When we have an accumulation of one thing after the next piling up on your plate, sometimes it’s the little crumb that sets you over the edge. Just like one insignificant little snowflake falling from the sky and causing an avalanche to teeter over the mountain and cascade downward with monumental and devastating repercussions. Often times, we may not even realize the impact all this stress is having on our mental and physical health because it won’t be one major contributing factor, but actually, a multitude of little things that require our undivided attention equally and ultimately, we are stretched far too thin.There are some weeks that go by where I am more spread out than Jabba the Hut’s fat folds and there is nothing that can be done to reel things back in. I am exceptionally envious of those who, even when inundated with task upon task and chore upon chore, can balance their emotions with their responsibilities and never get overwhelmed. I need an oxygen tank and a snorkel mask because I always feel like I’m drowning.
I like to keep a strict schedule and plan out all my daily and weekly tasks, even keeping planners on all of my devices and hand written ones as well. Which is why when a wrench gets thrown in my path, my mental capacity to be able to balance it out goes awry and my thoughts run askew. I immediately feel overwhelmed and underprepared and it is no secret that I hate spur of the moment plans or little surprises. If I know about things well in advance, I don’t care how busy I become and I am more than capable of dealing with it. It is only when something abruptly comes up or I am not informed of a change in plans that I begin to hyperventilate. I hate when something pops up last minute, and I am working hard on regulating my feelings of frustration and anxiety when my plans deviate from the schedule.While this may seem like a minuscule issue to some, for me it it can often be the tiny spark that threatens to become an inferno unless immediately quenched.
I seem to be better at handling a change in course when it comes to grappling competitions in Jiu Jitsu and fights in the cage for MMA. But perhaps this is because I know sometimes plan A is stopped or defended and I already have plans B-Z in place just in case. In life, I’m lucky to have even planned for things a few letters down the alphabet. I have competed and fought during some of the most emotionally turbulent times in my life and been able to handle it, so I need to apply that to daily life as well. However, when too many things change or new things pop up, I am at a loss on what to do next. I enjoy my personal time where things are quiet and I get to recharge my batteries in my own space uninterrupted. And lo and behold, this always seems to be the times when someone thrusts themselves upon me. I can’t be expected to do a million different things when I myself am drained. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
I hate that I sometimes fall under the category of those who cry when inundated with a lot of tasks and mounting frustrations. It feels as if I am so full to the brim with so many different emotions and feelings that the only logical course is for my tears to just spill over. I’m fortunate with the wisdom I have gained over the years and I have definitely become better at balancing these thoughts and emotions and not letting it impact me as much, but I definitely empathize with the younger generation and all the trials and tribulations growing up in today’s age of social media and outside pressures must encompass. Navigating through life surely ain’t easy, but it can be exceptionally rewarding as well.
So, while little things may not seem like such a big deal, they mount up over time and can eventually cause irreparable damage. I’m sure I sound like a whiny baby talking about how little spur of the moment plans really wreak havoc on my psyche, but I would be doing my readers an injustice if I didn’t mention my faults and grievances. If it helps at least one purpose realize they’re not alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed and wrought with frustration, then it is all worth it. I am slowly learning to take deep breaths and take everything as it comes one day at a time. I know for me personally, if I allow time in my schedule for unplanned occurrences, then I am better equipped mentally to handle whatever gets thrown my way. These little pebbles one after the other won’t lead to a rockslide because I stay on top of the gravel removal and won’t let it surmount too much. Keep trucking along and always remember to inhale the good shit, and exhale the bullshit- one day, one minute, and one second at a time.
