- Do you sometimes feel that you have too much on your plate, and you have no idea how you will get it all done?
- Do you feel more driven by what’s urgent than by what’s really important to you?
- When you saw the title above, did you identify with the word overwhelmed?
If there was even one “yes” among your answers, you’re hardly alone in that feeling. Many psychologists, counselors and other thoughtful observers of 21st century society think people today are more overwhelmed than those who lived in past generations. I agree, and I think one reason we’re more chronically overwhelmed can be explained in just two words – too much. For example, many of us are all but drowning in:
- Too much information. Every day, we are exposed to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of bits of information from emails, texts, phone calls, junk mail, voice mail, meetings at work and advertising on billboards, TV, the internet and radio. This relentless flow of information distracts us, interrupts our train of thought and forces us to decide, often dozens of times a day: Should I respond now, save it for later or ignore it? Each piece of information eats away a tiny chunk of our time and depletes a bit of our finite daily reserves of emotional and mental bandwidth.
- Too much stuff. Not everyone has too much stuff, of course. Some don’t have enough; others have enough to be comfortable; and some have way more than they need. It’s fair to say though that no matter which category people are in, many – perhaps most – want more stuff. That’s because, in our culture, we place a high value on material things. There is nothing inherently wrong with owning stuff. It’s just that many possessions come with invisible strings attached. When we have too much stuff that we must insure, keep clean, update, polish, paint, maintain, organize and/or store, stuff can be more of a burden than a blessing. The time-draining responsibilities that go with owning so much stuff often contribute heavily to our sense of being overwhelmed.
- Too much bad news. Most of us are mentally and emotionally “wired” to process tragic news perhaps a few times a year. Thanks to high speed worldwide newsgathering, we now hear about some kind of tragedy just about every day. The relentless flow of heartbreaking news from all over the world also contributes to our sense of being overwhelmed.
All of this is in addition to the normal things we all have to manage – grocery shopping, getting gas, laundry, bills, cleaning up the kitchen, answering emails, doctor appointments, relationships with family and friends, and so much more.
Clearly, the pace and intensity of daily life has dramatically increased in our generation. We can get so over-busy and overwhelmed that we look like the poster child for what some have called “full plate, empty life.” Needless to say, “full plate, empty life” is not the life God had planned for any of us! Once we recognize this, the question becomes, how can we stop living so stressed out and overwhelmed? The final chapters of this faith-based mini-book are devoted to answering that question, helping readers find balance, sanity and a more meaningful life. The focus is first on discovering what we’ve each been uniquely created and gifted to do, and then making changes and choices to align our lives accordingly.
Overwhelmed urges readers to set priorities consistent with their purpose, set boundaries to protect them and use their time and talents to do meaningful, enjoyable work that also brings honor to God. When we live in ways that are in sync with how we’re made and gifted, we are more insulated from many of the things that might otherwise overwhelm us.
When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.
