Fried at Five on Friday

. . . otherwise known as being overcome by overwhelming circumstances.  People (demanding parents and partners, hellish colleagues and bosses, “well-meaning” friends) and/or events (jobs, caregiving, chores, commitments, expectations) can take their toll.  There are off days, challenging ones, frustrating ones, go-away! ones.    Par for the course.  It’s call l-i-f-e.

Being overwhelmed [overcome] does not mean:

jumping up and down and ripping your hair out at the roots (this does not make for a very pretty fashion statement)

hitting your head against a concrete wall (it hurts!)

sucking back Canadian maple donuts (though they do hit that sweet spot so nicely) or treat(s) of choice

chugging chardonnay (relaxes/numbs for a while but, ooooooh, the aftermath)

screaming, cursing, swearing (though that does feel great)

giving up (quitting or refusing to do something is okay for a day or two, but not the long run).

How about something more constructive?

refocusing (tell yourself you got what it takes—you’re your own favorite—resilient—warrior)

maintaining the faith (re-finding/redefining it, whatever faith may mean to you)

believing in hope, dreams, and possibilities

dancing / singing / listening to music

exercising / walking / biking . . . swimming / surfing

watching fun (amusing) shows or inspirational programs

reading something light/funny (comics work)

breathing deeply—a lot!

No one said every day would be easy—and some may find many aren’t—but, again, that’s l-i-f-e.  But those type of days don’t have to be [that] overwhelming.  Face them straight on.  Laugh at them.  Do not let them take control.  You . . . are . . . a . . . trooper . . .  a . . . fighter.

You . . . got . . . this!