don't choose overwhelm

Overwhelm Is a Choice—And You Can Opt Out

March 23, 20253 min read

Don't choose overwhelm—especially now!

You know that feeling—like you're constantly running on fumes, juggling work, family, health, and everything in between? Like no matter how hard you try, there's always more to do, more to manage, and never enough time? Overwhelm isn't just an inconvenience. It’s a trap. And it’s one you don’t have to fall into.

Especially now that you’ve had cancer. 

You already know what it’s like to carry more than your fair share. Cancer forced you to juggle doctor’s appointments, treatments, exhaustion, and fear—on top of everything else life demands. And even now, whether you're in the thick of treatment or trying to reclaim some sense of normalcy, that weight hasn’t disappeared.

Here’s the thing: overwhelm is sneaky. It disguises itself as responsibility, ambition, even caring for others. You tell yourself, I have to do it all. No one else can handle it like I can. If I don’t stay on top of everything, something will fall apart. Sound familiar? You tell yourself you should be able to keep up at work, take care of your family, and still show up for every obligation, just like before. 

But let’s be honest—before cancer, you were already stretched thin. And now? Now your body, your mind, and your heart have been through war.

But here’s the truth: you DO have a choice.

Let me say this clearly: You do NOT have to do it all.

Not now. Not ever.

Overwhelm is a choice—one that disguises itself as responsibility, ambition, or even survival. It whispers, If I don’t push through, I’ll fall behind. If I let go, I’ll lose control. But the reality? Pushing yourself to the brink isn’t strength. Strength is knowing when to pause.

And I know—slowing down feels impossible when you're used to running at full speed. But here’s the thing: your body is still healing, even if your treatment is over. Your mind is still processing everything you’ve been through. You don’t owe the world your exhaustion. What you do owe yourself is rest. Space. Grace.

You can choose to step back. To say no. To delegate. To take a breath before you let the weight of everything crash down on you.

I know, I know. That little voice in your head is probably saying, But I have so much to do! If I slow down, I’ll fall behind. But what if the opposite is true? What if slowing down actually helps you get more done? What if stepping back gives you the clarity and energy to move forward with more ease?

Because let’s be real—running yourself into the ground isn’t sustainable. And it’s especially not fair to you after everything you’ve been through. Cancer already took enough of your time, energy, and peace of mind. You don’t need to add self-inflicted stress to the mix.

So let’s reframe:

  • Instead of I have to do everything, try I will do what truly matters today.

  • Instead of There’s no time for me, try Taking care of myself helps me show up better for everything else.

  • Instead of I can’t slow down, try Pausing now will help me keep going later.

Overwhelm is not your only option. Choose peace. Choose presence. Choose you.

If you aren’t sure how to do this, or you think you know how but you aren’t DOING it, please reach out to me for some support.


To receive the blog and content like this right to your inbox, click here:


Write to me at [email protected] to let me know what you'd like help with, or book a call:

Click here to book a "From Surviving To Thriving" Breakthrough Call


Thriving Beyond Cancer Facebook Group:

Stress-Free Professionals and Entrepreneurs Facebook Group:

EmotionsCancerSelf-CareOverwhelm
blog author image

Jill R. Rosenthal, M.D.

Dr. Rosenthal is an award-winning Harvard and Stanford educated physician who retired after a 35+ year career teaching and practicing medicine at Tufts Medical School and Group Health Cooperative/Kaiser Permanente and began a second career as a wellness and mindset coach, after experiencing her own medical journey and developing an interest in other areas of health and wellness. She provides premium coaching to help busy professionals and entrepreneurs rapidly release unconscious thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns that block them and hold them back from their true greatness, so that they can easily achieve their goals without struggling or self-sabotage, allowing them to live the life they dream of, and deserve.

Back to Blog

Relea​se It! ​​...Forever

The Designer Life Doctor

Premium Coaching

...With Dr. Jill Rosenthal

Copyright 2023 Release It!...Forever LLC