How Do You Spell O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-E-D?

That's it. I've had it. Enough.

I would say that I quit, but being self-employed poses a quandary. It isn't so much the work load, the overflowing desk with everything screaming, "Me First!" at the same time, or the to-do list that would be buried if I hadn't automated it with those annoying reminders. The problem stems from saying yes to many projects and having them require my attention all at once.

So what is a harried person to do when quitting is not an option? Well, blog about it of course and then when it is out there for the world to see changes must be made. Seeing where the fault lies or understanding the cause does not help when you are in a bind. What is called for are the big-guns. You know the kind you pull out when you are sick of the mess and the troops (a.k.a the kids for those of us with them) or the cleaning service is marched in and ordered to come to the rescue. Since the word overwhelmed is the theme of the day, I decided to see what the acronym could garnish in the way of help for me, and perhaps for you as you carry on with you life.

O ...Obstacles

The first order of the day was deciding I had too many objects on my to-do list for a normal mortal and I decided to find an assistant. After I found one (and a great one at that) I obtained a company (tish-tish we are not discussing this right now...all in good time...another time....after the ink dries). Therefore I found I had relieved my work load in one area and added to it in another.

V ...Virtual Assistant

I decided to hand the new business to the virtual assistant and she has been an amazing asset and things are purring along somewhat. Other than a few hiccups and an overload of emails to my already overloaded in-box things are moving along well, except I'm back to Square One.

E ...Eager

When I am busy my brain goes into overload and somehow with the adrenalin rush, my brain cells are in full gear and I have an outpouring of many ideas and projects I'd like to tackle, but all I can muster is a reminder line in my "Ideas" folder. If you do not have one begin today.

R ...Restoration

Last week, by providence I had a migraine and subsequent headaches. Life happens. After a nice vacation of restoration...for a few days, and after many hours of sleep I had the rest my body craved and I found I lost more hours that I could not afford.

W ...Weaknesses

I am NOT a perfectionist but I am true to my word and many of my words have remained unfulfilled which brings me to the next word...

E ...Energy

In a burst of energy to get all things done today, I have made a small dent in my IN Box and my To Do List. I'm feeling better already

L ...Lessons

I've learned I can not be so hard on myself. I ask as much or more of myself as I do of others. In fact, I am far more patient with other people. Therefore if a project will be delayed, so be it. I am not going to stress about it...today.

M ...Management

I am on a new path, that of a person who is healed of being overwhelmed. I can not and will not let the to-do list overflow again. Currently there are many changes being made behind the scenes and time planned for those big projects that will take my full attention not a few minutes here and there. Managing my time and getting the work load lessened is the fix of the day.

For me the vision is clear and finding a clear path where I can step one foot before the other moving forward and not back is the goal. I'm finding relief in the little things. I "make" myself go swimming each day, I stop and enjoy the sunset, I eat dinner while the food is still warm and other things that most people take for granted.

When a twitter post was answered it really hit home. My post said something like, "It's Saturday evening, the family is watching a movie and I'm working!" and I had several messages asking me about the movie title. I had no idea. I was upstairs in my office working and they were downstairs!

Authors sometimes live a lonely life, but there is good news! I still have my sense of humor and I enjoyed blogging about it. When all is said and done, there is no other profession I'd rather have than that of being author.