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| Lost in the Fog |
So, now I'm 6 or 7 days behind on MNINB challenges, didn't post an update for ROW80 on Sunday, didn't post a blog on Sunday, haven't done any writing, editing, or even reading for almost a week now, and am feeling a little hopeless. I figure the first step in the right direction is figuring out how far behind I am, but when I see the actual list, I just sigh and want to go back to bed. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Okay, I'm feeling a lot overwhelmed. I HATE long to-do lists. I need short, quick tasks so I feel like I'm making progress quickly. Only I don't feel like doing anything today... It's just one of those days, I guess.
Well, at least I posted on my blog... and got my ROW80 updates up, only two days late...
How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed? What are your strategies for getting caught up? How do fight off the hopeless feelings? I appreciate any and all feedback. Interaction is what this life is all about.
Happy Writing and Platform Building!!
Becca♥
ROW80 Update #6: for April 15-21st
Writing: 1720/1500 words. First time I achieved this one.Reading: 1/4 books. On track for this.
Editing: 4/10 pages. Still way behind. I should be at page 30, but I'm only on 20.
Blogging: 2/2 posts. Got this one.
25 comments:
Rebecca,
I was feeling that way the last couple of days, also. Someone mentioned they use Google Calendar to help stay organized. Lists intimidate me, but using G. Calendar has helped me a great deal today! (I'm stuck on the guest blogging task.)
Here's to catching up!
-Linda :-)
I'm behind, too, Becca. No worries. We'll catch up if/when we can. I don't think Robert is all that stressed about it ;-)
Thanks, Linda. I'll check it out... maybe tomorrow. ;)
Thanks, Kasie. Yeah, I'll catch up... eventually.
Have you read Ann Lamott's book "Bird by Bird?" She tells the story of a science report on birds that didn't get written until the last minute, and not knowing where to begin. Her Dad said "Bird by bird." In other words, ONE.thing.at.a.time. One thing. Choose one that speaks to you. Do it. Then choose another. And know two things: You're not alone. And what should get done WILL get done. One thing at a time. Hang in there. Sending good wishes for great words. De.
I have been feeling exactly the same! Didn't post my check-in on Sunday; first time I've ever missed a check-in since I joined ROW. Saying I didn't feel like it is a pathetic excuse but its also the truth! Lets hope we all feel better soon!
In a marathon, I think they call this "the wall." Don't try to climb over. Break THROUGH. Prepositions are everything. ;)
Oh, I posted yesterday about feeling overwhelmed ...
I feel ya.
But I'm glad you got to enjoy your weekend.
And you're doing great on your goals!
I tell myself I'm just going to do one thing, maybe even something as little as write the first paragraph of a blog post. Mostly that's all it takes to get me started.
My other strategy is to take a walk, no ipod or any other distraction. I think about one thing I have to do, a query letter perhaps. By the time I get home I have most of it written in my head (and scrambled notes on the back of an envelope still flecked with pocket lint).
Hang in there.
Give yourself a day of "you.". Do what makes you happy. Then go back to your list and tackle it a little at a time. Remember that challenges are voluntary. The fact that you even participated is commendable. You will eventually finish your task at your pace. Hang in there.
I learned recently (today, actually) that I apparently respond to feeling overwhelmed by passing out ... which is why the world so often perceives me as an unusually calm person, ha-ha! I'd rather not go falling all over the world, so I try to take things just one at a time--and when things start to get overwhelming, I try to convince myself that, Hey ... just because it's on your "to do" list doesn't mean you have "to do" it right now!, and with the freedom of knowing I can play catch-up I stay on my feet (and off the ground)! :)
Small victories: Maybe an enjoyable weekend is better than a weekend of writing! Your to-dos will get to-done :) Cheers!
I respond to overwhelm buy first feeling like i want to sleep all day, then by creating a massive to do list and figuring out what i can and can't cross off.
Though we should write, enjoy your time with hubby!
Becca,
I think it's something in the air. Though I've been managing to keep up with things, I too have been feeling a little despondent. I think it's the time of year. My Dad passed away April last year and I've just got the drags.
But writing is my salvation. Even if I'm not in the mood, I find that going back to the words keeps me grounded.
Hope you find your footing soon.
Mel
Don't worry, Becca. It happens to the best of us. If it make syou feel better, I'm behind too. Weee!
I just do what I can when I feel overwhelmed --like De said above, "bird by bird." Either that or get all jacked up on coffee and go without enough sleep for a night or two catching up. I recommend the first. *winks*
No one can do it all. I'm learning that the hard way. I totally understand how you feel.
