The Big White Farmhouse

After a beautiful, leisurely Christmas break, the reality of life has hit us smack in the face again: our family pace is a whirlwind, the farm tasks are piling up and appliances keep breaking.  (WHY?!)  It’s in these moments when I often sit in complete overwhelm.  I’m not typically a crier and instead become numb with the weight of it all.  There’s so much to do, so much going sideways…where do I even start?!

In 2023, I’m not giving in to the discouragement and overwhelm.  This is the year of endurance!  Below is my list of little things to combat feeling completely overwhelmed.  I wrote this post for me (because goodness, I know I’ll need the reminders!) but maybe it will be helpful for you too.  Maybe you’re struggling with depression or just seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  Maybe life’s throwing you curveballs all the time too.  Maybe it all just feels really, really hard.  Whatever is going on, I hope these little tips will help you keep going.  One day at a time.

Go outside and take deep breaths.

This is always Step #1.  When life feels hard and the challenges keep coming, I stand on the porch, look out at the trees and breathe.  Sometimes I pray, sometimes I give myself a little pep talk, sometimes I keep my mind purposefully blank.  I don’t know what it is, but the fresh air (and the general quiet) strengthens me enough to keep going.

Clear off one flat surface.  

Just one.  Maybe it’s the kitchen counter where everyone throws their stuff.  Maybe it’s the mudroom shoes all over the floor.  Maybe it’s my bedroom dresser, filled with important things I can’t forget or lose.  Start with one spot and work until it’s clean and tidy.  (I’m a big believer that physical clutter does nothing to help mental health.  Less clutter, more calm.)

Throw away five things.

Just five things…although once you get going, you may not be able to stop!  Start where the frustration is the worst – where is that one place that has me mumbling under my breath, “I really need to clean that ___.”

Wash something.

A couple dishes, that load of laundry, the windows that haven’t been cleaned in forever…just something.

Start an accomplishment journal.

This is a big one for me when I feel like a big, fat failure.  Instead of a mile-long to-do list, where the tasks seem to grow daily without any real forward progress, try an accomplishment journal.  Write down the date in any old notebook (or even in the notes app of your phone) and then add those things you DID get to: that one flat surface, those five things you threw away, that thing you washed.  This always creates a confidence and momentum.  Wake up tomorrow and start again.

Ask for help and/or accept the help of those who love you.

Lastly, if you’re really struggling, don’t be too proud to ask for help.  Whether that is from the people under your roof or outside friends/family, most of the people who love you are more than happy to lend a hand.  And if they see the suffering and offer help unasked?  Humble yourself and take the help gratefully.  We all need each other.