68
02/23/21 at 7:38PM UTC
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What do you do when everything around you feels like the walls are caving in and it has nothing to do with what you’ve done wrong; sister is in hospital with covid, everyday is a roller coaster, son is stressed out about school, you have medical issues yourself you have to focus on and on top of it sales numbers so far this quarter suck.
It don’t know where to begin or where to end these days.
12 Comments
carol freysingernonprofit leader
79
02/23/21 at 8:08PM UTC
Hi Georgette, I'm truly sorry you're having tough times. It seems that COVID has just accentuated all the stressors already present in our lives...and then piled the virus's impacts on top of them.
This may seem like just another "to do" item, but please take a few minutes for yourself each day. Even if it's a cup of tea and 15 minutes of alone time so you can manage a deep breath or two.
If you feel overwhelmed (and justifiably so with all these things on your plate!), maybe you can get some short-term help if your employer has an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), or if you have access to a therapist. If not, reach out to a friend with a listening ear who will sympathize, cry with you, or maybe just help put stuff into perspective. Worst case--contact a helpline.
You are not alone, even if it feels that way! Make one of these contacts. I wish you the very best in getting through this time because it absolutely SUCKS. But it will be over eventually. I hope your sister makes a full recovery.
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Georgette
68
02/23/21 at 8:13PM UTC
All good suggestions. I’m starting to take some time to myself the last few days. I will take all of those and start reaching out. Thank you carol
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Jocelyn Lyons
119
02/23/21 at 9:13PM UTC
Hi Georgette, I am also so sorry for everything you are trying to manage right now and I agree with the advice from Carol. As much as you can, little bursts of vitamin D or a great playlist might at least give you the motivation to keep going. At least, those things help me a bit. I hope you can get some good sleep, too, but I know that can be so difficult with feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. You will get through this and I hope things turn around soon! I'll be rooting for you!
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Lynette HallMotivated, innovator, builds teams and systems.
188
02/23/21 at 9:15PM UTC
Georgette - the main thing to remember is you are not alone. It may not make it better but just know we are all in this with you. I may not know you - but I feel exactly where you are. You did the right thing by reaching out. If you feel you are in crisis do not hesitate to to call for help. Sending hugs and prayers.
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Anonymous
02/23/21 at 9:20PM UTC
It is so all consuming. It's great you are taking time for yourself. It's a lot to juggle and you need to stay well so that these issues don't become unbearable.
When I'm stressed I meditate and I also do a walking meditation around my area just to clear my head.
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Jessica ClarkLicensed Clinical Social Worker
77
02/23/21 at 9:25PM UTC
Hi Georgette! You certainly have the stressors piled on at this time and have gotten some wonderful feedback from other FGB members. I would also say to take "one day at a time" and prioritize what "can I do right now" for the problems that are bothering you and to try and focus on what you 'can do'. Your health is a priority as well, so it may seem 'selfish' but ensuring you are meeting your health/medical needs and then prioritizing the 'to-do' list and supports to family with what can actually be done in that day. Be kind and patient with yourself through all of this.
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Ann-Marie St John
34
02/23/21 at 9:39PM UTC
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.
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Shannon Huffman PolsonAuthor, Speaker, Founder, Veteran
34
02/23/21 at 10:18PM UTC
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!
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Jennyjewel
105
02/23/21 at 10:21PM UTC
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
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Arika LawrenceUX/Digital Strategist
188
02/23/21 at 10:22PM UTC
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
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Sarah RatekinMaking Work Happier with Science!
71
02/23/21 at 10:34PM UTC
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. ♥
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Georgette
68
02/24/21 at 12:29AM UTC
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. ❤️❤️❤️
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