What Was Missing
Friday, April 9, 2010 at 9:00AM I had a mini meltdown the other night on Twitter.
Life has become extremely overwhelming. I find that not only do I have several things going on in my life, but that I am in charge or in a leader position in all of them.
First is my job. I took a promotion that I am enjoying but I wonder sometimes if I knew how stressful it would be. The problem is not the new position but that I am still being pulled into the IT arena and the Marketing department, handling my old position while trying to take on this new one!
Second is the rejoice band at church. I love it and it is least stressful since I have been doing it for a number of years. The problem is that it is a commitment. I have to lead it, choose music, teach music, and be there. Occasionally I will cancel a practice to just allow myself to relax (which I did this week) but I end up feeling guilty for doing that.
Third is Cinderella. Back in November the Drama Ministry at church decided that Cinderella was going to be this Springs musical. I was asked to be the Director and was very excited about it. I enjoyed being on stage in the past but this was a new challenge I was ready to accept. That was before I took this new position and before I knew how stressed out I would be.
So there it is. Frazzled. Exhausted. I felt like I am not doing any of those three things any good doing them the way I am doing them now. It makes me feel like a failure.
And quickly I dropped into the dumps. I felt alone and helpless. I stopped what I was doing and tweeted the above message. Almost immediately tweets and emails came back to me cheering me up. Trying to make me feel better and some very effective ((HUGS)) all were sent my way.
Then it hit me.
I hadn't blogged, tweeted, or connected with any of the online community. All of you that have become part of my day were being missed. I realized at that moment that all of you help me get through each day. If I can at least spend a few moments reading a blog or two and catching a tweet here and there I feel better.
When I am cut off I get down. Things get to me more. I feel alone. Something I have avoided since I found this community over 4 years ago.
So like all the things I "take" to stay healthy I will make sure that a daily dose of the OC will be included. That way, the stress seems not as big a deal.
Thank you all for making me feel that way.
Reader Comments (13)
George,
You are an inspiration to me. I have read your blog for at least three years and can relate to everything that you share. I would be you if I had any musical abilities or were a 100% better person. Okay, I guess I wouldn't be you but I strive in that direction every day. Put your head to your pillow each night knowing that you are doing the best that you can and that many of us are inspired by you and aspire to be like you.
Sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed. Your commitment level sounds like it would be overwhelming to even the most energetic person. A few years ago I was in a similar state and read a book called "Boundaries" (by Henry Cloud and John Townsend). I know the last thing you have time for is to read a book, but second only to the bible, it is the most life changing book I've ever read. Read just the intro (story of an overcommitted and overwhelmed lady)....and you will see yourself in it.
You know, I have been real worried about you and how stressed/busy you have been, but I never connected being figuratively cut off from the DOC and the stress. But it is SO OBVIOUS once you see it, right?
You have been too busy driving to stop for gas...
Im sorry, George. Glad friends are there to help! Sometimes if you dont get that "unwinding" time you can never be productive. I totally see blog reading, facebook, twitter as part of that. I also see reading as my part. I need to do a little bit just for me to rejuvenate me. Meditation, bible reading, prayer, a real honest conversation with my husband all sort of do the same thing. Focus on you a bit. Then you can be the George that can handle all those stressful issues! :)
How is the Wii Fit going?
Dude, this calls for a no-carb margarita (seriously) -- you just need to supply the tequila!!! Check your mailbox in the coming week.
Sweetie, You have to start saying NO to some of these commitments. *I* would approach the church and tell them you need help with the Play and choir. This is meant in the best way.... You are not the only one who can or is able to lead, my friend. You must let your brothers and sisters help you in this. Sometimes, letting others be of service is a great gift in itself.
Don't be so much a stranger in future :-)
Hang in there brother!
Oh, and on the tequila? make sure you get 100% agave, personally, I like Hornito's, good and not too expensive. there's tons to sugars added to the 51% varieties like Cuervo...
No, you don't need to know how I know that... move along.
Got the xbox fixed, I should hook up with you guys sometime and show my massive FPS lameness
We all need to figure out what sustains us and not let go. Sometimes (and I've done this a thousand times) we let go of what sustains us because it feels expendable when times are tough. But it's pretty much always a mistake.
GNinja:
Love you, miss you, and have been worried about you.
I know the feeling of being overwhelmed can cause major stress and causes our numbers to go sky high and our head to feel like it's about to burst!
Your never alone George, the DOC is here for you and love and appreciate everything that you do and the fantastic person you are!
Love & hugs my friend!
Kelly K
I will continue to keep you in my prayers! Bro, you have to relax, relate and release. If you do not take time out for yourself you'll burn out. You have a lot of on your plate. I hope you enjoyed your drank.
I have nothing original to add, just mirroring the comments above. With my unoriginality, I echo the sentiments above. You are an inspiration and we're all better for knowing you, George. We're also here for you in whatever way possible. Hope your ninja-skills can be sharpened.
You're RIGHT! That's IT!! I've been feeling it, too. I've been sick and out of the loop -- and feeling the same way you are: disconnected.
Thanks for the reality check.
I highly suggest this, written by a local-to-me blogger:
http://indieink.org/2010/04/14/dont-take-no-as-an-answer-yet-dont-be-afraid-to-give-it-as-one/