Does Overwhelm Ever Stop You In Your Tracks?
Life is not always easy, and sometimes we experience difficulties that can make us feel like we're in survival mode. And even though I support others with these moments of overwhelm, it doesn’t mean I’m immune to them. The truth is, no one is excluded from this experience of getting off track. What I shared on Instagram today is that in these last couple of weeks, I totally dropped many of the practices that help to keep me feeling like, well, me! What tends to drop out for me? I don’t meditate every day, I watch more shows, scroll more, eat more sugar, and none of it is done intentionally as a break. It left me realizing that this is just part of the process. Falling down, and getting back up. It is how we learn. Imagine if you judged a baby who was learning to walk when they fell? Or a child when they were learning to ride a bike? My guess is if you are here, you would only respond with compassion and encouragement. So why don’t we do the same for ourselves?
The truth is, we're all human and we all make mistakes. We drop things all. The. Time. Sometimes we fall down, but it's important to remember that falling down is just a part of the journey, not the end of the road. What really matters is how we get back up and move forward.
Here are a few ideas for what you can focus on when you fall off track.
Reframe your thinking. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, focus on what you can learn from the experience. Ask yourself what you could do differently next time, and how you can use this setback as an opportunity for growth. Remember, would you judge or scold a child for falling down when they are learning something new? Treat yourself the same way!
Take a break. Sometimes, the best way to get back up is to take a step back. Give yourself permission to take a break, whether it's a few hours or a few days. Use this time to recharge your batteries and come back to your tasks with a fresh perspective. The trick is to do this consciously, not mindlessly. Decide what you need and go for it. Even if it is a week of binging a show.
Reach out for support. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to friends, family, or your support team when you need it. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to get back up when you have a support network behind you.
Celebrate your successes. When you do get back up after a setback, take time to celebrate your success. Recognize the effort it took to overcome your challenges, and give yourself credit for your resilience and determination.
So, if you've recently fallen down, know that you're not alone. It's okay to ask for help and to seek support from loved ones. Remember, taking time to get back on your feet is perfectly okay and part of the process. Give yourself credit for how far you have come because you are doing a great job!