Ever feel like life is just too much? Like you're drowning in responsibilities, decisions, and fear of what could happen next?
If something seems overwhelming, it’s because you’re thinking overwhelming thoughts. It’s not just the situation; it’s how your mind reacts to it.
And for someone like you—successful, capable, but carrying a unique set of challenges—that mental load can be crushing.
Let’s be honest: fear plays a starring role here. Fear of failure, of not being enough, of things spiraling out of control.
And for those who've faced cancer, there’s an added layer: the “what ifs.” What if it comes back? What if I can’t deal with it? What if everything falls apart? What if I die? What will happen to me? To my family?
Here’s the thing—those thoughts? They usually aren’t facts. They’re stories your brain tells you because we are programmed to find the negative, because way back in evolution, being hyper-alert to possible danger was a survival mechanism.
But, now, instead of helping you, they trap you in a cycle of anxiety and fear and rob you of your present.
Here’s the thing: even if you are facing a dire situation (cancer or something else), your thoughts and emotions don’t have to harm you further.
So how do you let them go, or change them?
It starts with awareness. Catch yourself in the moment you’re thinking, “I can’t handle this,” or “This is too much.”
Ask yourself: Is this thought helping me or hurting me? What if I replaced it with something empowering, like, “I’ve handled hard things before, and I can handle this too”?
Next, breathe. I know it sounds too simple, but taking a few deep breaths can snap you out of panic mode. It calms your nervous system and helps you think more clearly.
And then, take one small step. When everything feels overwhelming, breaking it into bite-sized pieces makes it more manageable. You don’t have to fix everything today. Just focus on the next right thing.
And by the way, even if you do have active cancer, you still deserve to love your life no matter the stage or status.
Finally, remember—you’re not alone. Letting go of overwhelming thoughts often means leaning on others. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a coach, or a support group, sharing your fears lightens their weight. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s a bridge to connection.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just keep moving forward, one thought, one breath, one step at a time. You’re stronger than you think.
And if you are struggling with this, I can help. Just reach out. Help is only an email away.
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The Designer Life Doctor
...With Dr. Jill Rosenthal
Email: [email protected]
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