I Heard It on the Radio - “Get Over It”

BEFORE THERE WAS Dr. Phil, with his plain-talk psychology and simple answers, there were the Eagles. Back in the early 1990s, with the song “Get Over It,”^a they were already lamenting the people they saw on TV feeling sorry for themselves and blaming other people for their problems.

Agh, victim thinking. Most of us probably know people who have allowed themselves to become victims of their past. In fact, some of us might even be the victim thinkers! I know from experience that there’s nothing quite like the wake-up call that comes when a good friend (or mother) points out that it’s really time to deal with the past and move on. This refreshing perspective may not be immediately welcomed, but it will eventually calm the raging mind.

We need to recognize when we have allowed ourselves to be locked in a victim mentality—or maybe have even begun to make victimization our life theme.

Some of us latch onto the injustice of yesterday to define who we are today, leaving us friendless and lonely. Our friends, as much as they long to help, usually get worn out with those of us who wear the tiara of pain. The most helpful words they could share with us might come straight out of the Eagles’ song: “All this whinin’ and cryin’ and pitchin’ a fit, get over it.” (Okay, so perhaps they could phrase it a bit more kindly than these rockers did.)

The troubles of my heart are enlarged;bring me out of my distresses. (Psalm 25:17, NASB)

If you’re stuck in negative thinking, seek counsel. Talk to your clergy. Find a good psychologist. Or download this song at iTunes for 99 cents. But for heaven’s sake—move on and get over it.

I Heard It on the Radio - “Get Over It”

From the book