From Overwhelm to Empowered: Navigating the Pervasive Stress of Today’s Society

As I learn to navigate the intricacies of my life, I recognize that overwhelm has been a consistent theme since childhood. Growing up as a highly sensitive child, I internalized the feelings of overwhelm not only as part of my own experience but also through observing my mother's struggles. I watched her grapple with the weight of life's demands as a single mother, often feeling helpless as she failed to seek the support she needed. Her inability to thrive in these moments of stress became ingrained in my perception of what overwhelm looked and felt like.

However, as I continue to evolve in my personal and professional life, a pivotal shift occurred during my time in a conscious business acceleration program with Aaron Doughty. It was in this transformative space that I began to understand that overwhelm is not an inherent part of who I am—it is a learned reaction, rooted in past experiences rather than an accurate reflection of my current self. This epiphany allowed me to redefine my relationship with overwhelm, viewing it not as an adversary but as a signal for deeper introspection and growth.

Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I recognize it as an outdated pattern, one that does not serve my present or future. Instead of succumbing to the weight of it, I embrace it with curiosity. I untwine it from my identity and use it as an opportunity to assess where my focus and energy are best placed. This process is not about negating the feeling but transforming it into a tool for discernment. It empowers me to make deliberate choices about where I direct my attention and how I engage with the world around me.

Central to this journey of empowerment is the refinement of my self-care routines. I am continually learning to cultivate practices that keep me in a resourced and balanced state. By prioritizing habits that nurture my mental, emotional, and physical well-being, I ensure that I am better equipped to handle the complexities of life, including moments of overwhelm. These routines have become integral to maintaining resilience and clarity, allowing me to approach challenges with a grounded perspective.

As I continue to evolve, I recognize that overwhelm, like all emotions, is not inherently negative. It is a natural part of the human experience. In the past, overwhelm would often lead me to check out in unskillful ways, leaving me stuck. Now, I notice the familiar signs—my shoulders creeping up to my ears, shallow and rapid breath. The key lies in how I interpret and respond to it. Through an ongoing process of learning and reframing, I’ve found the empowerment to face life’s challenges with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Each experience of overwhelm offers a valuable opportunity for growth—one that I now welcome with open arms. I’ve learned that emotions we perceive negatively often point to unmet needs. So, when I feel overwhelm, I pause and ask, “What do you need?” Is it sleep, support, or kindness?

I also ask myself, "How is this strong emotion helping me?" Sometimes, it signals the need for me to slow down, reassess, or prioritize self-care. But if I embody the emotion below my level of awareness—ignoring its messages or suppressing it—it can get in my way, clouding my judgment and preventing me from taking aligned action. Acknowledging the emotion and responding to it consciously allows me to shift from being overwhelmed to feeling empowered.

I will visualize myself having an abundance of opportunities but well-resourced enough to discern where to apply my effort and attention.