Battling Overwhelm

Last week I finished the final spread for a lovely children’s book I’ve been illustrating. I enjoyed painting every page and look forward to sharing the book with you!

I always imagine that upon completing a big project, I’ll feel a wonderful sense of freedom and celebration. And I do…for a few hours. But then, inevitably, I look around and notice my house is a mess. How long has it been like that? Then it occurs to me that I haven’t been sketching enough lately, and I need to be writing more, and I haven’t been exercising enough. And there are lots of dear people I want to spend time with and who I should have reached out to ages ago. And I need to organize my time better. Like, a lot better.

This is the part where paralysis creeps in, because where in the world should I start? How do I prioritize such a long list? It’s as if the train I was supposed to be on is already miles down the track, and I’ve got to run to catch up. But I’m too far behind, so I sit and stare into empty space feeling very, very sleepy.

Does any of this ring true for you? As I said, I feel this way after every single big project and usually after Christmas holidays too. I can’t seem to prevent the feelings from coming but over the years I’ve learned some helpful ways to respond to them. Maybe you’ll find them helpful too.

First I say to myself: this is normal. It will pass in a few days like it always does. In the mean time, start anywhere. Just Move! In other words I accept that, for me, these feelings are a normal part of settling into a new rhythm once a big project or Holiday winds down. And by start anywhere I mean that instead of agonizing over where to start chipping away at the impossibly long list of To Do’s that are circling my brain, I should just start anywhere, doing anything. No need to prioritize. Clean the kitchen—great. Take a walk—great. Sketch—great. Choose anything. Just move! I also spend time in prayer saying, “God, You are enough. You are enough. You are enough. Thank You that You are enough!” And then,“You are the source that never runs dry!” And I find that as I say these things and move through my days, working a little here and a little there, the overwhelm lifts. This time it took about three days. Not bad!

Blessings to you friends,

~Amy