There's a lot happening nowadays. Globally, locally, for most people personally-- there's always something major going on. It seems like the cool down time between big life or history-altering events is getting shorter and shorter. And that can be seriously, super exhausting.
Are you tired too? I know I am.
It can be hard, trying to stay on top of everything. Personal, social and career obligations battle for your attention against the jarring updates of news stations and internet platforms. It can feel like a cacophony of discordant, loud voices are screaming 'URGENT' 'PAY ATTENTION' 24/7 all around with nowhere to escape.
There's always a problem that needs to be solved.
It doesn't matter how much you do, because it feels like the moment you accomplish one task, another five takes its place. Your to-do list is like a mythological hydra, and the whirlwind of information outside of your own personal life just adds fuel to the flames. The desire to do something productive or to solve problems battles with overwhelming feelings at seeing how many things need to be fixed or changed.
A lot of people get paralyzed in anxiety from this.
But you know what? That's completely understandable.
Life is hard. Life is a lot. And Life is definitely messy AF.
You can't clean it all up right away. Especially not by yourself.
So it's okay to take a step back, silence the news updates and do a task that is stress-relieving and fun (even if it's not necessarily 'productive' or whatever). Take a nap, read a book, go for a walk or even solve a Rubik's Cube if that's your thing. Just do something that relaxes you and takes your mind off the overwhelming anxieties and fears of everyday life.
People, like most things in the world, can run out of energy, no matter how much coffee they chug. Our tolerance for stress has a limit and it's not healthy to go past it repeatedly. Nearly everyone I know has some desire to make the world a better place and wants to enact positive change, and that's so amazing. We all want to be a superhero in our own way. But, one of the best ways to make that possible, is to remember to take care of yourself too.
During emergencies on a plane, you're instructed to secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others, right? So logically, the same rules apply when trying to positively impact the world around us. If we're not taking care of ourselves (physically, mentally, and spiritually), then how can we expect to help others?
It's perfectly alright to take breaks. It's alright to take multiple breaks or more breaks than others. Everyone functions at their own pace, in their own way, and that's pretty cool!
Even Wonder Woman and Batman took vacations, so no one should expect you to go 100% all day every day with zero time off either. And for the overachieving perfectionists (myself included), cut yourself some slack. All that matters is you do the best you can in any circumstance.
So, regardless of what any outer person or internal critique says:
You're doing great.
Love y'all!
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:30-31
You continue to amaze me with your inspiring blog!