Questioning the norms of our times, Smith – at almost thirty – transformed her life into a Love Laboratory. Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema was born on May 22, 1959, in Springfield, Ill., to John and Catherine Nolen. Her father ran a construction business, where her mother was the office manager; Susan was the eldest of three children. It's more like a friend, philosopher and guide than a book. Felt like the author herself is talking to you, taking you through the journey that, you and she, both are parts of.

I learned some things about myself while listening to this audiobook. Realising that I've probably inherited my predisposition to anxiety was a rather unwelcome insight, but I can't say I was very surprised. Let's just say that some of the behaviours and internal monologues described in this book sounded awfully familiar. However, learning the terminology was quite useful, as I'm now better able to identify and conceptualise what I'm actually doing (I'm very accomplished at mind-reading and fortune-telling, for example, 'should' is my second name, and I certainly have a PhD in rumination and anticipatory anxiety), and can hopefully influence my own thinking more. This technique has really helped see my worrying for what it is - not reality or fact, but something that just makes me anxious. The brains of depressed people look different to non-depressed people- oh this must mean faulty brains caused depression. This book was so wonderful. I have suffered from a combination of anxiety and depression for many years and much of what I read really resonated with me. I'm going to do my best to undertake the homework activities in the book. Often times when I do read books in this area, I don't want to do the activities. I say this so you guys understand what a compliment that is when I say it!

Much like crossing yourself after walking under scaffolding or freaking out about a pair of Stan Smiths being placed on your kitchen table, worry can be understood as a superstition. Anxiety can be a paralyzing force. For many, it is at the heart of their indecision and overthinking.

You don’t have to go it alone. Seeking outside help from a qualified therapist can help you develop new tools for working through your thoughts and even changing your mindset.Overthinking: “I wish the storm wouldn’t come. It’s going to be awful. I hope the house doesn’t get damaged. Why do these things always have to happen to me? I can’t handle this.”