How to Get rid of the "Overwhelm" Monster

If you wear many hats, manage a family and/or a business, it is easy to feel overwhelmed on a regular basis. Too much to do, not enough time, money, or help to do it.

Do you find yourself procrastinating, proceeding with resistance or remaining paralyzed then dropping the project altogether? The idea of writingan ezine overwhelmed me for 6 months. It wasn't until I applied a spiritual approach to dealing with this feeling that my resistance dissolved. In it's place I experienced excitement that propelled me forward. It is important to dig inside of yourself and identify the key fear behind that MONSTER feeling.

Christmas is burdened with too many expectationsChristmas and big family holidays overwhelm people easily. We hold on to old, outdated expectations of what "should" happen at this time of the year. Take a little "self" time for your wisdom to reveal key insights for handling your resistance.

Here are the steps:

? Ask yourself: Am I tired, afraid or both? Taking care of your physical needs and giving time to your spiritual practices are often neglected when

you give in to what your fear demands.

For example, if you are afraid that someone won't be pleased with your efforts, you tend to work harder and harder, wearing yourself out and not addressing the bottomline fear around the relationship. This happens if your fear is around finances as well.

? What is your fear about? Where does it come from? We all have negative messages in our head about not being capable, not being smart enough, not being good enough. (Try asking these questions in a journal then writing out the answers. Really explore.)

I discovered my fear around procrastination regarding this ezine came from growing up in a time when the strong cultural message for girls was to be quiet and look pretty. My parents unconsciously communicated to me that I had nothing of value to say. (Of course, my mother would never say that now.)

? Choose an affirmation that reminds you of your connectionto a Divine Source and the wonderful unique abilities that arepart of you. Open yourself up and breathe in this affirmation.

For example: "Divine wisdom flows through me guiding my wordsand decisions." OR "I am a valuable Child of God?through me good works are accomplished." "I deserve to feel good during the holidays regardless of other's words and reactions."

? List the parts and pieces or the multiple problems that overwhelm you on paper. Once they are contained on a piece of paper, they are manageable. Then fold the paper, pray for wisdom and take a walk?grounding yourself in mindfulness?focusing on the nature around you. Notice the inspired ideas and solutions and that begin to float into your mind, effortlessly.

? Refuse to compare yourself or your achievements with

ANYONE else. That means your mother, your best friend,the actress or model on the magazine cover, or the president of your professional association. You are uniquely you and so is your life sit-utation with all of the decisions, relationships and resources available to it.

Affirmation: There are plenty of opportunities for everyone.

? Simplify. In what area of life can you simplify,ignore, or designate for later? Are you trying to live up to yourperception of what your mother/father wanted or achieved? Can you let go of that perception and create a new one for yourself?

? Shift from "me" to "we." You do not have to do it allby yourself. Give away jobs. Delegate. Outsource. Get counseling. Hire a consultant. Let go of the work you don't enjoy. (This is key. It took me 25 years to realize that I didn't have to do it all by myself! Is this something that we women, as super moms, take on?)

? Start with baby steps.

? Celebrate often. Acknowledge tiny successes and accomplishments toward the bigger goal. Try listing them in ajournal every night. They add up, believe me.

Remember this wise quote:

"It doesn't matter how fast you go. What matters is the direction in which you are headed." (First Things First, Stephen Covey)

Copyright 2005 Ana Tampanna

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ana Tampanna, "The Alligator Queen" is author of "The Womanly Art of Alligator Wrestling: Inspirational Stories for Outrageous Women Who Survive by their Wisdom and Wit." To learn about her speaking and coaching services and to sign up for her FREE ezine with power communication tools, life management tips, and special events, visit her website at http://www.alligatorqueen.com

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end), please send a copy of your reprint to ana@alligatorqueen.com