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.

18 Comments

1. carol freysingerFebruary 23,2021 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.

2. GeorgetteFebruary 23,2021 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

3. Jocelyn LyonsFebruary 23,2021 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!

4. Lynette HallFebruary 23,2021 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.

5. AnonymousFebruary 23,2021 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.

6. Jessica ClarkFebruary 23,2021 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.

7. Ann-Marie St JohnFebruary 23,2021 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.

8. Shannon Huffman PolsonFebruary 23,2021 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!

9. Jennifer ElliottFebruary 23,2021 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

10. Arika LawrenceFebruary 23,2021 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

11. Dr. Sarah RatekinFebruary 23,2021 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. ♥

12. GeorgetteFebruary 24,2021 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. ❤️❤️❤️

13. AnonymousFebruary 25,2021 at 2:37PM UTC

    I am very happy to see this update from you, Georgette. And yes, there are a lot of great posts here. Let me assure you that for every one who posts there are MANY more who haven't posted but are reading this thread, thinking of you and caring about the outcomes. So good to hear you are reaching out to friends. It can be hard to do, but that's what friends are for -- and you would want to be able to do the same for them, I'm sure. Sending positive thoughts your way, for you and your family.

14. Michelle H IngramFebruary 25,2021 at 4:14PM UTC

    Hi Georgette. You are not alone and we will get through this. I lost my baby brother and three cousins to COVID. I can tell you prayer, meditation, my 70's disco/R&B playlist (while I walk) is getting me through this season of loss and uncertainty. I also facilitate a covenant group for my church every Saturday via Zoom. They believe I am helping them, but lord knows they are helping me! The important thing is we are there for each other. Every sister who has posted here has given you fabulous advice. Take it. Take time for yourself, no emails, no texts, no phone calls. Take a walk, hide in the closet. You must, I repeat, you must take a moment for yourself and your spirit. That is the only way you can give those you love the best of yourself.

15. cindiFebruary 25,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    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.

16. r francisFebruary 25,2021 at 2:15PM UTC

    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

17. Marla FieldsFebruary 25,2021 at 8:25PM UTC

    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.

18. Elizabeth AbelFebruary 27,2021 at 12:10AM UTC

    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!