Struggle is not Weakness

When things feel too much, when you feel like you’re buckling under the weight of what you’re dealing with.  The feeling of the breath being taken from you.  Your chest so tight it feels like the air can’t make it through.  Your bones hurt.  Your head is full, spinning, your body tight, wound in knots of tension and worry and fear.  You’re under pressure.  These are all signals, you’re overwhelmed.

It's important to remember here that yes you may be overwhelmed but it doesn’t mean you’re not coping, not able or weak.  Pay attention.  Breathe.  What can you do right now, in the immediate moment to bring yourself some ease, relief, some comfort.  To buy yourself enough time to think, reset, to settle.  When we’re in this state, if we start to spin out and panic, our breathing gets shallow, our mind races and the panic speeds everything up so the most effective thing to do is to slow everything down.  Interrupt the process.  Don’t allow it to drag you along, feeling helpless, out of control, panicked.

Just stop.  Depending on where you are and what your options are.  Sit in quiet and consciously slow your breath, making sure the breath out is longer than the breath in will calm your nervous system and signal to your body that it is ok.  Make yourself a tea or hot drink and hold it consciously, allowing it to soothe and comfort you.  Remind yourself that you are ok and you’ve got this.  If possible, breath in some fresh air, remembering that you’re alive and safe, this will settle.  Once you slow and calm everything down, then you can think about next steps.

If we ignore the feelings of struggle and overwhelm, they will only build and end up causing us bigger problems that will require even more energy.  The farther down you slide, the longer the climb up.  So, pay attention and deal with the situation as you go.  Deal and sweep.  We never know what’s coming next so don’t ignore the feelings of overwhelm.  Do your best with what you have and trust yourself to know.  All you need to decide is what’s best for you next.  Each decision, each step forward is moving you through and the path ahead will become clear.

Trust yourself.  When you calm your body and mind, you’ll be able to think more clearly.  Give yourself that time.  This is your life, your health, your happiness.  Show up for yourself.  Remind yourself how far you’ve come and keep going.  You have got this!  And know if you need some help, some extra support and ask for it.  Together, we rise.