Overcoming overwhelm is possible. This is vital for us to remember as we go about our days!
Personally, I think of overwhelm as a season. It comes and it goes as we conquer and move forward. Overwhelm has many different facades, and can strike anyone at anytime.
How can we conquer, overcome, and move past the weight of overwhelm? Overcoming overwhelm is similar to exercising. You will have to put in the work and the time, feel a bit of a burn, and then you will get to enjoy the result!
Step One: Seasons
First off, remembering that there is a season to everything is vitally important. Nothing, I repeat nothing, in life is all flowers and sunshine. Your dreams, your wishes, your plans may all look picture perfect in your minds eye, but I promise you there is a price to pay for anything. Now I certainly don’t mean this disparagingly. Mostly I just don’t want you to let your dreams for the future cloud your appreciation for the present. To everything there is a season. If your current season has ups and downs, so will your future seasons. It’s part of life. You can find joy, be happy, and delight in each season!
In this season, this here and now, know that it is only a season. As long as you pursue God and His will, you can anticipate remarkable things in your life. Even if you are lonely now, have just lost a loved one, didn’t get the promotion you anticipated, etc, remember that this is just a season. As Scripture says, “joy comes in the morning”. Take comfort in knowing that each next phase and season has the potential of being better than the one before!
Step Two: Be Smart
Preaching to myself here when I gently, yet firmly, state the obvious: Be Smart. Don’t overload yourself with commitments, don’t set unrealistic goals, don’t try to cram more than 24 hours into a day. Certainly be ambitious, optimistic, efficient, and all the other good things, but also be intelligent.
I find I have the best and most creative ideas when I have the least amount of time to give them. If you’re like me, this is when inspiration strikes for you too. Write them down, consider them, brainstorm with a friend about them, and pray about them. But don’t feel compelled to pursue every little thing. Give careful thought to things. Consider prior obligations. Ponder what you might be willing to give up in order to make time for this new opportunity.
Not every idea is a good idea. But on the flip side, you never know unless you try! Be smart. Pray, get counsel, and carefully consider ideas and opportunities before you cast them aside or jump in feet first.
Step Three: Be Faithful
Overwhelm can often come when we lose heart. When we are tired obstacles are larger. Personally, if I am tired I try not to think about my to do list. I try not to think about sensitive topics. Overwhelm can just slip in too easily. I focus on putting one foot in front of the other, celebrating small victories, and moving forward.
Overcoming overwhelm comes one victory at a time.
That victory might come in the form of a major project finished at work or it might come in the form of a freshly mopped kitchen floor. Work at it, keep your eyes on the goal, and then appreciate it fully!
No matter the task, menial or major, work as if for God not for people. People might not appreciate, they might not see the victory, they might zap your momentum and your delight in what’s accomplished. But if you do your work for God and give Him the glory, you will go all out and feel a major victory when you are done!
Remember, overwhelm can be recurring. Don’t be discouraged, keep your eyes on the goal, be smart, be faithful and you will overcome it! I sincerely hope this post inspires and encourages you!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Feel free to share any thoughts or ideas of your own on overcoming overwhelm! And keep reading, you’re sure to find more inspiration: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2020/02/19/green-pastures-ahead/