Being a mom is hard, no matter what else you try to do. Add any other job to the task of mothering, and it's no wonder we feel overwhelmed. Still, I have make time for myself and things I love like writing, even if the dishes must wait, or I feel neglected. On regular days at home, I try to intersperse writing with chores so I am accomplishing something on both ends.
For the past couple years, I've gone through some serious bouts of depression, particularly the week before and week of my period (TMI, I know). I've had migraines and hair loss too. I finally asked my gynecologist about it, and she suspected I might have PMDD, which is basically really bad PMS that can hit women in their 30's. She put me on a low-dose birth control to see if it will help. It's been about a month so far, and I feel a bit of improvement.
That might have been more than you needed, but thought I'd let you know you're not alone since I hadn't had a chance to yet. Hang in there!
I'm not so worried about getting it done "on time" as much as I am just getting it done! I had no idea how to even begin building a platform before the challenge started to I'm just happy that I've gotten somewhere with it.
Enjoy your family! Weekends like you had a re few and far between so make sure to be in the moment!
As far as the other stuff goes... just take it on one thing at a time and you will bring the top of the mountain to your feet!
Hey, De! That sounds like a good book. I'll have to check it out.
Janet, I know I hate it when my only reason is, "I just didn't feel like it." But, you're right, it's the truth. I'm feeling lots better today and hopefully will get caught up soon. ;)
Thanks, Juliana! I'll have to check out your post on feeling overwhelmed too.
Barbara, that is usually my strategy, too. If I can just get started, I'll be fine. I just didn't feel like getting started on anything yesterday.
Romelle, I love your idea. And that's pretty much, what I did, just took a day off. And I'm feeling much better today. ;)
Khara, thanks for your comment. That would be a pretty good incentive to stay calm. :) I'd just be passed out all the time. Ha! It was a nice break and I will get caught up, in my own time. Thanks for the support.
Heather, I also want to sleep all day, but, for me, that's it. I just want to go to bed. I'm working on catching up, though. ;)
Mel, I think you're right about the air. Let's just quit breathing, what'd'ya say? Oh, yeah, I guess that won't work. Oh well, at least I'm feeling better today.
Erin, thanks for reminding me that I'm not the only one. :) I think I'm gonna have to look at the bird book. And invest in a good coffee company. ;)
Mysti, Thanks again, and you are the best. And I think you might be right. It does seem to be cyclic.
Thanks so much to all of you! The support and encouragement were exactly what I needed. I almost didn't post this cause it just sounded so whiny, but I'm so glad I did. Thanks again for reminding me that "We Are Not Alone!!" (That's my shout out to Kristin Lamb for her awesome WANA community, btw.)
Thanks, Claudine. That is how I always seem to pull myself out of a slump. One task at a time. ;)
Wow, there's a lots of great comments: made my day brighter.
I second Bird by Bird, taking a walk, just go with the feeling, and that the challenges are voluntary.
You'll have days when you'll burst forth with kinetic energy-it all balances out.
Becca,
Do get "Bird by Bird"--you'll never regret it--listen to your heart and you'll find your next step.
Karen
Okay, well, I guess I'm off to Amazon to get "Bird by Bird". Seems universally recommended.
Thanks Alvarado and Karen!
I'm feeling the same -- MNINB is hard to keep up with! I keep up with stuff using a Planner Pad, and once each month (tomorrow) I take an hour or so and go over my goals. I spend a good bit of time at the end of each year setting up those goals and having them all in one place for a change really helps. As long as my goals are good ones, keeping focused on them keeps me out of the doldrums.
blessings,
Stevie www.stevielibra.com
Hi Stevie! The Planner Pad is a great idea! I need to get more organized, ugh. Thanks for stopping by!
Overwhelmed? Hopeless feelings?
{{{{ Rebecca }}}}
I've felt overwhelmed a lot since Sept. 2010 when I became unemployed, then when I broke my ankle, a year ago, and, now with the need to apply for permanent disability, and the specter of my cats & I possibly losing our apartment come July.
But Hopeless? No.
I've struggled thru, and found faith,and inspiration, thru taking computer classes, reading, writing, event invites, invites to review books & products,and friends encouragement, and advice.
Yesterday I went into LA to buy a Cane....And sat upstairs eating lunch at legendary Phillipe's, writing a cane themed little short story, inspired by my new, needed, companion. :-D
Thanks, Kiril. You are inspiring.
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