I've heard the metaphor that having a calm mind is being able to watch your thoughts go by and not engage with them, like standing on the shoulder of a busy hig

I've heard the metaphor that having a calm mind is being able to watch your thoughts go by and not engage with them, like standing on the shoulder of a busy highway and not having the urge to get in any of the cars. For me, the biggest break through was realizing that my mind isn't as sophisticated or nuanced as I think. When I realized I could control what thoughts I engage with by simply redirecting my thinking to something else when intrusive thoughts came knocking, it was a game changer. I think you're looking at the flower during the week and linking it up with negative thoughts, now. You're effectively creating your own reality and loop of: Wednesday --> flower --> where's the chill? --> Oh right, I can't during the week --> Anxiety Do the work so that when you encounter the flower, you are already chill. Intrusive work thoughts? Redirect thinking to interests and things you enjoy. Repeat as necessary. It gets easier every time. Eventually, the intrusive thoughts don't bother trying to interrupt -- they aren't welcome.