As a writer, I find that nothing prevents my fingers from tapping on those little black keys more than feeling overwhelmed. I had planned on a leisure, uncomplicated summer. But I haven’t been able to break some old habits and allow myself the altitude I hoped for – time and space to finish another writing project.
So just in case you don’t come by it naturally like most humans, I thought I would pass on some wisdom on the subject of being perpetually overwhelmed with writing, responsibilities, and life in general.
I find that if you follow these simple steps, you can maintain a state of turmoil, panic, disorganization, and disappointment for the better part of each day.
1. Take yourself very, very seriously. Believe everything you think as it pops into your head. Know that you are probably right about everything and make sure those around you understand this. Make sure you are staying in charge, and keep telling yourself there is no need to listen to others’ opinions. This is a very effective device to keep you barely afloat in the ocean of life.
2. Always say yes. No request is too big – no task too much for you. After all, there are so few people in the world who can do things as well as you can, and you have an unending supply of time to spare. Deadlines? Scoff at them! Sleep? Who needs it! You are there to save the day and everyone in your world should know about it.
3. Forget about your obligation to be and do what God designed for you to be and do. He will understand. You can repay all His grace and mercy when you get everything else done. Actually, you probably have some pretty good ideas of what your life really should look like, and God will warm up to the idea if you just keep proving yourself.
Now, just keep following these simple guidelines and you’ll be overwhelmed in no time. Isn’t that what a good wife, mother, grandmother, writer, professional, Christian is supposed to be?
The world, our ego, our pride, and even our dreams tell us that’s true. Maybe it’s time to listen to our broken spirits, aching hearts, throbbing heads, and that small, still voice we have crowded out with the noise of our own voice.
What other ways can you suggest to stay overwhelmed? Have a particular thing that is keeping you from acquiring enough peace to write that book, go on that vacation, take a nap?
Keep reaching,
Jan
Love this approach. You flipped the how to in a brilliant way.
Thanks Sharon, I’ve been flipping a long time now….don’t know how brilliant I am, but it’s sometimes the only way to look at life! Blessings!
A surefire way to stay overwhelmed would include to never let the dust settle in your house. Never leave dishes in the sink. Keep the laundry caught up at all times, including the swim suits and beach towels. Keep watch on family members who must use the bathroom and check it after each use. Pick up every glass left behind within thirty seconds of abandonment. With kids home for the summer, this will rob most of the time you’ve put aside to write, giving ample opportunity to spend the remaining few seconds stomping and complaining about how nobody cares about your writing.
Okay, Suzanne, have you been looking in through my window???? Love your comment! Blessings for your writing time too.
I enjoyed getting your view of an overachiever’s life, of someone who doesn’t take time to be a human “be”-ing, but is instead a human “do”-ing, and experiencing no satisfaction in it. I can relate to it. It was me a few years ago, before retiring from a demanding, full-time job. It certainly took a toll on my health.
Fortunately, I can say it’s now so far from who I am, I worry (every once in a while) that I may’ve gone too much in the opposite direction.
I’m resting in the heart knowledge that, come what may, our lives are in God’s capable hands. There is no need to strive after anything.
Oh Catherine, you said it beautifully….He is quite capable of handling our lives. I’m so glad you have found that resting place! Keep sharing your secret! Thanks for commenting.