May 20, 2025: The Space Invader

I learned something wild today.

Ukraine uses a self-propelled artillery system that shoots 100-pound shells nearly 25 miles.

For perspective, each round weighs about the same as a fully loaded washing machine, yet somehow zips across the sky and lands with laser precision.

That weapon reminded me of another force which travels fast and hits hard. Intrusive thoughts.

I’m going to fail.
No one likes me.
Something bad will happen.
I don’t deserve good things.
I’m not worth loving.

When these strike, it feels real, but they’re mass-produced spam. Urgent subject lines with zero substance.

Not every thought deserves belief, so I don’t debate the toxic ones anymore; I redirect.

Here’s my trick. When those mental missiles streak into my frontal lobe, I say three words out loud:

UP AND OUT.

Works every time. I acknowledge, stand my ground… then dismiss.

Bonus: for an extra stubborn thought, pretend it's a laundry-filled warhead. Take that, dirty socks.