Overwhelm feels like being tossed and turned in a tornado. Overwhelm feels like being lost in our emotions. Overwhelm feels like shame. Overwhelm feels unsafe.
Overwhelm occurs when we lose sight of the big picture. Overwhelm occurs when we do not know what is important. Overwhelm occurs when we try to do too many things.
The overwhelmed do not know how to use their time. The overwhelmed spend time doing things that shouldn’t be done. The overwhelmed cannot separate signal from noise. The overwhelmed consume too much information. The overwhelmed overvalue the recent.
Know what is important to you. Know what is unimportant. Say no to the unimportant. Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. Say no until you’re bored. Zoom out. Look at the big picture. Ask yourself, “Will this be important a year from now? A decade from now?”
Overwhelm occurs when we identify with what we do. Overwhelm occurs when we try to be perfect. Overwhelm occurs when we try to please others over ourselves.
The overwhelmed do not set healthy boundaries. The overwhelmed fear making mistakes. The overwhelmed fuss and fret. The overwhelmed excessively judge. The overwhelmed cannot see past their own biases.
You are not what you do. You are not your thoughts. You don’t even have to believe your thoughts. Choose peaceful thoughts. Act to promote inner peace. Avoid actions that promote inner turmoil. Be calm and steady. Get out of your mind. Be present to your body. Follow your heart. Release judgment. See your own biases. Let go of outdated beliefs.
Overwhelm occurs when we try to control the uncontrollable. Overwhelm occurs when we hide from the truth. Overwhelm occurs when we do not accept the present.
The overwhelmed keep busy to escape their fears. The overwhelmed mistake motion for progress. The overwhelmed give too many fucks. The overwhelmed dislike eliminating options. The overwhelmed find freedom uncomfortable.
Let go of your expectations. Accept your situation. Stop seeking more. Be grateful for what you have. Know what is in your control. Ignore the rest. Stop moving for the sake of motion. Slow down. Be aware. Look into your darkness. Face your fears.
Overwhelm offers us an opportunity to evolve. May we let go of who we think we are. May we let go of what we think we need to do. May we unlearn habits that no longer serve us. May we choose to be calm.
related:
busyness
discomfort
information overload
your scarcest resource
