17 Comments
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Susannah Morlock's avatar

Amy, I understand completely! And please give your self a pat on the back and a high five because you have accomplished so much. Have you ever read the book "Four Thousand Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman? The subtitle is "Time Management for Mortals". :) I have read it several times and I think it is time for another re-read. It might be helpful as it as been for me. (I still get very overwhelmed nonetheless)

Amy's avatar

I haven't heard of that book, thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out!

Chris Fraser's avatar

Ooh that's a deep one: what can I say?

Breathe, take a look at your 'seemingly endless' list, pick one 'manageable' item and do it now (or asap). This works for me most times, possibly because it makes me feel bit more in control, I hope it helps you too.

Amy's avatar

That's a good tip and definitely one I make use of. Thanks for the reminder!

amy's avatar

This is so relatable Amy, all of it, and the overwhelm is just so real. The life admin aspect really breaks me, I find making appointments is so hard, doctor, dentist, optician, vet for my elderly dogs, changing mortgage providers, I need to learn to drive.... I stagnate and the only thing on that list that gets done is vet appointments. Because they're not for me. Ughhhhhhhh.

Julia Laing's avatar

I relate so much with this; the relentless self imposed pressure. The only thing I've found that helps me is for a period of time, say a week, only do the urgent tasks, and leave everything else for another time. Enforce time doing nothing in the garden and with your dear people/animals. The world doesn't fall apart and hopefully you'll feel better soon ❤️

Amy's avatar

It's so true isn't it? 9 times out of 10, the URGENT thing doesn't actually make that much of a difference really. If only I could learn that lesson...!

Yarn Over Needles's avatar

I know the feeling.

amy's avatar

I hope you feel less overwhelmed soon xxx

Gina Ferrari's avatar

I hope you feel better soon Amy... don't be too hard on yourself.

Amy's avatar

Thank you 😊 and I'm sorry about Hector 😔 They leave such a big hole in your life.

Gina Ferrari's avatar

Thank you Amy. One step at a time… for both of us!

Jorunn Hernes 🇳🇴's avatar

I loved reading this. And I loved seeing pictures of your dogs. (you have THREE??? You are so blessed.) I wish for you some happy hours of knitting and deep breaths to celebrate all you're able to do and a bit of rest from all the things you feel you 'should' be doing. ❤️

Amy's avatar

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say! Part of the problem I think is that the older dog is fading, and that's definitely contributing to my feelings of time slipping through my fingers. Just got to take each day as it comes and focus on the joy where we can!

Gretchen Leggatt's avatar

Thank you for sharing, your words struck a chord with me. You described exactly how I feel in a similar situation. I think also impacting on me is that it's winter where I live with short, cold, wet days. Seasonal affective disorder may well be taking it's toll. Knowing that you feel these pressures to the point of anxiety, distress and immobility makes me feel less alone and weird and ultimately like I'm failing at life. It's definitely a case of knowing when to get stuck into something and when it's better to bunker down and be gentle and kind to yourself. My go to is to immerse myself in a good book or crochet. Quiet time in front of the fire with my cats. Making the most of the sunshine and nature when the weather and work permits. Take care of yourself.

Sound practice well-being's avatar

A life time of busy hard working, I’ve found it difficult to move to a slower pace post retirement so I understand the pressure you feel. But honestly if I have a regret it’s that I didn’t take more time to enjoy the moment and to relax instead of continually moving on to the next job. I wonder of the lists are actually adding to the pressure as well as helping you manage the jobs. I also love that poem, one of the first I learned by heart.

June Girvin's avatar

Hope you're feeling better today. Life just gets in the way sometimes, doesn't it? You wrk so hard at EVERYTHING! Cut yourself a little slack!