Rose Deniz via Compfight
And I’ll prove it!
At this time of year, the “too busy” conversation that we know and love gets as loud as Rudolph’s hooves landing on a tin roof – and just as unnerving.
Those of us who are usually just a tad stressed out, manage to temporarily teeter on the edge between “way too busy” and “things are slipping through the cracks people!”
Instead of greeting each other with a “hello” and “how’s it going?” we meet mid-frenzy.
We try to focus on the conversation at hand, but cannot stop thinking about coordinating travel, prepping for time off from the office, planning meals, entertaining guests, decorating the house and wrapping gifts.
We meet our dear friends and see that they have either a glazed look of panic or a “haven’t slept all week” patina. We talk about having too much on our plate and getting together when things “calm down.”
And then we compare notes:
Overwhelmed Mama 1: “I have to get my child an elf costume for the Winter Concert on my way to my Holiday Office party at which I am supposed to be planning the entertainment, which at this point will be me singing an off-key and tipsy version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with the new kid from the mail room.”
Overwhelmed Mama 2: “We celebrate Chanukah – so instead of having 23 more days to prepare, I only have 6. The solution is to shop in one place – Sports Mart. The kids are getting socks, sweatbands, pedometers and gift cards to (you guessed it) Sports Mart.”
There might even be a bit of one-ups-(wo)man-ship:
“My company is going public January 1st and my boss wants me to work 24/7 over the holidays to make it happen.” (Shares in the company, anyone?)
“I’ve got my Husband’s entire family (ages 6 months to 90 years) coming to stay with us for 10 days over Christmas.” (Motel 6 anyone?)
Let’s face it – Cyber Monday, Black Friday, Overwhelmed Tuesday – it’s all a blur. But maybe we don’t have to keep talking about it?
Could it be that by talking about all we have to do, we are actually focusing on the overwhelm as opposed to the task at hand?
“With this in mind, I’m making a pledge to stop talking about being busy for one week. Anyone care to join?”
Coach Me Quick Tips for Focusing on the Task at Hand:
- Be mindful about the way you are talking about day to day life. If you hear yourself saying that you are too busy or overwhelmed, replace that with a statement about all you are getting done.
- Be mindful about the way you are thinking about what is happening on any given day and see if you can replace any thoughts about overwhelm, with a statement that makes you feel empowered like: “I always get it all done and I will this time too.”
- The next time you are faced with a friend who is sharing her overwhelm, listen fully and empathize. This will help her to move past it and on to some solutions. It will help you to get your mind off your to-do list.
- Enjoy the season – and I mean truly enjoy the season. It is a wonderful time of year.
Talking about what is working, in L.A.,
Jamee