Well, hello there, fans of Soften Saturday! It’s been awhile. I took a break from writing Soften Saturday posts every Saturday because, well, I was Overworked and Overwhelmed.
In addition to writing here, I also manage the social media for my site and my other business, teach cooking classes, coach folks new to dietary restrictions or those seeking healthy eating assistance, am a partner in a busy balloon artistry business, maintain a home, tend backyard chickens and a garden, care for three fur-kids, am a wife, try to keep in touch with family and friends, travel for work and occasionally pleasure, volunteer in my community, develop new recipes, try to finish a culinary education program I started too long ago and probably ten other things I’m currently forgetting.
Yep, overworked and overwhelmed.
Can you relate? I’m going to guess you can. Nearly everyone I have asked this week has told me they feel overwhelmed often. Among those I’ve asked, many have felt overworked and ALL of those I asked who are self-employed felt over-worked.
So what are we going to do about this?
Well, for me, the process started earlier this year when a health crisis forced me to let go of some things, cut back on others, take a look at what was important for my life, my marriage, my career, and most importantly for my health. I had to get out of chronic fight or flight. I had to address cortisol, adrenal and thyroid health. The latest addition to my campaign to end feeling this way is to read Scott Eblin’s new book. Overworked and Overwhelmed: The Mindfulness Alternative.
I haven’t read the entire book yet, but have to tell you it’s hard to put down! I want to keep reading, want to keep learning more about how I can be more present, how I can easily define what needs to be done (and what needs to be let go) and how I can stay on top of knowing where I am on my own personal scale of feeling overwhelmed. This book is full of good stuff AND it’s information I can put to work right now quite easily!
Now that I’ve told you about the book, here ‘s the scoop: it’s available in both hardcover and Kindle versions. You can buy it through the links I’ve provided here or at your local bookseller.
I’m looking forward to returning to a more frequent Soften Saturday schedule now that I have a plan for feeling less overworked, less overwhelmed. This book has become an essential tool in my toolbox of creating all that I desire in both work and life outside of work. Join me, read this book!
A bit of disclosure from me: I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the author’s wife, Diane Eblin. I am lucky to count Diane amongst my friends. She is the personification of what I’ve learned so far in this book, making choices to mindfully live the life she has defined for herself. The links shared in this post are affiliate links and I may make a small commission if you make a purchase via the links. I appreciate your support!
Really terrific post, Johnna. I’m part way through Overworked and Overwhelmed, too, and am so impressed with it and excited about the changes I can make with Scott’s guidance.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all. Here’s to you, me, and lots more folks taking this new approach!
Shirley
Oh man, overwhelmed should be my middle name, but I do try my VERY BEST to compose myself!! Generally it works pretty well?? LOL!
I think it’s working really well for you, GiGi! I’m excited to hear we share the same middle name. 😉
Well I have in the past been O & O but now in retirement, not by my choice, I’m Underworked and Overwhelmed. So I guess I’m on the other side of this situation but somehow it’s the same.
I worked for 30 years in design, with side diversions into MINI Cooper gifts. I loved both. But I found once I hit the age of 60 I couldn’t get a design job? I recently was told that Gensler, a giant architectural firm here in LA needed designers that specalized in wayfinding and logo design. I sent them a link to my website and got a very complimentary response. They asked me to send them a profile. I did and that was the last I ever heard from them… it included my DOB.
Funny thing happened the other day… I was helping a friend who has a sign company with an instal at the the City of Hope and the fellow who I contacted at Gensler was there, he was the deign leader for the project, and he said you look famiiar…:-)
So I guess I’m Underworked and Overwhelmed so let me finish by saying… O &O is better than boredom!
R.
I can’t imagine you ever being bored! I am sad to hear about age discrimination though. So much great design talent beyond those who are fresh from college. It’s a shame to see that talent cast aside.
Yup, pretty bored. Can’t really afford to do the things I want to like roam around the country or travel to Europe as much as I’d like but my life is OK, things could be worse.