I am Ray Warner, a life after loss coach. I support women who have suddenly lost a loved one, especially those who have lost a spouse at a young age. After losing my first wife at age 22, I share my experience with others, as I support you in creating a happy, joyful, and fulfilling life while honoring your process of grief.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? It feels like there’s a huge pile of rocks on you, and more are being added every moment or maybe it feels like you’re being sucked down into a vortex or a whirlpool, feeling inescapable. In the days and weeks following the loss of a loved one, it can certainly feel this way – so many tasks that “need” to be completed, NOW. It’s very easy to find yourself overwhelmed very quickly.
When I’ve found myself overwhelmed, it has come with the strong desire to eliminate EVERYTHING from my calendar, just wipe it all clean and do absolutely nothing. However, just like saying “yes” to everything doesn’t work for a balanced life, neither is saying “no” to it all.
Does this resonate with you? Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed that you’re ready to chuck it all in the trash, burn it all down, and shut down completely?
When this happens to me, there are a few things that I’ve found to be incredibly supportive – and I’m certain they will support you as well!
First of all, remember this phrase: Overwhelm is a Choice! You have the ultimate power not only over what you choose to do, but also how you choose to look at your list of things to do.
If you choose to look at your task list with a feeling of “I have to do these things,” then they will feel heavy.
Imagine how it would feel to choose to look at this list from the attitude of “I get to do these things!” or “I’m blessed to do these things!” Doesn’t that feel so much lighter? The rocks of overwhelm become beams of light!
Equally as important as how you look at your task list is also what you choose to put on that task list. As I mentioned before, saying “yes” to everything isn’t the way to live a balanced life. You get to choose what you put on your list. When choosing what to put on my list, I ask myself this question: “What do I want, and why do I want it?” If what I am putting on my “get to do” list is in alignment with who I am and what I want to create in my life, then it’s so much easier to see these tasks as a blessing instead of an obligation.
These tools have changed my life, and the lives of so many others. If you’d like to connect with me and learn more, you can find me at www.raywarnercoaching.com.
