Overwhelmed? This Is Your Only Priority

I’ve always been a list person. My mom likes to fondly recall the days when I was in high school and she would come into my room finding little to-do lists tucked around everywhere (who knows what I considered as my priorities at that point – hit up tennis practice, go to Abercrombie, make a mix tape for a boy, pick out the perfect AOL screen name?).. I recently went through a box of my stuff from college and found a few to-do lists – I wrote things like “Nap. Lunch at Chipotle. Pick out outfit for sorority event. Buy beer.” (I know, I know, you kind of want to punch me). No matter how seemingly insignificant, for some reason, it has always just eased my mind to see things on paper.

I still make lists (the things on my lists are a little different these days), and sometimes I find these lists super helpful – to get the clutter out of my head.

But other times, especially if I have a lot on my mind, I get on a crazytrain of making my lists super long with every possible thing I could possibly need to do. I make lists and goals that are soulful, tactical, romantic, financial and everything in between.

When this happens, it can often feel exhilarating to get so clear. But once in awhile, when the mood is just right and something’s a little funky in the stars, it can take me down into a rabbit hole of overwhelm. A simple task like “pay parking ticket” can turn into “why do I even have a car in New York? I’m insane. Need to figure out what do to about my car. Also, my car was making a weird noise. What do I need to do to fix it? Need to look up car repair shops in my neighborhood. Oh, wait, my taxes. Need to get in touch with accountant. Also need to send out those invoices. OH crap, I have to return that stuff I’ve been meaning to return for a month. And I really want to set up that new thing on my blog and write those 10 blogs that are waiting to be written. I need to book that plane ticket. Did I answer that email? I need to clean up my inbox and unsubscribe to all of those newsletters….” Ah! At that point, I start feeling like I need to do everything in one day. I start thinking from a low-level energy place, like everything is so dire and immediate and needs to be done in a limited amount of time. I feel pressure in my chest and kind of want to just go back to bed. Can you relate? Even if everything going on in my life is super awesome, it can feel overwhelming to look at it all at once like that.

The other day when I was mid-list-writing and starting to feel a little bit of overwhelm creep in, one of my best friends texted me: “We are lovers of life and attract life’s most wonderful delights. Keep your vibration high!“ (Yeah, this is the way we talk to each other, semi-hilarious). But it came at the perfect time. Her text reminded me to say “f*ck it” to my to-do list and make my ONLY priority to get into a higher vibrational state.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, YOUR ONLY PRIORITY IS TO RAISE YOUR VIBRATION.

When you’re in a high vibe feeling state, your priorities will become clear and you will be more productive.

Not only will they become clear, but you’ll get everything done at the perfect time, and it will feel easy, and it will flow naturally. You can live with ease. Raising your vibe in some way is the quickest way to get out of overwhelm and into the natural flow of life.

This is actually true. I’m serious.

What do I mean by “raise your vibration?”

Quite simply, to get yourself in a better, lighter mood. Do something that reminds you of how magical life is, and how lucky you are to be here. Something that makes you grateful, something that makes you appreciate yourself and your life. Something that gives you a little pep in your step. Something that makes you smile.

For me, getting outside is super important. Just going outside and taking a walk to the park, getting a tea, interacting with people – can make a huge difference.

Calling a friend and laughing about your craziness, and how crazy everyone else is too, is a great and fun way to raise the vibe.

Listening to uplifting music is another great way I raise my vibe. Like this playlist.

Breathe. Meditate.

Move. Walk. Do a headstand.

Help someone else!!! Seems like the last thing you want to do when you’re overwhelmed, but it’s really legit.

This is also awesome. Rockets of desire!! I’m weird, you may not be into it.

Think in terms of possibility rather than limitation. Overwhelm is a choice. To-do lists and many priorities are self made. Only you can let yourself off the hook. Start by raising your vibe and making the commitment to ENJOY life and let things flow, and see what you feel guided to do. It’s amazing.

When you’re feeling good, you’ll know which things need to be done first and which can wait. When you’re in that mode, even paying bills can actually feel kinda fun. Try it.

Do you have anything you do that can immediately raise your vibe? A certain song, activity, thought? Let’s hear it.