Ugh, so sorry, Hive account@ssimkins9, and far too often I'm right there with you.

Like a few days ago, when I discovered that a little stray cat I had been feeding and trying to befriend had, indeed, crawled up under our barn and died.

And now, every time I take the goats out for the day, or put them back in their stall for the night, I am faced with the smell of my own failure. Ugh again.

But, whereas in years past I would have taken the opportunity to castigate myself and beat myself up emotionally, now when I catch myself in a negative thought spiral, I use Byron Katie' s Four Questions to get through it, which can be used to investigate any negative thought:

1. Is that true? (Yes or no, if no, move to 3)
2. Can I absolutely know that to be true? (Yes or no)
3. How do I react, what happens, when I believe that thought?
4. Who would I be without that thought?

These simple questions and their proper use, which Katie refers to together as "The Work," have helped me to greatly reduce my stress level, and have led me to some profound insights.

Of course, I have to remember to use them, as it has not yet moved into the realm of habit, but when I do, relief is immediate and lasting.

I hope it helps you and others as well. You can access full instructions and further resources at her website, and she is featured in a number of YouTube videos, including this: