WHEN LIFE LOADS YOU DOWN

I am convinced that there are times in all of our lives when the 'small stuff' we are told not to sweat, just piles on and makes us feel overwhelmed. I speak from experience this week. It seems it has been one thing after another and another and another. 

Like most people however, I have been around long enough to believe that either tomorrow, or in a day or two, I will likely be able to move on and get back in synch with my now normally happy view of life.  

I think that most of the time, most of us can handle the ups and downs of our day because we have a tested routine we follow. This routine makes most days fairly manageable. In fact, it even allows room for some unexpected things which crop up from time to time.

Once in a while however, even the calmest person feels it piling on, and can then feel overwhelmed. Under such circumstances it seems that everything we try to do just adds to the frustration. Eventually we might reach the point where we wish we had stayed in bed.

I suggest that, whatever frustration or however stressed we feel, we take something similar to the kind of 'time out' that has been suggested we use to settle children down. 

The adult version, similar to what is suggested for children, would also involve physically moving away from the location of the problem, and taking a short break.

I think it will work best, for adults on 'overload' to, if possible, actually step out of the room or building. Ideally I suggest that we try and get a few breaths of fresh air outdoors, even if only for a minute or two. 

If you can't physically leave the room, then even closing your eyes for a minute, likely will help to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the situation which only moments before seemed overwhelming. 

It might also be time to call a friend and ask them to bring a new viewpoint and a different perspective to a situation you feel unable to calmly get a grip on by yourself.

If, like me, you have been in the middle of what seemed like a crisis recently, or when someone has recently called upon you because they are; realize how wonderful it is to know that you know someone who's always got your back. Say a small thank you and be encouraged and happy. 

Meanwhile, have faith that, 'no doubt life is unfolding as it should'* and soon today's crisis will either be resolved or life will have presented you with something new to work on.


* Excerpt from the poem Desiderata