Dodging The Overwhelmies
Hello my fellow life lemon dodgers, The day started out so well…
A sunny day to walk the trail along the bay, birds singing, chipmunks chasing each other back and forth in front of me. Lots of friendly people to say hello to, even a little girl age nine or so saying hi and waving as she sped by on her bicycle. I didn’t know that was a thing any more…kids speaking to strangers! It was wonderful to see! Guess I look safe to speak to…old people generally are.
Take It All In
It was just one of those moments where I had to stop my thoughts and take it all in. A gratitude moment for sure. Up to this time on my walk my mind had been going through the endless messy file cabinet that is my brain, to pick a topic to write about. So “Living in the Moment” it is. I finish my walk, and head to the grocery store for a few things. Get home put groceries away. Standing in the kitchen I realize I have other chores I’ve been meaning to do. Then I feel it coming like a slow moving train pulling into the station…a life lemon I call “The Overwhelmies” is heading my way and I have a bullseye on my forehead. Suddenly there is an endless list of things I “NEED” to do before I can write my article. (It seems procrastination is the evil sister to the Overwhelmies)
Besides housework I NEED to look up the name of that actor I liked back in 1978, after he popped into my head the other day.
I NEED to research song lyrics that I found out I was singing wrong for years (apparently the bad moon is on the rise, not the bathroom is on the right…how embarrassing!)
And the bananas are turning brown too quickly…I NEED to use the googler to find out how to stop that!
And the list continues until I am completely exhausted and overwhelmed…and I go have a nap instead of writing my article.
Then the frustration, self doubt and feeling of defeat sets in. Just an overall feeling of “forget it, why did I think I could do this!?” So I let my feelings be felt and I say…”Whoa…put the brakes on there old girl, you aren’t done yet. Stop beating yourself up about it. Tomorrow is a new day. You will try again!” and that’s what I have taught myself to do. Grab that lemon after it hits you and Relax…Breathe…Repeat. And you turn that damn sour lemon into a lovely cocktail!
A fresh start the next day…
I find it helps if I visualize putting all my issues, chores, things to do, on a shelf…like books, and take them off the shelf one at a time to deal with. So on paper I write a list of things to do, like taking the books off the shelf and stacking them when you are done with them. I strike out the completed item when it’s done. It serves as a sense of accomplishment to see what I have completed and it keeps the overwhelmies at bay.
And always make space on “the shelf” for what you are passionate about, it’s good for your mental health, which is just as important as your physical health. There are always going to be meals to make, laundry to do, and toilets to clean. But there should always be some “me time” in there as well.
Life Experience Wisdom
*One day at a time
*Feel the Overwhelmies
*Put the brakes on
*Make a plan
*Start fresh tomorrow
Well that’s it for today, next time I will conquer “Living in the Moment” as originally planned!
Cheers til next time!
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!