It's tough to remember when the waves are crashing down on you, but you are here for a delightful purpose no matter what you're going thru. You bring a unique magic to the world! I'm sure your heart is breaking in different directions, but this too shall pass and your own light will shine thru the cracks. Lean on your tribe. Don't fall in the trap of shame because you're struggling. Give voice to how you feel. Give your pain a name and yell at it, if you have to, but don't hold it in. You can see in these responses that you have fans in the world - let us know how you're doing!

When I hit the overwhelm line there are a couple things I do to being me back. 1. Start with a deep breath 2. Sit still and meditate for 3mins (more if u have it) 3. Ruthlessly prioritize - what is the most important things that if I didn't do them I will look back on and regret. 4. Do those things to the best of my ability and acknowledge that the rest needs to fall off my plate for today. For the longer run, find out if you have the ability to take leave, get a therapist or counselor. I have found it helpful for me and have even talked w my dr about fear and anxiety and medication that can help when it started to keep me from being able to do those top priority items. Take care and I'm sending you good vibes.

I'm sorry you are going through this and your note sounds scarily like my life! We are all going through some very tough stuff and I found that when I connect on a specific day with a friend and talk with no rules and no boundaries (only trust), it acts like a cheap easy therapy session. It helps us both. You might want to engage with someone you know is going through what you are and just allow each other to talk it out and express true open feelings. Also Yoga is a blessing - try it with some meditation - we will all get through this and you will too. It's miserably hard but we will come out shining brighter for it. Hang in there <3

Georgette, when I get stressed, I take a walk. It seems simple (and it is), but it helps clear your mind and sometimes think of things from another perspective.

Wow. I wasn’t expecting such a wonderful response but I’m glad I put it out there. I realized tonight self care is priority. It does me or my famil no good if I get sick now. Meditation, if the weather allows take some walks and I’ve been talking to some of my closet friends to lean on. Thank you my fellow FGBs. You are all unbelievably awesome. ❤️❤️❤️

Hi Georgette. You're getting such good feedback here. As somebody who helps teams deal with stressors exactly like you're describing, I hear these concerns a lot. I especially like the suggestions to connect with others. We have this weird social narrative that we should hide in a closet when we're in a rough place, and I LOVE love love that instead, you came here, to ask for connection from others. For me, connecting with like-minded communities of people helps give me both a positive emotional boost AND sometimes lets me offer support to others, which helps offset my feelings that I'm just a flat tire. If you've got some good professional networks you can 'zoom' into for just a half hour or so, that might help. I know of a monthly gratitude group I'd be happy to connect you to, if it would serve you. Just any way you can refill your own pitcher, it's all a form of self-care, even if we don't always realize it. We'll be pulling for things to get better, and you're absolutely NOT alone. ♥

Hi Georgette --- I am truly felt every word of your post. Just wanted to send you some sunshine and let you know that everything will work itself. You have a supportive FGB network of womxn who are here to uplift when times are rough. I completely agree with the advice said already above, making time to self-care is so important. Do something everyday that makes you feel happy and taken care of! Try to get some fresh air each day, journal, read and say positive affirmations to yourself, meditation, or just take a quick power nap. Sometimes we don't recognize how much our body needs a second to rest to recalibrate our energy. Please remain encouraged and know you will get through this! I am sending you and your family all the positive vibes <3

Hi Georgette, I am so sorry you are going through this. These are difficult times and this pandemic has impacted everybody to some extent. I can totally relate to your situation. I lost an Aunt to Covid last month and her sister 2 weeks later. Just took on a more demanding role at my company and dealing with grief and dealing with my health issues have compounded things. What I can tell you is that I allowed myself to feel whatever feelings I needed to feel. I took walks when I could or exercised (in my house). I also talked to some close friends so I wasn't shouldering the burden of these things. I also meditated. I am a firm believer in meditation and it has had a profound impact on my life. I guess most importantly, focus on those things that you can control. And talk it out. Sometimes we don't realize the weight of the burdens we are carrying until we talk to a close friend and feel the weight lift. Good Luck and thoughts and prayers for you and your sister. Jen

I'm so sorry you are going through this. If you can set some boundaries on your work time, and set up a time to meet to walk or over Zoom with a friend? Getting outside and some fresh air each day, along with taking five minutes, and then ten, for meditation or prayer is a wonderful and important way to come back to center, too. Perhaps consider giving yourself just one goal each week with your son-- a change to get outside with you, or outside with a friend (depending on where you live) or Zoom with a friend, and then a movie night to look forward to? Structure to the week is helpful. Wishing you all the best. Know that this, too, will pass. Your positivity will end up reflecting in your sales numbers when it's all said and done, too-- so take care of yourself!

Just remember you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help others! Break tasks into smaller chunks, delegate, and take time to care for yourself.