The Dark Side of Wonder Woman

I’ve written before about how some of my friends compare me to Wonder Woman. I take on a lot of commitments, and (most of the time) manage to somehow squeeze it all in.

There’s a dark side to being wonder woman, though. I want to DO ALL THE THINGS and LEARN ALL THE THINGS. (Gosh, this sounds awfully familiar…)

It’s really hard for me to say no. I want to help other people. I want to experience as much as I can. I want to seize the opportunities that present themselves to me.

Which leads to taking on too much. I’m getting better at knowing when I am close to my limits, and not taking some opportunities. And I still find myself wanting to say yes to more and more, and often at the beginning of the year.

The latest example is with the Seminary. I foolishly thought that once the Sophomore year was over, my schedule wouldn’t be quite as busy. Ha! Ha ha! Since when does the work load in school get lighter as you progress through the levels? Silly me.

Instead of one or two classes this term, I’m taking four. In addition to working full time, my other priestess duties, my family, rehearsals for Spring Mysteries… Oh, and teaching new students. It was a bit of a shock when I realized that I have a class or other obligation almost every night of the week.

I try not to list it out, because it raises my anxiety and gets me dangerously close to having my head explode. And I don’t think anyone wants that.

I’m doing several things to keep my stress levels down – to be more like Wonder Woman and less like the Incredible Hulk.

1. I’m listening to my body. Like when I had a sinus headache last week and felt on the verge of a sinus infection, I took the day off work. I spent it at home napping, and drinking lots of garlic tea and lemon ginger tea. The next morning, I felt much better for the extra rest, and was able to go back to work.
2. I’m taking my vitamins. My parents have a huge cupboard of supplements. I don’t really like taking a lot of supplements – I’d rather have a healthy diet. I’ve taken them on and off, but honestly, when money is tight, they are usually the first to go. I’m following my naturopath’s advice though, and once again taking a supplement cocktail to boost my body’s immune system, because having energy and staying healthy is important right now.
3. I’m getting lots of rest. Sometimes that means I don’t get my homework done as quickly as I would like. Better to do it a little later than make myself sick because I didn’t sleep.
4. I’m exercising. OK, I’m not doing this one as much as I would like, but see number 1 & 3.
5. I’m organizing my time. What would I do without my iPhone calendar? If it’s not scheduled, it’s not happening. I’m even looking ahead. That doesn’t mean I’m necessarily working ahead, but I’m keeping a realistic view of what’s expected of me.
6. I’m taking one step at a time. I’m focusing just on what’s in front of me, at the moment. I look ahead to reorient myself, then focus back on the next thing that’s due.

What are your tips for staying out of overwhelm when dropping a project isn’t an option? I look forward to hearing your comments below.

Blessings,

Mary