Occam’s Razor & Recovery: Keeping it Simple and Releasing the Stories That Hurt Us
Occams Razor = The simplest explanation is usually the best one.
Cut the fat, so to speak.
It can be applied in relationships - especially regarding giving the benefit of the doubt...
Or when wondering "Is this thing I'm about to do right or wrong..."
Or when wondering if someone has relapsed...
Also apples to - Letting Go of the Stories That Hurt Us
Examples:
- “Have you ever replayed a conversation a hundred times… trying to figure out what you did wrong?” There is exhaustion in overthinking..
- “Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves hurt more than the event itself.”
- Occam’s razor can help us lay some of that weight down.
“This isn’t about oversimplifying pain—it’s about releasing unnecessary suffering.”
Wisdom isn’t found in more explanations—sometimes it’s found in fewer.
Trauma-informed insight.
When we have had to have hypervigilance:
“When safety has been inconsistent, our minds become detectives.”
Examples:
- Over-analyzing texts
- Assuming hidden meaning
- Internalizing or manufacturing blame
- “If something went wrong, it must be me.” Harm, damage, dysfunction...must be my fault or my JOB to clean up (or prevent)
Apply the razor:
- What if the simplest explanation is… that was harmful? Pain doesn’t require a character flaw to be valid. Healing may require accountability or amends, but never shame.
Thoughts to consider:
“What story am I carrying that may not be necessary or helpful?”
“What is the simplest truth I already know?”
“What would peace look like if I stopped explaining, analyzing or dwelling and ruminating on this?”
Listen to this week's Unhooked Podcast to consider how to let go of self-harassment, obsession and torment and move into a simpler more peace based head-space even in the midst of madness.