It's Okay if You're Already Overwhelmed

Handling all the New Year's energy

We’re only a few days into the new year, and I already feel anxiety creeping in. So much promise is in the air, yet so much is still uncertain. I’ve made my plans (if you can call them that), but I’m afraid of repeating the same holding pattern of years past.

Everyone is focused on bettering their health, income, and self—while I’m over here trying to breathe through the days. It’s hard not to feel like I’m off to a bad start, having accomplished zero so far.

But I remind myself, this year is not a race. It’s not about who finishes it with the most items checked off their to-do list. In fact, I’m tired of treating life like it’s one big list.

All this energy of a fresh start filled with new opportunities and possibilities is overwhelming. There are so many paths you can take; if you’re indecisive like me, it can be difficult to choose.

Just know you’re not alone.

No one can predict the future, and life can’t be mapped out. We’re all flying blind and just doing the best we can.

Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a continual process. Some days you’ll burst with energy, while on others, you’ll want to lie low and cling to your bed. What’s important is that you show up and give your best effort, even if that’s minimal (just make sure you’re not self-sabotaging).

There is no wrong or right way to start the new year. Time is fleeting, yet there is still plenty of it. The race against it is only with yourself, as everyone else follows their own clock.

Slow down and breathe. Take it day by day, hour by hour, if you need to. Only you can decide where to go from here and which mindset (positive or negative) to adopt.

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