Sometimes the answer to overwhelm is adding one more (right) thing*

When people ask how I’m doing, my answer is usually, “Busy!” Even “Too busy,” if I’m being honest.

And this isn’t a new problem; it’s been going on for a long time. It’s gotten to the point that when I say I’m going to cut back a little, my besties have to work hard not to reply, “I’ve heard that before.”

So in January, when I told a friend that I’m adding one more thing to my teetering pile of commitments, I was met with a head-shaking sigh of resignation.

But guess what? When I added the right thing it didn’t cause me to burn out—it buoyed me.

Yes, friends, on top of writing books, teaching classes, offering individual dreamwork, hosting dream and writing groups for the community online … I am now also a student in a year-long poetry intensive! I’ve got homework and assigned readings, discussion forums to contribute to and classes to attend. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, suddenly my other responsibilities feel less like work and more like shining opportunities—which is what I’d intended all along.

It works! When we feed our souls with creativity and self-care, we are nourished and strengthened in all the other aspects of our lives.

How about you? Can you create an oasis of soul-time for yourself?

Try this:

• Keep a list of things that nourish your soul: Making collages, strumming your guitar, reading poems, walking silently in nature, sitting with a cup of tea and listening to music … add as many items as you can.
• Each morning write down your commitment to spend at least 15 minutes nurturing your soul with one of these activities.
• Block out 15 minutes in your daily schedule to do one of the things on your list.
• At the end of the day, write down in your journal what you did to take care of your beautiful and creative soul! Acknowledge, honor, and celebrate yourself for keeping this commitment to your Self!

You might just find that adding one more thing—when it’s the right thing—is the antidote to overwhelm.

*A version of this post was included in my most recent e-newsletter. The response was so positive that I expanded the post and re-published it here. (If you’re not already subscribed to my newsletter where I offer tips on waking up to your best life through dreams, poetic writing, and everyday joy, SUBSCRIBE HERE.

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Photo Credit: Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

© 2022 Tzivia Gover, Third House Moon, LLC, All rights reserved.