And trust me, I know whereof I speak!
Each month, I do work around a particular theme – doing strategic actions to align myself with that energy. This is part of a larger manifesting program by Andrea Hess that I’ve used with great success over the past six months. (I’ll be discussing that in a future post, btw.)
This month’s theme is “follow-though” and my mantra is “I finish what I start”. That’s often been an issue for me since I love the idea of projects and the beginning but not so much the middle. That’s where I’ve gotten stuck. Hence, my work this month.
It’s also the month I took on about seventy bizillion projects. How’s that for going unconscious? Ah Universe, I love you so! You always teach me what I most need to learn. Anytime you shift your vibration to move to another level, it stirs up all kinds of things and the dust I’ve managed to kick up is all around me right now!
So, I’m going to offer myself advice about how not to get overwhelmed as I work through this challenge.
1. Look at the big picture: Where are you going – not just in the moment but overall and ask yourself: how does this project, idea, “must do now” thing fit into that picture? If it doesn’t have an immediate fit, revisit it again in a week or even a month when you take a big picture look at things again. For me, this means pulling out a calendar and scheduling tasks in there so I don’t end up with a hundred projects now and nothing in, say, September.
2. Understand how your own process works: Are you someone who can multi-task? Can you take on thirty things and revel in the swirling chaos? Or are you someone who can handle two big things and do them well? My limit on juggling things is about three big things and a few small things. Right now, I have about five big things and sixteen trillion small things and that throws me out of balance and into chaos. Remember that it’s okay to set limits for yourself – especially once you know your own process.
3. Cut yourself some slack if you don’t quite manage it all: If you’ve managed to overload yourself, it’s okay. It’s a lesson to remind you not to do that again. Remember it. That’s how we learn our limits. You’d think by now I’d know mine and mostly I do but there are days when I just want to do it all and do it all RIGHT NOW!
Having to rein that part of me back in with a big “Whoa Nelly!” is essential for me staying sane. Listen to your inner self. When you want to run away or go hide in a closet, you’ve taken on too much. Take a breath, thank the Universe/Creator for all that you have and for your enthusiasm and (this is essential) – get the lesson – in how it feels to be in chaos. That’s so you don’t go there again. (And if you do, you might have a better idea of how to pull yourself out!)
So, today when I’m fretting that my site doesn’t look the way I want, and I’ve got a Study Group going tomorrow and a review to get working on, I’m going to remind myself to be thankful for all I have before me and take it one step, one project, one day at a time.
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10 Responses to Three ways to survive overwhelm
The Groovy Chick behind Practically Intuitive
My gift is clairaudience, which means I am able to “hear” your Guides and Teachers speak to me as if they are dictating a message for you to read.
I’m here to help you connect with them, see the signs, and make the practical changes your biggest and best life requires. I use my strong intuitive skills to assist you in making those changes down here in the physical. More about me
I tend to focus deep and single-mindedly. It’s the ONLY way I can accomplish anything. I accept it, but I often wish I weren’t so one-track. Ah, well.
Great post!
Great list. It’s funny though, I read “Cut yourself some slack if you don’t quite manage it all” as “cut others some slack when they don’t manage it all” cause it is way easier for me to let someone else slide by than it is for me to allow it of myself.
Over from #31DBBB and looking forward to more of your posts.
@Jody: I wish I could do that. I think sometimes I live in "short attention span theatre" – hehe. I would imagine that, as a writer, you need that kind of in-depth focus.
@amy – thanks for stopping by. Isn't it interesting how we can so easily care for others but not ourselves? Many of us struggle with that one. Nice to see you here!
Everyone over at #31DBBB should probably read this- because we're probably all freaking out about how to get everything done every day. I'm already behind. And I'm okay with it.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by suzrocks and Lisa, Mystical Chick. Mystical Chick said: Newest Blog post: #31DBBB Day 2: http://bit.ly/97RIgj How to survive overwhelm
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Great post. Definitely comes at a perfect time in my life – I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment and this really helped me focus in on the big picture and what I need to do to help reign it all in :]
Fabulous points. There are definitely times when I have to respect my limits and rein myself in when I can see that I have possibly taken on too much.
Thanks for sharing this list. It seems that nothing is every as simple as we expect.
I’m enjoying this challenge but yesterday after visiting so many different sites my head was starting to spin. Like Evelyn above said I have to respect my limits… well after this weekend of work and a study workshop that is.
CMcKane recently posted..Watched- Le Divorce 2003
CMcKane recently posted..Watched- Le Divorce 2003
Good website dude Thanks
Love this post! This week I'm feeling overwhelmed because I'm trying to do the 31DBBB challenge, and I had to work three different one-day volunteer events at the hospital. I do better with 2-3 big things, and a few small things. I'm not a big fan of over-multitasking any more.