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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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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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Celebrate all the things!! Our daughter got a spot Celebrate all the things!! Our daughter got a spot in cosmetology school so we threw a family beauty-themed party. Not one homemade decoration or treat, nothing fancy or overwhelming!  We just gathered stuff around the house for the theme and bought inexpensive party trimmings. Frozen cream puffs, mini cookies and candy (Easter colors were perfect), and “Bugles” for “nail tips.”  Done! Better a simple party with fun than a fancy party with stress!
I think it’s natural for us to want to feel beau I think it’s natural for us to want to feel beautiful. Why should we be embarrassed to admit that? Spring flowers, Fall leaves, Winter snowflakes and Summer sunsets are all beautiful. Different colors, textures and sizes—but each exquisite. What could change if you looked in the mirror with LOVE and appreciation for YOUR one-of-a-kind beauty?💕
The top of a tall bedroom dresser is a great spot The top of a tall bedroom dresser is a great spot for a seasonal arrangement. Tiny red berries and antique gold branches were added for Christmas. Orange bittersweet stems and scattered leaves could give it a Fall feel. A pretty arrangement helps keep the dresser top from getting cluttered with mail and coins and papers. Your bedroom is the first and last thing you see every day, so give yourself a visual treat—something that YOU enjoy seeing.🌷
Our family favorite No-Bake Cookies made special f Our family favorite No-Bake Cookies made special for Easter! Mini Robin Eggs turn the cookies into tiny nests. Recipe for the cookies and Resurrection Rolls over at the blog!
Easter week and we need all the energy and happy b Easter week and we need all the energy and happy brain we can get! Thicker hair and strong nails are kinda nice, too. Quick and simple is my mom jam, so mixing it all together works great. Some “plant stuff” tastes like grass clippings, this isn’t that. 😂 I can help you choose, let’s chat!
Sure, thoughts pop into your head but you don’t Sure, thoughts pop into your head but you don’t have to pull up a chair and turn on a movie for them. Don’t let them hang around long enough to bring you down and shape your emotions. Show them the door and turn your attention to thoughts that serve you well. Think on THOSE things. 💕
My favorite thing about our 80’s house: big wind My favorite thing about our 80’s house: big windows, almost ceiling to floor. Give me all the light! Favorite thing about photo filters: they camouflage dirty windows. **cat unintentionally included in scene, literally came out of nowhere 😳
“Older women shouldn’t wear colorful or sparkl “Older women shouldn’t wear colorful or sparkly eyeshadow.” Fashion advice I’m NOT listening to.💋Eyeshadow is the most FUN part of makeup for me, and I love variety! Many women prefer neutral/natural/no-makeup looks. Y’all go ahead! You do you! I’ll be over here with the purples and blues and greens and alllll the shimmers.😂💄What’s YOUR makeup look?
I don’t remember how it started, but decorating I don’t remember how it started, but decorating for the seasons has been part of the rhythm of our family life for years. I was determined to create a home where good memories could be made. Small holidays and seasonal touches mark the passage of time and anchor traditions. Sometimes the decor is very simple, sometimes more elaborate—but I’m always glad I made the effort!
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valuethislife

valuethislife
Celebrate all the things!! Our daughter got a spot Celebrate all the things!! Our daughter got a spot in cosmetology school so we threw a family beauty-themed party. Not one homemade decoration or treat, nothing fancy or overwhelming!  We just gathered stuff around the house for the theme and bought inexpensive party trimmings. Frozen cream puffs, mini cookies and candy (Easter colors were perfect), and “Bugles” for “nail tips.”  Done! Better a simple party with fun than a fancy party with stress!
I think it’s natural for us to want to feel beau I think it’s natural for us to want to feel beautiful. Why should we be embarrassed to admit that? Spring flowers, Fall leaves, Winter snowflakes and Summer sunsets are all beautiful. Different colors, textures and sizes—but each exquisite. What could change if you looked in the mirror with LOVE and appreciation for YOUR one-of-a-kind beauty?💕
The top of a tall bedroom dresser is a great spot The top of a tall bedroom dresser is a great spot for a seasonal arrangement. Tiny red berries and antique gold branches were added for Christmas. Orange bittersweet stems and scattered leaves could give it a Fall feel. A pretty arrangement helps keep the dresser top from getting cluttered with mail and coins and papers. Your bedroom is the first and last thing you see every day, so give yourself a visual treat—something that YOU enjoy seeing.🌷
Our family favorite No-Bake Cookies made special f Our family favorite No-Bake Cookies made special for Easter! Mini Robin Eggs turn the cookies into tiny nests. Recipe for the cookies and Resurrection Rolls over at the blog!
Easter week and we need all the energy and happy b Easter week and we need all the energy and happy brain we can get! Thicker hair and strong nails are kinda nice, too. Quick and simple is my mom jam, so mixing it all together works great. Some “plant stuff” tastes like grass clippings, this isn’t that. 😂 I can help you choose, let’s chat!
Sure, thoughts pop into your head but you don’t Sure, thoughts pop into your head but you don’t have to pull up a chair and turn on a movie for them. Don’t let them hang around long enough to bring you down and shape your emotions. Show them the door and turn your attention to thoughts that serve you well. Think on THOSE things. 💕
My favorite thing about our 80’s house: big wind My favorite thing about our 80’s house: big windows, almost ceiling to floor. Give me all the light! Favorite thing about photo filters: they camouflage dirty windows. **cat unintentionally included in scene, literally came out of nowhere 😳
“Older women shouldn’t wear colorful or sparkl “Older women shouldn’t wear colorful or sparkly eyeshadow.” Fashion advice I’m NOT listening to.💋Eyeshadow is the most FUN part of makeup for me, and I love variety! Many women prefer neutral/natural/no-makeup looks. Y’all go ahead! You do you! I’ll be over here with the purples and blues and greens and alllll the shimmers.😂💄What’s YOUR makeup look?
I don’t remember how it started, but decorating I don’t remember how it started, but decorating for the seasons has been part of the rhythm of our family life for years. I was determined to create a home where good memories could be made. Small holidays and seasonal touches mark the passage of time and anchor traditions. Sometimes the decor is very simple, sometimes more elaborate—but I’m always glad I made the effort!
Follow on Instagram
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