Connection the gift that keeps on giving
Today is a gift thats why it's called the present
Give yourself permission to take time for inspired action
Since I last wrote life has been a roller coaster no lets me correct myself a treadmill. One day I feel like I have found my pace I am cruising, yes everything is coming together.
I can and I will!
I have a plan which is working. Seemingly overnight the treadmill speed and incline are now set to the highest setting and it's all too much. The overwhelm sets in and the to do list seems so long.
We live in a world where we expect everything to be done by yesterday. Constantly scrambling up the imaginary treadmill, with the stop button at our finger tips. Do we use it? If it were a real treadmill I am sure we all would as you know a treadmill goes nowhere.
I did something I have never done before. I pressed stop. At the time of writing I am in that zone where it slows to a walking pace before stopping.
It has left me feeling a little raw and exposed. As though a layer has been stripped away as a snake sheds its skin.
Treadmills?
Snakes?
How do they fit together? Now I have that crazy vision in my mind. Anyway I digress.
For so long, maybe too long, I would push push and push up the treadmill. I had things to do and places to be. I have not time for contemplation. Being busy and ticking off all of the to do's, making sure everyone was happy was my blueprint for coping. It allowed me to be okay with myself.
I have come to realise this is not sustainable.
The water bottle is empty and if I don't stop who will fill it up?
This is where the shedding piece comes into play. As I let go of old ways of being, it is unnerving. What will happen? Will the world fall apart? The voice in my mind which goads me to keep running up the treadmill because if I stop it will all go horribly wrong.
Well what will go wrong?
NOTHING
Yes it's good to push and strive but not 24/7. Often we miss things and wonderful opportunities pass us by. Being busy is an excuse to not try something new. As we don't have time for it. I must admit letting go to make space for more is a challenge. Not in a physical sense but a mental one. I try and make the speed faster and the incline steeper.
This is why it is so important to come into the present.
Get out of my head and come into the body and ground.
Yoga helps with this but simple things like breath work can help.
Try this one to come into the body.
Do you know what else I have done. I have cleared my diary. I have left and muted some what's app groups and I feel so free - no more pings!
Giving me space to take
INSPIRED ACTION
The Overwhelm Cycle: Stepping Off the Treadmill and Prioritizing Self-Care
Life can feel like a treadmill, can't it? One minute you're cruising along, feeling productive and in control. The next, the pace quickens, the incline increases, and you're overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list.
In our fast-paced world, we often prioritize constant busyness over self-care. But what if that constant striving isn't sustainable? Let's explore this concept and how to break free from the overwhelm cycle.
Top 7 Questions About Stepping Off the Treadmill:
1. I feel overwhelmed and overloaded. What should I do?
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply stop. Just like on a real treadmill, hitting the pause button allows you to catch your breath and re-evaluate your pace.
2. Why does stopping feel scary?
Taking a break can feel like shedding a layer of skin, exposing vulnerabilities. We might fear that if we stop pushing, everything will fall apart. However, this fear is often unfounded.
3. What happens if I stop striving all the time?
Nothing bad! Constant striving can lead to burnout and missed opportunities. Taking time for yourself allows you to be more present and engaged in the moments that matter.
4. Being busy is my way of coping. How can I let go?
Letting go of the "busy equals success" mentality can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset and prioritizing your well-being.
5. How can I become more present?
Mindfulness practices like yoga and breathwork can help you ground yourself in the present moment and reduce mental chatter. Even a few simple breaths can make a big difference.
6. What other strategies can help me manage overwhelm?
Declutter your schedule! Clear your calendar, mute distracting notifications, and give yourself space to breathe. This allows you to take inspired action rather than reacting to constant demands.
7. How can I create a more sustainable pace?
Listen to your body and mind. Schedule breaks throughout the day, delegate tasks when possible, and prioritize activities that nourish you. Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.
Taking a break isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll be better equipped to handle life's inevitable ups and downs. Remember, you are not a machine on a treadmill. You are a human being who deserves to take care of yourself.
Rebecca Rodden founder of the Fashion Lifestyle Brand ‘Eluroom’
She brings wealth and knowledge in the Fashion Industry, Spanning 20 years working her way up to Buying Director at a British Luxury Retail Company.
Her knowledge and skills of how and what you wear can set your mood or mindset for the day has become her specialty.
Rebecca, designs her own sustainable fashion dresses and incorporates mindfulness and wellbeing in her brand ethics to connect to her customers on a deeper level.
She promotes ‘Living with Joy’
- Tags: 2021 body breath colour expression journey made in uk meditation meditation mindfulness mindfullness mindfulness wellness wellness tips yoga
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