Can You Ever Just Be 'Whelmed'?

An Overwhelm Care Package

I’ve been spending a fair bit of time in overwhelm lately, so this is just a quick post to connect with you all and extend some solidarity for anyone else feeling similarly.

If you don’t recognise the title of this post, it’s quote from the great film of our (my) time ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’ (1999). ‘I know that you can be overwhlmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be…whelmed?’

I would like to be whelmed, please.

All this overwhelm is very draining.

[Image source.]

An Overwhelm Care Package

Self-care, like with so many things, tends to become least accessible to us when we most need it. So here’s a little overwhelm care package I’m making for us to dip into and come back to in times of overwhelm:

1. This affectionate breathing meditation by Chris Germer.

2. This self-compassion letter to yourself exercise, but switch part one so that you’re talking out your overwhelm.

3. This talk by Tara Brach on overwhelm.

4. These 2 15-minute yoga videos on regulating your nervous system and yoga for panic and anxiety (Yoga With Adrienne).

5. This video of Cynthia Erivo singing Nothing Compares To You.

I’ve just noticed that when I googled to find the meme/video clip from 10 Things I Hate About You, an automatic AI thing answered my question (see below).

If the image doesn’t load for you (or if you’re using a screen reader), it is in answer to my Google search for ‘can you ever just be whelmed’ and it says ‘Yes, you can be whelmed, which means to be engulfed or submerged, often used in a more neutral sense compared to being overwhelmed or underwhelmed. While it's less common in modern usage, it has been around for a long time.’

Oh…I’m not sure I want to be engulfed or submerged, unless it’s in something nice.

So maybe the quest for being whelmed isn’t exactly what I was after.

But anyway, let me leave you with this ultimate alternative to overwhelm (in my eyes). In the last month or so, I’ve been noticing the swallows flying over, and there have been a few evenings in the past couple of weeks when I’ve had a moment to just sit in the hammock in my little yard and look up at the sky. And if I wait long enough, a swallow or two or three will start to appear, soaring and swooping, way up high in the sky. Some even come fairly close. And they are just so beautiful. Sometimes they pass by in pairs, playfully ducking and diving around each other, swirling in loops before they glide onwards. I find them so captivating and soothing, this embodiment of freedom and adventure and playfulness. My entire being relaxes when I see them. So this is the image I keep returning to when I’m seeking grounding and peace.

Do you have an image, or a place like that, that bring you peace when you bring it to mind? I would love to hear it - share yours in the comments (or by replying to this email), and maybe we can compile a collaborative list!

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Business Updates

Updates from my business endeavours - I currently have spaces open for new 1:1 coaching clients, and am doing a new round of market research to accompany this. Check out this explainer of what it’s about, and if you know anyone dealing with stress, disillusionment or burnout, please send them my way - I’m giving each participant a free coaching session as a thank you. This is the link to book.

Thanks so much for your support, and happy whelming!

Miriam x