Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running - Mac only

Ever since I updated my Macbook to Big Sur 11.4, I have not been able to open up The Sims 4 on it.. I get an error code that states that "The Sims 4 is already in use" and thereafter there is an error code. I've googled this and it's not something new. I still want to utilize this game on my MacBook, but I'm not sure what to do next or where to go from here.. (?) H E L P ? > !