Overwhelmed

Posted on by JAS

This past week I have been struggling with lots of health related issues.  I have also been requested to do a temp job for 6 weeks, and trying to keep up on things around here.  I feel like I’m failing on every level.  I have been feeling overwhelmed.  I wonder how I get to this point and that is something I’m going to need to ponder a while.  Because I don’t like being here.  I know I need to work on the problem until I feel better, but what I need to know is how to prevent it from happening.  Or if I can keep it from happening.  Maybe I can’t.  This morning I was in tears over all the stressors in my life right now.

Then I took a few minutes and sat outside on our deck in the sunshine listening to the birds sing.  As I was sitting there, the starfish story came to mind.  Most of you have probably already heard some version of this. For those of you who haven’t, here is one version.

starfishstorycopy

As I was thinking about the wisdom of this story, I adapted it to my situation.  That although I am not able to do everything that needs doing and do it perfectly, I just need to do what I can.
I hope you can use this in your own life.

17 thoughts on “Overwhelmed”

  2. When I get overwhelmed I try to take some immediate and simple actions..the first is that I turn off the TV- esp the news. I like to play Sinatra or smooth jazz..just have it on low to soothe my soul. Then I pray..and imagine myself physically handing over my situation(s) to God. I put my favorite lotion on my arms so I can smell that wonderful scent all day..and yes, if I am able, I take a walk or just get out and look at nature.. Hang in there!

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          1. I tried and stopped because of my vertigo..and then carefully started back up when we moved up here. The teacher is VERY good, and I only do what I can..I just LOVE it..esp the meditation at the end of class…I feel like a new person when I leave. This is not a hardcore class though..I could not do that.

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  3. I get that overwhelmed feeling form time to time as well. It feels almost like you are suffocating and can feel like it’s lasting forever. I hear my husband’s words who recognizes that’s panicky look on my face “You can only do one thing at a time. Slow yourself down and get back to your center.” And if I don’t throw something at him and actually listen, and breathe, I eventually get my mindset back to middle ground, to my place of love and crazy calm 🙂
    Pretty sure from what I have read in your writing, that you are VERY good at finding your center, once you recognize you have temporarily stepped out of it! I bet just writing this particular post helped you with that!
    Starfish story is so wonderful. Thank you for reminding me about it.
    Love to you my friend!

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  4. It is moments like the one you describe that I have learned to give it over to God. And step away from the situation, even if just for a few minutes. Am hoping the month has improved for you!

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  6. Thanks for sharing, Judy. That’s a great story- it’s been a long time since I heard it so it’s good to be reminded. I’m sorry things have been so stressful and overwhelming. Praying for you as you work things through, and that your health issues get resolved. Even when we may not be able to do all we want to do, doing what we can is important, and it sometimes makes more difference than we realise.

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