Time to read: 1.15 minutes
This week's popular item is this vintage letter box. EVERYONE wanted it.
You are not behind. You are overwhelmed. There's a difference.
I want to talk about that feeling. It's the one that says there is too much, that you are too slow, that everyone else has it together, and you are the only one drowning in a to-do list that reproduces overnight like a rabbit.
The Sunday scaries. The mental tab that never closes. The moment someone asks, "How are you?" and you say "busy" because "overwhelmed" feels like too much to explain over coffee.
I want to offer you something before we go any further: you are not failing. You are full. Those are very different things.
Overwhelm doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It usually means you care about your work, your people, and your commitments. It means you said yes because things matter to you. That's not a character flaw.
But here's the thing: overwhelm is also a signal worth listening to. It's your mind and body tapping you on the shoulder saying, "Something has to give."
So let's give something. A few ideas:
- Write everything down. Every single thing in your head right now. Get it out of your brain and onto paper so you can see it clearly.
- Look at your list and ask: what on here did I say yes to that I should have said no to?
- Pick the three things that actually have to happen this week. The others will wait, or they won't, and either way, you will survive.
- Pick one thing to remove from the list. Even if that means disappointing someone.
- Tell someone you trust that you're overwhelmed. Not to fix it — just to put it in the sunshine and get some support.
- Drink some water. Take a walk. Stop for a minute to quiet the overwhelm.
Overwhelm passes. It always does. And on the other side, you will find yourself again — capable, clear, and probably a little more selective about what you say yes to.
Please email me and tell me what's overwhelming you right now. I always reply.