The ONE next thing...

Feeling overwhelmed is consistent with being human.

Long periods of feeling overwhelmed is consistent with unhelpful stress in our body, mind and brain.

The purpose of our right and left hemisphere of our brain can help us out with the overwhelm. When things are overwhelming, the left hemisphere excels at structure, sequence, this-than-that kind of thinking.

Given the circumstances, what is one task that you might act on right now?

Suspend the rest of the overwhelm until that one task is executed. This calms the stress hormones as it communicates that you are controlling your thoughts instead of your thoughts controlling you.

Lead yourself well

What is truly important is not usually even remotely time sensitive.

What have you decided is truly important?
Hold old were you when you made that/those decisions?
How often have you double-clicked on those decisions to ensure they are still reflecting your values and a meaningful work with a life that works?

It's not too late to notice and name what is truly important to YOU.
It's not too late to notice and name that the agendas, quotas, expectations of others have blurred into your list of 'truly important'.

Notice.
Name.
(Process. Sit with it. Be curious. Suspend judgement).
Choose what is truly important and choose values-based actions in alignment.

Lead yourself well.

Maybe you are all set for a perfect Hallmark Christmas (is that even a thing?).
Maybe work, life, finances and joy are all a perfect match right now.

But if not (and if you are like me) and ALSO are experiencing the dissonance of complexity, grief, partially-realized aspirations blended with awkward and really tough challenges - then use whatever strength and agency you can access, and check in with someone from your support team over this Christmas season.

(The tinsel and the turkey can wait for the gift of your presence.)

Your body, brain and mind will appreciate a non-judgemental, safe place of refuge to process peace and wisdom.

If your support group is not available to you right now, what else might give you a felt sense of support in leading yourself?

Notice.
Name.
Choose.
With grace.

You have my best.