#90 Navigating Overwhelm in Challenging Times

overwhelm
Overwhelm eases when we recognize we don't have to play every role. You don’t have to be everything or fix everything. Your power lies in discovering and nurturing your unique contribution.

Have you been feeling a sense of overwhelm, lately?  Maybe you’re feeling angry, helpless, or even frozen by the intensity of global and political events? 

If you’re nodding, you’re definitely not alone. 

It’s deeply human to swing from outrage to despair when faced with constant upheaval and uncertainty.

Personally, I often catch myself cycling through a whirlwind of emotions – from intense anger to profound sadness, to moments of despair. 

But when I want practice staying grounded, rather than getting stuck in overwhelm, I remind myself of this powerful truth:  We each have a unique and valuable role to play in creating change.

Imagine humanity as an ecosystem, deeply interconnected and interdependent. Within this ecosystem, every person has a distinct blueprint, an internal guide pointing them toward their authentic contribution.

Some of us are warriors, fighters who stand courageously to protect the vulnerable without resorting to aggression or domination. Others of us are healers, meant to restore health and balance. And still others are builders, thinkers, caretakers, or artists, each playing a critical role in the collective wellbeing.

The overwhelm eases when we recognize we don’t have to play every role. You don’t have to be everything or fix everything. Your power lies in discovering and nurturing your unique contribution.

The next time you feel a sense of overwhelm and want to react to it differently, try these tips.

Practical Takeaways to Ease Overwhelm:

  1. Identify Your Blueprint:  Reflect on your innate strengths and passions. Are you a fighter, healer, builder, artist, or something else? Trust your inner wisdom – it’s your guide.
  2. Clarify Your Circle of Influence:  Focus your energy on where you have real impact. Ask yourself, “What can I directly influence right now?”
  3. Release the Pressure of Comparison:  Celebrate others who are stepping into their roles, without comparing yourself or your contributions. Every role matters equally.
  4. Stay Aligned with Your Values:  When you’re deciding how to respond to events, check in with yourself. Ask, Does this action align with my values and authentic self, or am I acting out of guilt or external pressure?
  5. Community and Connection:  Engage with supportive communities that resonate with your authentic role. Mutual support amplifies our impact and nourishes our wellbeing.

In chaotic times, your clarity about your unique role becomes your anchor. 

Embrace it wholeheartedly, knowing that together, as each person steps into their authentic purpose, we collectively create meaningful change. 

You are exactly who you’re meant to be, doing exactly what is needed.

Breathe deep and step forward in confidence – you’ve got this.

For more on this, check out episode 90 on the Podcast:  Cats, Dogs, and Emotional Needs: How Not to Chase Love – where I dive into ways to stay grounded in chaotic times, and provide a practical lists of do’s and don’ts for more authentic and emotionally nourishing relationships designed to avoid overwhelm.

How are you staying grounded in the chaos of the present day?  I’d love to know.  Share your strategies below.

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Dr. Yvette Erasmus is a clinical psychologist, author, and host of the podcast Conversations from the Heart. Through her integrated approach to personal transformation, she has built a global community, teaching people how to live into their values with courage and authenticity.

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