Being Overwhelmed
Being a human can be busy. Being a woman can be hectic. Being a wife can be frenzied. Being a mom can be flustering. When you put them all together, along with everything else you do, can be overwhelming.
I take on a lot. Too much. I like to help. I'm a human, woman, a wife, a mom of 4, a homeschooling mom, dance mom, a student, a WAHM, SAHM, shuttle 3 kids around, run 5 Instagram accounts, 2 Facebook pages, sit on the board for an upcoming company, the chair for a fundraiser at my daughter's school, a blogger, fitness challenge leader, TBMG admin, a gym member, maid, organizer, cook, crafter, reader, laundry room attendant and more.
I also have ADD (can you tell?).
I am also overwhelmed.
It's not always a bad thing. Most of the time I'm able to keep chugging along and get things done. However, I when I get called out (or call myself out) about not keeping up with certain responsibilities, I'm forced to stop and take a look at everything on my titanic-sized plate. This is when the panic sets in. This is when I realize just how much I have to do, or have created for myself to do. This is when I realize that I'm overwhelmed.
Most people can deal with this rationally and occasionally I'm able to as well. I make lists, set timers, ask for help, etc. But sometimes, like the most recent time, I shut down. When I shut down, not a lot gets done. I hide out. I'm 5 weeks behind on homework and have a midterm in 9 days. I haven't blogged for Real Fit Mom in months. I haven't kept up with my duties as a TBMG admin. I'm way behind on pulling winners and promoting sponsors for my fitness challenges. I joined a gym in November and have been about 6 times. I have 3 weeks to bling 3 dance costumes and sew bottoms onto 3 shirts. I haven't stepped foot in the playroom since Christmas and the only reason my kitchen is clean and laundry is done is because we have to have dishes to eat off of and clothes to wear.
I wake up every morning knowing what I NEED to do. I get reminders, most of which I appreciate. Sometimes it still doesn't get done.
I know that I'm not alone.
What others should realize about people like me, is that we don't skip on responsibilities on purpose. We WANT to be successful, organized, responsible and reliable. On the outside, our lives may appear happy-go-lucky and carefree. Social media doesn't help. Smart phones make it harder. Fun apps provide a safe haven.
But every day is a new day. I tell this to my fitness challenge moms a lot. If you had a bad day yesterday, try to start over today. Lost a whole week? Get back on the ball next week. Shut down for a month (or two)? Take baby steps to get your shit back together.
I updated my dry erase calendar yesterday. Today, I made a short list of things to do on my dry erase board. After this post, I'll make a loooooonnnngggg list of things that need to be done. I have a brand new pack of sticky notes to post reminders to myself. I've also discovered that my dry erase markers work on the refrigerator and my kitchen cabinets. Yay! I deleted all of the notes in the Note app on my phone because I never go back to check them. Instead, I took my fitness iPod holder, stuck some index cards and a pen in it and keep it strapped to my arm. Yup, I look like a dork but I always have something handy to write things down on. Ok, so I haven't actually put it together or worn it, BUT, it's on my mental list of things to do.
The good thing is, I woke up this morning, drove my daughter to school and instead of going back to bed, I got on the computer and found stupid articles to keep me occupied for 2 hours......then I got up and made a protein smoothie and sat down to write this article which is growing longer so most of you won't make it to this point. But, I'm up, I'm starting over, it's not even 10:30 am so I still have plenty of time to get things done and I have a plan. Check back with me later to see if I decided to get back with the world or if I retreated back to my hide out. ;) #dontgiveup #justkeepswimming #yesiputhashtagsinanarticle
