A bit of a journal-style post today. My thoughts are like scattered, anxious kittens.
Feeling overwhelmed is common. More often than not I don’t know what is the “best” direction in my life.
I was listening to a podcast yesterday that suggested essentially pick a thing and go with it for a set amount of time.
Regardless of what the thing is…
You could try dancing, calligraphy or rock-climbing.
I like this because I often feel flakey or like I have conflicting desires. And when I feel like this I just wish there was a magic cure all for a happy/motivated/complete life. Is there?
I feel dread in the space between sticking with something that no longer brings joy and fighting through to complete something. This is often where I feel with “work.” I am sticking with something for the sake of sticking it out. And in that there is learning. And there is dread.
It is a talent to figure out what you want to do.
Thoughts that I am curious about for myself/others:
What motivates you?
What overwhelms you?
What do you dread and why?
How do you overcome that?
Are discipline and joy on opposite ends of the spectrum?
When situations unravel, resilient people can muddle through, imagining possibilities where others are confounded.
My takeaway from the email was to ask myself the following questions when I’m in a situation I perceive as challenging:
What are the opportunities?
And what are you learning?
Here are some situations I face that make me feel lousy:
Had a “bad” interview
Not feeling like I am making enough
Feeling like I am not advancing career wise
A bad workout (meaning not feeling fit enough)
Not lifting the weight you want to lift
Stressed about driving (this one may take more to resolve 🙂 )
These two questions feel especially helpful with my current job situation. I feel stuck. I feel like a pivot may be necessary and I am not quite sure what that will look like. So instead of feeling helpless and miserable it is encouraging to think of the ways that I can a) see this as an opportunity and b) take some time to think about what I am learning from this situation.
Source: quora.com
In reality I am very fortunate. I have more than enough money to meet my needs, while being able to contribute in small ways to helping others. I love investing and am able to do so. I have a place to live. I have a car. I have a loving partner. I have my family. I have my friends. I have my two cats. I have a formal education. I have the ability to improve.
So what’s next?
I am not sure, but I know I will be okay. Eventually.
Everyday I want to remember all of the reasons I have to be thankful. Worry, doubts and fears should never take residency in our minds. Even on challenging days, in difficult situations, it is possible to remember the incredible aspects of life.
Molly Grace James 
Recent Comments