You know those weeks. One thing tumbles into the next. Events roll one on top of another. You free fall into the skies without a parachute attached to slow the landing. Is there an ending? Daily routines evaporate into the nanosphere of Never Mind.
It isn’t always a crisis that causes you to become unglued. The Great Dane knocks you over like you are a feather.
I could not write. Words stared at me on the page, mocking my every word with mental taunting if I dared pen a sentence. I find little comfort in repeating my complaints to the clerk at Wal-Mart as she feigns interest in my petty problems. Therein lies the problem: that same clerk had no water at her apartment for a week because she couldn’t afford to pay her bill. Her third boyfriend this year moved out, which was a relief when she looked back. She was a toy to him, no concern with her feelings or her children. If I had asked about her, my perspective would have shifted off of my momentary problems. Can I rummage some emotions for her burdens without spilling mine on the floor and into the store aisle?
The list seemed long. Staffing problems for my mom. Insurance problems from a recent car accident. My mom wandered away in a large department store. Security went into high alert, surrounding the butterfly who was trying to escape her cocoon. The travel, my husband’s constant traveling. Physicians called with an onslaught of problems, more tests and appointments, more diagnoses. I wanted my husband at home. Why am I back in physical therapy? A second car accident? Are you kidding me?
That is it. I quit. That is my line in the sand. I can’t quit. You don’t quit life. Overwhelming moments will pass. The dripping faucet called life just needs a new gasket. The repairman will come – if you pick up the phone.
Retrospect helps everything. A recliner is a blessing. A tantalizing book can take you far from the light and momentary troubles of today. Few things of this life are permanent. I agree that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. I disagree that it is all small stuff. Wisdom comes from knowing the difference.
This jumbled juncture is fleeting when examined with an eternal eye.
Not every bad break is negative in the long term; not every problem is a bona fide injustice; and not every injustice is major when juxtaposed against the millions of injustices that occur daily throughout the world.
– Robert J. Ringer, “Getting What You Want”
What are the trials you face today? What are some steps you take to prevent burnout? If you made a list of your problems, can you create a second column that lists Solutions/Coping Skills?
Tagged: DPchallenge, Events, Health, Life, personal, Relationships, Stress, work
I know what you mean.
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Again you have posted something I needed to hear. Thank you so much! I actually need to read this every day, in fact. I appreciate your wisdom and insight.
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Thank you, I appreciate that very much. I have to put it in practice myself!
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Again great post. I’m trying hard to not get a burn out again, but to be honest, even trying that cost me too much energy. Sometimes I just plan in some bed-day. I just go lay down the whole day with a book and sleep whenever I want. That works best for me, because I’m very bad in doing things ‘a bit’. I want to go for it totally, or just not at all.
And I understand the fact that you are missing your husband. When is he coming back? And can you get support from other people in the meanwhile?
And about the clerk..you have to be a little more egoistic now. They will understand ;).
Kisses,
http://www.dipitblack.wordpress.com
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I sometimes take the day off to meditate and rest my mind from the concerns and challenges as well. There needs to be balance between having a purpose that keeps you going, and doing so much that you feel overwhelmed. I always recommend a good book! My husband travels off and on. He is my primary source of encouragement (and friendship), but I do have a circle of close friends throughout the week. Gotta have friends! I do frequently wonder what the sales clerk’s home life looks like. I feel compelled to smile and encourage them. Long hours and back-breaking work! If I ask, someone else is always needing encouragement.
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Being physical, and meditating, always help balance me out from the dreaded burnout syndrome 🙂
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Those are some great suggestions. Thank you for your comments!
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Thank you for the recommendations!
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Reblogged this on Discovering Different and commented:
This is something I really needed to hear today, and it’s worth a read if you are feeling overwhelmed or captive to your life. Puts things in perspective.
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So inspirational is your writing. I too am a caregiver and my husband always tells me do not do anything permanent about a problem that is constantly changing.
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That is great advice. It is a constant evaluation of what is and what is not a priority. I appreciate your comments!
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Living with thoughts of could of, should of, would of, will always lead to burnouts. Live life one second at a time (which is not always easy), but just having that mindset, will cure most of your burnout ailments.
My two cents anyway ha! Enjoyed this post. Thanks.
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Thank you for you insight!
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Reblogged this on Janet Robinson and commented:
Today’s insight by OverwhelmedByJoy…very insightful and very much worthy of reblogging.
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Have you ever seen this quote? It’s one of my very favorites and it makes me think of you…
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen” ~Elizabeth Kubler Ros
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I had not seen that quote before. I am very humbled by your comments. I am going to add this to my blog as a reminder to myself of what my goals and purpose are.
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Oh dear sister…I have lived there! I know those who live there! May God give us as His children the knowledge that we are beholden to our fellow humans to “love them as He loves us” and HELP the troubled, broken-hearted, weary, ill, poor, etc.
From my heart I can say I thank God for women of the Lord like yourself!
Be blessed
Stephanie
PS Hope this makes sense.. my pain level is affecting my writing, but my heart is FULL of HIM!
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Well said! Always be looking for the ‘least of these’. I hope your pain level improves for you.
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Well said 🙂 stress over too many years created total exhaustion. Studying Kinesiology and Reike helped me understand how stress impacts on every level. And how toview lifethrough different eyes. Taking baby steps helped me through amongst other things. Big hugs to you and yours 🙂
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I would love to know more about that. If you have any books or links, I would be very interested in reading about both topics. Thank you for your input!
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I have a section on my page ‘Kinesiolgy’ … theres a couple of articles on energy medicine in that section … 🙂
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Thanks! I will look for it.
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I think of the sayings “Nothing is so bad that it can’t be worse” – and remind me of my own favorite “Always looks on the bright side of life”.. 🙂
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I hadn’t heard that first one. I love that!
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May God give you sweet, sweet rest…in His arms!!
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Thank you ~ I took a long, long nap today after Bible study. 🙂
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Praise God!! God knows peaceful sleep is also important to my well-being, too!
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Excellent reminder… One we all need now and again!
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Boy, I needed to read this. I just finished an assignment for class in which we had to write about the “themes” in our life from the past 7 days. I had two friends die this week, and a big flare that had me back in bed and feeling awful. I didn’t want my paper to be a huge downer….but it just kind of was.
I loved the quote from Getting what you want. I’m trying to stay positive, and it’s not really that hard… just tiring. But it won’t last forever.
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First, I am so very sorry for your loss of two friends. What a difficult week. I always want to be careful with my blog that people understand that I know very difficult things do happen, and I would never advocate stuffing the ensuing emotions away. You need to be able to go through the expected emotions from such a traumatic week. I hope you are able to find someone to talk to about the events that can help you maneuver through that. You are right. . . as difficult a week as you have had, it will not last forever. I will pray that the weeks ahead are filled with strength, encouragement, and hope for better things ahead.
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Thanks so very much. Your blog is always such a comfort – it’s important to feel the hard feelings, but it’s also important to remember joy. 🙂
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You certainly know about that. I admire your strength and courage.
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