It’s Life.
Every day comes with its’ needs, emotions, and a long list of unfinished tasks that need attention.
Tell me I am not the only one that feels they are on the brink of falling apart at any moment?
How it is life can just keep coming at you, begging for you to give, when you have nothing left to give?
Some days I feel like I’m in control and having a good day. Then there are the ugly days, when it is a chore to get out of bed, with swollen puffy eyes, and I just don’t seem to have any patience for my family.
Even when I seem to be unraveling on the inside and it becomes almost unbearable to keep it all together, there are things that must be done. My family needs dinner, the laundry needs folding, schoolwork needs to be completed, and the bills have to be paid.
On those days where there are mountains of demands, I try really hard to focus on the following:
Just doing the next thing in front of me. This may be something as simple as cleaning the dishes that are piling up in the sink or making a grocery list. It might be laying out the children’s clothes in hopes that it brings a less stressful morning routine. Handling the mundane things around the house makes me feel a little more in control of myself. Focusing on just the next task (and not the long list of things I have to get done) prevents me from completely shutting down and being overwhelmed.
Recharging myself. Recharging myself becomes non-negotiable when I feel overwhelmed. Taking a nap or sleeping in. A hot shower. Enjoying a cup of tea while listening to a podcast. Being able to take the time to validate your feelings is healthy and important when running on empty.
I’m not alone. When the days are really hard, and nothing has seemed to go my way, I ask for help. Having an understanding and caring support system around me is essential. I give myself grace knowing it is okay to admit I can’t do it all alone on those fall-apart days when I’m just exhausted. It’s important to recognize and accept that it isn’t a sign of failure to reach out to those closest for help.
For those of you who feel like sometimes you can’t possibly keep all the plates spinning, what do you do to center yourself again?
