When the Tide Rises: Understanding the term “Overwhelm”
Life, in it’s beautiful complexity, often feels like a winding river. Sometimes it flows gently, a serene path to self-discovery. Other times, it morphs into a raging torrent, threatening to pull us under. This feeling, this sense of being completely submerged, is what we often call overwhelm. And if you’ve been feeling it lately, you are absolutely not alone. In our pursuit of finding ourselves and uncovering our inner strength, encountering moments of overwhelm is not a sign of weakness; it’s an almost inevitable part of the journey.
But what is overwhelm, truly? Merriam-Webster defines overwhelm as “To subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress.” Overwhelm is more than just being busy or having a lot on your plate. Think of it like this: imagine trying to pour a gallon of water into a pint-sized glass. No matter how carefully you try, the excess water will inevitably spill over, creating a mess. Overwhelm is that overflow. The overflowing sensation in your mind, your emotions, and your energy. It’s when the demands placed upon you, internal or external, exceed your perceived capacity to cope with them. It’s not just the quantity of tasks, but the feeling that you lack the resources – time, energy, mental clarity, emotional resilience – to handle them effectively.
As we dive deeper into who we are, we confront old patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and step outside our comfort zones. This process, while rewarding, can also be demanding. Perhaps you’re trying something new, juggling family responsibilities, or simply trying to make sense of a chaotic world. The volume of tasks, emotions, and decisions can pile up, creating a suffocating weight that leaves us feeling paralyzed and exhausted.
Overwhelm often disguises itself as a personal failing. We might chastise ourselves for not being strong enough to handle everything, or not being able to power through. This self-criticism only adds to the burden. True strength isn’t about never feeling overwhelmed, it’s about acknowledging it, not judging it, and using strategies to navigate them. Overwhelm is a signal for you, not a life sentence.
How do we begin to swim when we feel like we’re drowning?
First, pause. In a world of always being on, taking a genuine moment to breathe and assess what exactly is happening. If a ship is caught in a storm, they put down an anchor. Anchor yourself to halt the chaos. When you do, you create a space between the overwhelming feeling and our reaction to it.
From this place of pause, we can begin to identify the sources of our overwhelm. Is it a lengthy to-do list that feels too much? Are we saying ‘yes’ to too much? Are we neglecting our own needs? Or, is it a deep emotional current, grief, anxiety, or fear, that’s bubbling up? Often, overwhelm comes from multiple avenues and recognizing each road is crucial to identifying which path to take first.
This is where the work of finding your inner strength, your clover, truly comes into play. It’s about recognizing that you possess the inherent capacity to navigate these challenging waters. It might involve setting firm boundaries, delegating tasks, and practicing mindfulness. Be compassionate with yourself, understand that your energy is not limitless and that self-care is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for sustainable growth.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, take a deep breath. Acknowledge it. Then, remember that within you lies an incredible reservoir of strength, waiting to be tapped.
Navigating the storm doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone. If you find yourself consistently battling the tides of overwhelm, struggling to identify its roots, or simply need a guiding hand to help you unearth that unique inner strength – your clover – I’m here to help.
Through personalized 1:1 coaching, we’ll work together to cultivate clarity, build sustainable strategies, and unlock the resilience that lies within you. Reach out today to explore how we can start this transformative journey together.