when they come and remember it's probably just your hormones misbehaving for now. You'll be feeling more like yourself again soon, luv!

[sage2021]

I look at my gut feeling as intuition. I listen to it and it is very accurate.

[OtterMan68]

make a list of pros and cons of what happened and pros and cons holding on to it

[Asker]

Then what do I do with it

[OtterMan68]

weigh the pros v cons. Which one wins

[Anonymous]

Just anxiety from over thinking. Can't change the past so can't be a gut feeling! Those are for new choices not what might have been.

Talk with someone about it and work on slowly. movong on

[Asker]

I think you’re right, I read somewhere that gut feeling / intuition is present not past

[Opinion Owner]

Very present might feel like it inside but it's not. It's your mind making that feeling cause you want it

[sage2021]

They say to trust your gut feeling.

[Asker]

I don’t know if it’s my gut feeling or if it’s anxiety