Too…
According to Oxford Languages online dictionary, too means “to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible or possible; excessive”. As everyone is these days, I feel inundated with chaos, fear, confusion, craziness, misinformation and on and on. It seems no one feels that the ground upon which we walk is solid. There is a lack of comfort, especially with the immediate future. Even being out at a social event, as I was last night, the conversation amid the music, dancing and some imbibing came back to the chaos of our world and you can hear the fear in people’s voices.
It seems like we’re surrounded with this uncertainty nowadays. It is front and centre in people’s thoughts and plans. The majority of people around our table last night were very clear that their trips are changing. Some are going to travel our own country (fantastic, I think), some are sticking closer to home and some are going further afield to discover countries that haven’t been a consideration in the past.
I was pretty tired this past week. Almost two weeks ago, an uncle passed away so last weekend my mom and I travelled five hours to attend the funeral. It’s a drive I don’t care for in the winter but we got lucky and the weather for each direction was perfect. (Hard to believe at the end of February and beginning of March we would get 10 whole hours of perfect driving weather! In fact, it continued as I drove another hour plus to get back to my own home.) Prior to leaving on the trip I had myself very worked up. I was panicky about the drive and concerned for my mom as she was saying good bye to her brother. I knew we would visit my mom’s sister who is in a home with Alzheimers. So, basically, I was overwhelmed.
Being overwhelmed is almost a way of life lately. Work is crazy busy, I’m thinking forward to the work I want to accomplish on the house (once we get spring weather) and of course, it’s flooding season. So, my brain is working overtime and panic is becoming the norm. After the trip went well and I arrived home to a dry cellar, I got thinking about what I’m doing to myself with worry. We know that stress is both good and bad for us.
There is good stress that motivates us and challenges us to improve. Far more prevalent these days, though, we hear so often about the bad stress. It impacts our mental health, emotional health, physical health and potentially our spiritual health. Since my small health scare three years ago, I remain conscious of what happens if I don’t find ways to cope. However, I’ve been working hard to cope. I see a therapist, I’ve been ensuring I remain active this winter and I try (sometimes successfully, sometimes not) to redirect my thoughts.
It occurred to me this week that everything is just “too”.
too much confusion
too much craziness ($11 000 for a concert ticket??)
too much chaos
too much change
too much responsibility
too much panic
too much hatred
too much information (good and bad)
too many sweets eaten (as a coping mechanism)
too many sounds
too many noises
too many disagreements
too many arguments
too many conflicts
too many lies
So what do we do about it? I’ve seen a couple of comments this week that struck home. One was “fight or fold”. (I think it was on a news program.) I would offer the suggestion that remaining in the fight is one of the best things I can do for my own sanity. I believe one of the biggest differences I see is that people are speaking up. Canadians have come together in a positive, active manner. I see flags flying in the middle of winter when normally they seem to come out primarily for our birthday in July. There is pride in what we’ve created in this country. We support diversity. We embrace immigration. Both of these policies have made us a country of innovation and expertise. Immigration isn’t simple but people come here for freedoms that they aren’t finding in their own countries. They bring new ideas and fresh perspectives. Innovation has always been strong in Canada. Paint rollers, garbage bags, insulin, peanut butter, Wonderbra, IMAX, wireless radio, pacemakers, the CANADARM, electric wheelchairs and basketball (by James Naismith from my hometown) were all invented by Canadians. We have supported our allies in conflicts around the world. We are a great friend. And now, we’re standing up and fighting on our own behalf.
The other idea I saw (and unfortunately do not remember where so I can’t credit it) is to consider community. Our communities are where we can have the most positive impact. If we don’t want to be walked over, then we need to support local. Shopping local has been a rally for quite a while. Now, though, it’s about standing up for the community immediately around you as well as your province and country. Show up for your town’s events. Go out and cheer on sports teams. Enjoy the music and entertainment available. Focus on the place and people nearby.
I’m tired of feeling like everything is just “too”. I’ve spent a lot of time and money on improving my sump pump “situation” since I moved in. I have to trust that it will help. If it doesn’t, well, I’ve survived the past few springs and believe I will again. Working myself up to a panic before travelling last weekend didn’t do anything but make me feel bad. Worrying about work is only going to waste time.
I want and need to feel in control again. Sometimes that’s done by turning off the news and turning on a sporting event. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break with a good book. Sometimes it’s preparation. I knew the weather forecast and had a plan for the drive. We left at the right time (in both directions) and it was great. When it comes to work, one task at a time. I have a to do list or I block time to work on particular items. Talking to someone, a friend, a therapist, a family member can help you sort things out. Taking time and breathing. Calming thoughts. Being grateful. All of these things help me when it’s all “too”. Sometimes it gets away from me and life feels difficult. Count to ten and look at it with new eyes. There are answers and if you don’t see them right away, ask for help.
My goal for this month is to keep the “too” in check. I won’t hide my head in the sand and I won’t let it take over. I will stand up for myself and my neighbours when called upon. I will remember gratitude. Gratitude for good friends, awesome family, a beautiful village and a country of which I’m proud. I will be engaged in life and not watch it pass by. Happy March!
A bit of green to celebrate March and St. Patrick’s Day.
I love lots of decor but sometimes a “crisp” presentation helps soothe my mind.