I read something this morning that gave me pause: When you have a lot going on, and things feel overwhelming, do just one thing.
It can be very easy to want to dive in and get everything taken care of so that it’s off our plates, or on the flip side, go into overwhelm and not do any of it. It can be tempting to ignore anything that feels like an obstacle, and just keep sailing on. Starting a project and getting a few things done can start chipping away and inspire you to continue. For example, I grew up in a family where we cleaned the house and did the laundry once a week. The dishes were always done after every meal. Papers were organized, and the garden was maintained to breathtaking beauty.
To this day, I follow that way of living. I have allergies to dust, so cleaning is a must, but having a tidy environment also allows me to focus on my business, other personal projects, or just having fun out in the world. When I get distracted in a cluttered space, it’s almost like the energy starts to vibrate, and my focus goes away.
I think about the stresses that come up in life, too. I don’t know any person who isn’t affected by stress in one form or another. It’s what you do with it that counts. Let’s say something is happening in your life, and you don’t know the end result. You want it to come out positively, but the uncertainty almost shakes you. You’re bouncing around like a rabbit trying to figure out the outcome, and it simply needs to play itself out. You do your best, let go of the control and trust the result will be what you want it to be. If it isn’t, then change tacks and move on.
Outcomes aren’t always what we’d like. Hopefully, they are most of the time, but when it doesn’t go as planned, find a different path. When your home looks like a tornado, and you have taxes to get done and family or loved ones who need your care, do one thing. Sure, some have more of a priority to get done, do those first. Then go to your bedroom, put the clothes away, and return to your taxes. You don’t have to tornado your way through all of it – in fact, doing so might well end up in an outcome you had not intended.
Pace yourself. Could you make a list and update it every day? Why? It shows wins/accomplishments and gives you the motivation to continue. Check things off to see your accomplishments, and heck, yes – give yourself a high five for what you’ve done. Become your own best cheerleader and hall monitor and allow the shaking to subside so the smooth sailing can return. When the inevitable tidal wave does plow into you, you’ll be prepared to readjust your sails and go back on course.
Be nice, to YOU.
Hugs,
Cyndi