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Value This Life

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Overwhelmed? Five Questions to Get You Moving

My son asked me about some upcoming dates so we could coordinate our calendars. After adding his events to my calendar, I was suddenly overcome by a sense of anxiety, feeling overwhelmed about the upcoming month. The number of responsibilities seemed staggering, and I felt almost paralyzed with fear.

overwhelmed_five_questions

Later that day I pulled out my journal and started scribbling questions, to bring myself back to reality. I knew that all of these events were going to happen and everything was going to get done, so there was no point in spoiling the time until then with stress and despair.

Maybe the five questions will help you, too.

1)  What makes me feel more organized and on top of things?

My list included:

House visually neat (no piles of clutter because they are an emotional drain)

Simple meals planned and groceries bought

Get up early

Self care: exercise, dressed, makeup early in the day

Start day with Bible/journaling

Do things ahead, not last-minute

 

2)  What are some things I could delegate/hire?

My answers mostly had to do with business, but I’m not above paying older children to declutter a younger sibling’s bedroom or do some other extra cleaning project

 

3)  How could I batch some tasks?

Again, these answers were mostly business like outlining blog articles and writing several first paragraphs, but this could include doubling a recipe and freezing half, browning five pounds of hamburger or running all the errands in one afternoon.

 

4)  What lies am I believing?

This could be things like:

I need to drop everything to respond to text messages and Facebook messages.

I am not enough.

God is not enough.

I can’t do this.

I’m bad for feeling this way.

I’m just not good at __________.

 

5)  What’s the truth?

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

When I feel bad about myself, I’m making myself (rather than the greatness of God) the center of attention.

The important stuff will get done. I can either spoil today by dreading and fretting or I can remain calm and make a plan.

 

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. ~ Proverbs 15:15, Amplified Bible

 

Despond means to be depressed by a loss of hope, confidence or courage, to become dejected and lose confidence and to become disheartened or discouraged. And where does all that start? With believing lies and thinking the thoughts that go with them. Step back and recognize the lies, and you’re on your way to a continual feast.

 

If you find yourself in the clutches of overwhelm, sit down with pen and paper. Move through these questions and write your honest answers.

 

Don’t let despond keep you trapped in lies. Please don’t waste your life on dread and worry over all you have to do.

 

Somewhere in the world, there is probably someone who would love to trade places with you.

 

Use these questions as a tool to get you thinking straight and making practical plans. Start small. After realizing that neat surroundings were mentally freeing to me, I started with one room, my bedroom. The results motivated me to work through other areas, a little each day.

 

Don’t be paralyzed by overwhelm. Sometimes we’re afraid if we write it all down we’ll get even more overwhelmed. But writing it down helps us classify and sort and often find out it isn’t as bad as we think.

 

Ask yourself these five questions—or any other questions that pop up to help you—and you’ll find that the truth sets you free. Stepping back to evaluate your thought process is sometimes all you need to get new perspective. Talk it through with your spouse or friend if that helps. Use the five questions as a tool to get you moving….beyond overwhelm.

 

What other questions could you ask of yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

 

 

 

 

You Might Also Like:

  • Advice on Taking AdviceAdvice on Taking Advice
  • How to Stop Feeling Busy All the TimeHow to Stop Feeling Busy All the Time
  • When You Want to Be An Organized MomWhen You Want to Be An Organized Mom
  • Quick Fix for an Overwhelmed MomQuick Fix for an Overwhelmed Mom

About Charlotte

I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    July 1, 2014 at 6:41 am

    Just what I needed to hear today!

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      July 1, 2014 at 9:26 am

      I’m glad, Wendy! It’s shared from very recent experience! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Laronda says

    July 1, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Today’s blog, for me, is the most helpful to date!!!
    It’s a reminder of my goal in life…. to live a balanced life. Sometimes seems impossible!
    You seem to be able to give “concrete” suggestions on how to live a BALANCED life.
    Thank you so much!
    I feel like this balance eludes me so often but with your ideas I feel encouraged and equipped to keep on keeping on.
    A good question to ask myself is, “Does this schedule of mine have eternal value?”
    Balancing “things to do” and “relationships” is a key factor.
    Key: Starting the day with GOD!

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      July 1, 2014 at 9:25 am

      Sooo true, Laronda, about balancing to do’s and relationships! In a crisis we realize what’s important in a hurry, and how much better to live every day with that in mind. I agree with your “key”–my days are so much better when I start that way! And on days when I didn’t, it’s never too late to stop and connect with Him for wisdom and strength! {Hugs!}

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    July 1, 2014 at 11:18 am

    What a great article! I need this plastered all over my house!!! It was like you were explaining my thoughts!! ???? thanks for the encouragement today! You are spot-on!!

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      July 1, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Glad to encourage you, Amy! Been there, done that–that’s why I can write it, lol.

      Reply
  4. Diane says

    July 1, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    Another good question is, “Which of these things really won’t make a difference today or this week?” Then move them to a long term list. (And tuck that list away until the overwhelming feeling disappears).

    Thanks for a great article.

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      July 1, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      GREAT question, Diane! Perspective is HUGE, and that question helps!

      Reply
  5. K Schroff says

    July 2, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Reading your article has refreshed me this morning.

    Just what I needed.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      July 2, 2014 at 11:28 am

      I’m glad it refreshed you, K! Carry on!

      Reply
  6. Lori says

    January 12, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    Thank you Charlotte for this post! The lies come fast and furious at me lately!

    Reply
  7. Myrla Pate says

    February 11, 2017 at 11:52 pm

    I just stumbled upon your site, while looking for T-tapp info. I’m overwhelmed, overweight, piles of clutter are taunting me – our lives are so busy and feel out of control, and there is that sinking feeling that I’m going to end up spending so much time just trying to keep IP, that I’ll never have the time to fully realize my life dream of being a writer. However, just reading some of your posts tonight helped ‘talk me off the ledge’. I signed up with my email for your new posts or newsletters. I’m looking forward to reading more. I think all will be better with some sleep, also. Thanks Charlotte…

    Reply

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Hello & Welcome!

I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU! Read More…

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valuethislife

valuethislife
Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
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Looking For Something?

valuethislife

valuethislife
Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
Follow on Instagram
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