Feelings of Overwhelm

Do you ever judge your success in something based on how quickly you succeed? I know I have. It can be so discouraging when something that you’re super excited about doesn’t happen exactly how you expected. I heard someone say that other day that we need to learn to be “crock pots” in a “fast food” world and that spoke to me deeply. You see, it’s all too easy to get so caught up in “quick” that we forget how good a slow cooked meal can be. We get caught up in “convenience” instead of appreciating the long way around. There is certainly something to be said about those who take the “crock pot” approach to life because more often than not, they learn a lot of valuable lessons along the way that would’ve been missed had they opted for “fast food” instead.

We all have goals and dreams, and while they might not all look alike, we have an idea of how long we think they should take to come to fruition. If we’re honest with ourselves — at least if I’m honest with myself — my dreams tend to fall into two categories. They’re either so big that I don’t truly believe they’ll happen or they’re so small that I could accomplish them anytime I decide to stop procrastinating. That “in between” area is hard for me, but it’s where I’m finding myself more and more often. That space where I have to keep pushing ahead even though it’d be easier to sit down. The place where my faith actually has to overcome my fear. The place where the big dreams actually seem possible if I’m willing to put the work in. The place where people might think you’ve lost it or are sitting back waiting to see if you’re actually successful — that’s the space that I don’t like to be in because that’s where it starts to feel scary and overwhelming for me.

When I find myself in that in between space going after big dreams and goals because I actually believe they can happen puts a big ‘ol knot in my stomach and I can become paralyzed in overwhelm. I become irritated and on edge because everything feels like just too much. I’ve learned enough about myself to recognize when this is happening and thankfully I’ve been blessed with a husband that is really good at taking over those situations and getting us across the “finish line” so to speak. I can tell him what needs to be done and he’ll get it done. It almost feels silly to admit that I still need someone to tell me what to do sometimes, but it’s the truth. I don’t mean I need everyone to tell me what to do or just any person — it has to be my person. When I was a kid and my room became too much, my mom would sit on my bed while I cleaned it up because I would be too overwhelmed to even know where to start. Now, it’s Marc.

When I get too overwhelmed by all the things I need to get done, he’ll do whatever he can to help me get it done. Whether that looks like doing dishes or helping me figure out what I need to run my businesses. Whether it’s making me laugh or making dinner — he’s been exactly what I’ve needed him to be when I find myself in those overwhelming, in between moments, and I’m beyond grateful to God for blessing me with him for my husband.

Other things that help me when I’m feeling overwhelmed include worship music, time alone, walking outside, eating a protein-rich snack, drinking a cup of coffee in silence, and reading — if I can get my mind to stop racing long enough to focus on the words. There are other things too, but that’s some of them. The main thing is that I have to get out of my own head. I have to speak truth and hear truth because usually the words and phrases running through my mind are not true. I have to remember that the overwhelming situation can almost always be broken down into small, manageable steps. I have to remember that the overwhelm won’t last forever and that working through it is my best option.

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” He is more than able to handle whatever I find myself dealing with each day. He cares for me and I can trust Him with every anxious, overwhelming thought that I have. He is so good and He will continue to carry me through. I know that when He calls me to do something, that in no way means that it will be easy — it just means that He’ll be with me every step of the way no matter what others think, say, or do. He is good all the time and His faithfulness lasts forever!

Song(s) of the Week: This week I chose “Cast My Cares” by Finding Favour. Enjoy!