Yesterday, people in my therapy group were overwhelmed with many stressful problems. Therefore, I suggested that we write, draw, or otherwise express ourselves about being overwhelmed.
If it’s not too overwhelming, how might you answer those questions?
Here’s how I answered Question #1: What is your personal experience of being overwhelmed?
As a way to let go of being overwhelmed, I shall now list what might overwhelm me, in the moment:
- Fear.
- Worry.
- Anticipation of what might go wrong in the future.
- Anticipation of what might go right in the future.
- Concerns about other people’s judgments.
- All the things I’m supposed to get done today.
- All the things I’m supposed to get done during this time of the year (including TAXES).
- Things I cannot control, such as the weather.
- My 63rd birthday, coming up in less than a week.
For me, what helps is to make a list of what might overwhelm me, like the one above. Then, it all seems less overwhelming, especially if I challenge what’s on the list, like so:
- Life is scary, so feel the fear and do it anyway.
- Worry doesn’t help me. Don’t worry, be happy. What me worry? Let go of worry about worry!
- I can’t control the future; I can only do my best in the moment.
- Really? I’m overwhelmed by what might go RIGHT? How goofy is that?
- I can’t control what other people think or how they judge. And, I know that other people’s judgments and thoughts can’t really hurt me. Are you judging me now? Guess what! It doesn’t touch me!
- What if I don’t get everything done today? Is the world going to end? I think not.
- See #6, above.
- “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”
- Up until now, I’ve always loved my birthday (because it’s GROUNDHOG DAY) and I’m grateful I’m still here.
I don’t know about you, but I feel less overwhelmed.
Are you overwhelmed by any of my other photos from yesterday?
Overwhelmed by all this? Try making a list and letting it go.
Overwhelming thanks to all who helped me create today’s post and to you — of course! — for visiting here, today.