The overwhelm isn't a new feeling. It happens more often than I want to admit. But I'm admitting here today. I try not to take on too many projects. It's not even about telling someone "No." It's like I need to virtually sit on my hands so I stop signing up for things. Instead of answering yes or no right away, I let the email stew all day. If I didn't feel an immediate YES about it, then it will mostly likely be a No.
Even with my personal "rules" about taking on new projects, the lack of sleep is getting to me. My husband and I decided, for the sake of routine, I would take the kids to the bus stop for most of the week. No more sleeping in for an extra hour like last school year. I need to be up and moving so I don't drag throughout the day. My goal of going to bed by 1AM isn't going as well as I hope.
Recognizing my feeling of overwhelm is the first step. Figuring out the reasons help too. I'm tired. I have a long to do list. My toddler is about to transition into the terrible threes. He had a full blown tantrum yesterday afternoon. Screamed for almost an hour. In a the car. My nerves were shot by the time my husband arrived.
Those aren't the real reasons for my overwhelm.
I have lost sight of the big picture.
Why am I doing the projects I'm working on? Where do I want to go? What's going to help me get there? Maybe I don't even know what the big picture is right now. (Yes, your big picture can change.) It's easy to seduced by all the fun and exciting new projects that come my way. As a lifelong learner, I always want to do more.
I need a personal retreat. Just me and a mocha with lots of whipped cream. It's time to revisit my vision, my goals. In work, life, and family. All are closely intertwined. I need focus.
With the stacks of dirty pots and pans and the mountain of laundry waiting to be folded, taking this time feels like a luxury.Not to mention all my deadlines. But it's not a luxury. If I'm stumbling around with no specific direction or map, I'm no good to myself or my family.
I'm promising myself this time before the end of September. I'm printing out copies of my Biz & Blog Star Workshop and Business Goddess E-Course and working them with pen. No electronics. No wifi (gasp!).
How are you settling into fall?
If you've never tried any of Leonie Dawson's e-courses, I highly recommend them. Her Biz & Blog Star Workshop is totally free to download. Try it out! Disclosure: These are affiliate links. I'm a member of the Goddess Circle which gives me access to all of the e-courses that Leonie offers. I paid for the Goddess Circle membership myself.
Photo by Nanagyei via Creative Commons
