Gusts, flurries and dustings of snow. It's Portland, so we don't actually own snow shovels. Nine times out of 10 the snow doesn't even stick. And we like it that way, or else we frequent Mt. Hood.
My question is, how does the snow affect you? Are you running out the door to make snow angels (well, don't do that right now, or they'd be sludge angels) or do you curse the weather and all the bad drivers it brings?
My question is, how does the snow affect you? Are you running out the door to make snow angels (well, don't do that right now, or they'd be sludge angels) or do you curse the weather and all the bad drivers it brings?
For most of us in town, an inch or two is enough to completely change our day, our schedule and our routine. Schools are cancelled, trips across town are suddenly monumental tasks and businesses are suddenly and inexplicably closed (hey, they don't want to drive in the snow with Portlanders any more than you do).
Not all work grinds to a halt. Many must continue trekking to work and raising an already high level of work-related stress to nearly unbearable levels.
So before you get stuck in the next "big" snow, being pulled every direction by demands (go in to work and finish the project or go sledding on bunny slopes?), take a minute to recognize and readjust your expectations to living a life in overwhelm mode.
Do you feel:
- Always rushed, too much to do, not enough time.
- Mentally scattered, not feeling in control.
- Tunnel vision: irritation at anyone or anything that breaks your focus.
- Internal pressure: raw or gnawing feeling in your gut, knot in your stomach.
- Impatience: lack of compassion for self and others, judgmental thinking.
- Feeling a constant slow burn inside.
- Low-grade shock and strain.
- Zombielike numbness: no feelings – positive or negative; mental or emotional paralysis.
- Feeling disconnected from life.
- Decreased enjoyment of projects, relationships or life in general.
- Feeling all-consuming alarm and dread.
These are some of the most common expressions of an overwhelmed life crumpling under time pressure and demands. Don't resign yourself to living under these constraints, there is a way out- I promise. Read more here and let's chat soon.
To life, health, and warm cups of tea,
To life, health, and warm cups of tea,
