Are You Stuck?

When I started this blog a little over a year ago, I had intentions to write two new blog posts a month.  I set a conservative goal knowing successful bloggers post at the very minimum one time a week.  My goal was to start out small and work my way up.  I was hitting my mark for a short while, then I got behind.  I go so far behind, I kind of gave up.  Remembering a saying from my waitressing days, “I was in the weeds”. Then I was buried.  Does that sound familiar to you?  Do you ever get so far behind you feel overwhelmed?  You don’t know where to begin to get back on track?  Maybe in keeping up with your daily demands?  Maybe in starting a new healthy eating plan?  Maybe in trying to tackle the clutter in your house?  Maybe all of the above??

Do you start to feel like you can’t get it all done so why even try?  Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes?  You’re not good enough?  Does that voice inside your head tell you hundreds of reasons why you should stay stuck, why you shouldn’t try to accomplish your goals?

That voice inside your head is your ego.  It was created to keep you safe.  But in keeping you safe, it keeps you stuck.  It keeps you from going beyond your comfort zone and reaching your true potential.

Here are some ways your ego might show up.  If you are trying to lose weight, your ego wants you to hold on to that extra weight to protect you.  If you are trying to make more healthy meals at home, your ego will justify any excuse you have to eat out.  If you are trying to rid your home of toxic chemicals, your ego doesn’t want you to live a clean, healthy lifestyle.  If you are trying to adjust your daily habits and schedule so you have more time for yourself, you ego will let you know you don’t deserve time for yourself.  If you are trying to exercise more, your ego will keep you on your butt because it doesn’t want you to have more energy and feel better about yourself.

That dirty little bastard.  Your ego was created to protect you, but it doesn’t know when to stop.   Luckily, you have the power to control your ego!

What am I doing to step out of the overwhelm and control that dirty little bastard?

First and foremost, overwhelm is a choice.

I am choosing not to be overwhelmed.

I am starting with tuning out all the extra noise and distractions.  I’m decluttering my home and life.  It is a huge work in progress, but it is work that makes me feel good.  I’m doing an all out detox!  I’m getting rid of clothes that don’t make me feel good.  You know those pieces you hold onto just in case.  I’m done waiting for just in case.  If I don’t love how they fit me and make me feel right now, they are gone.  I’m doing the same with my kids clothes too.  I get frustrated when I buy them something, they promise they like it, but then never wear it.  I have a hard time getting rid of those, because they are in perfect condition and they weren’t free!  But I’m making a very conscious effort to trim it all down.  I’m creating more time with less laundry and more space in our closets.

I’m doing a digital detox.

Getting rid of apps I don’t use.  Clearing out old emails.  Getting photos off my phone.  Deleting digital books I’ve read and will never read again.  Unsubscribing to email newsletters that I never have time to read.  When I open up my email, I don’t see hundreds of unread emails.  I only see the ones I truly want to read.

I’m detoxing my body.

I’m cleaning out the junk to clear up my mind.  Creating more energy and room for creativity.  I’m indulging in the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available this season.  I’m getting loads from my CSA, the farmers markets and my own garden.  To stay on track, I’m doing the 12 Day Detox.  Check it out here.  After this, I’m doing a liver cleanse.  I’ve done these in the past and had phenomenal results.  The change of seasons is the best time for a detox.

I’m setting daily rituals.

I’m making exercise and home cooked meals a priority.  I’m giving meditation a try, in a form that best suits me.  I’ve never been very good at meditating and usually fall asleep.  I am creating mindfulness with journaling and quiet walks outside unplugged from my toddler, iPhone or iPod.

Last but not least, and far from glamorous, I’m just doing it.

I was recently sick with a month long sinus infection.  It took a lot out of me.  My energy was zapped.  My brain was a foggy mess.  Initially, I shut down and didn’t do much of anything so my body could heal itself.  That can only go on for so long.  Eventually instead of saying, I can’t do x, y and z because I don’t feel good, I started making a conscientious effort to at least get x done.  I was still respecting my body, giving it what it needed and not overdoing it.

So, how about you?  Is there something keeping you stuck?  Are you feeling foggy, groggy and overwhelmed?  I invite you to share it here on the blog.  There is power in releasing your fears and frustrations.  Your story can inspire others.

Do you want to learn more ways to get unstuck and start making healthier choices?  Download From Hot Mess to Hot Mom in 10 Easy Steps.  In this short, easy to read guide, you will find simple ways to incorporate healthier choices into your busy life.

I leave you with this little gem.  I admire and adore Katy Perry.  One of my favorite mommy moments was taking my oldest daughter to see her idol in concert.  She is truly inspiring!