Suddenly, the holidays are upon us. Already overwhelmed by life, the pace of life, the amount of activity that is expended each day, we add so many more details and expectations. Even though we work tirelessly and even frenetically, the result is that there is still a pile of things left to do. Often when this happens, we become overwhelmed, and we think that we can never get caught up.

This leaves us feeling powerless. The more the work piles up, the harder it is to make ourselves tackle it … and then it piles up more. This cycle continues, until, for example, we have paperwork and bills untouched for 3-6 months! This leaves us feeling paralyzed, unable to do anything. It makes us feel swallowed up or stuck—unable to change the pattern. Will we ever get the work done? Will we ever have a peaceful routine, with the ability to manage our life?

Here are some practical tips to help. When the feeling of paralysis starts entering your space …

1. Slow everything down. Stop as many activities/actions as you can. Do you really have to do all the things you do? Return all the calls? Follow up with all the actions? Instigate all the new activity? Can you call and cancel, with an excuse that works? Do you really want do, and have to do, all that is on your expectation plate?

Pretend an emergency has happened. If it did, you would be able to clear you plate. This is an emergency—it is your personal emergency. Treat it the same way. Then do the minimum yourself, and set the intention for God to support a slowing of all outside activities for you. It is amazing, but it works. And, when it does, you will have the space to change what’s going on, and tackle your problem area(s).

2. Honor whatever feelings you are experiencing. It’s probable that you will be feeling spaced out, and finding it hard to function on a physical plane. Yield to this and be with it. It is okay. Be in touch with your feelings; spend time with them and honor them.

3. Address why you feel the way you do. Once you have spent time with your feelings, it is time to explore why they exist. Limitation is a great teacher. If we have brought ourselves to a point of being so paralyzed, so limited, there is probably something about us, our thoughts, our beliefs that we need to address. If that something is playing havoc with us, chances are it is something that we have disowned on a conscious level …but it is playing itself out on a subconscious level. So we need to identify this, own it, clear and cleanse it. The act of doing this, usually funds the will and the strength needed to proceed. The recognition alone that something about you is in need of adjustment disperses the darkness and provides an opening for beginning again.

4. Create a new image of yourself, within yourself. If you strive to be different, to have your life different, it starts with you. Change your mind. Create a new image of yourself within your thoughts. Let go of beliefs and patterns that no longer serve your best interest. Keep your goal at the forefront of your mind. Take your guidance from within. Be calm, patient, and steady. Be assured of your success.

5. Enjoy the present. Be joyful. Take a break. Do something to pamper yourself. Whether you realize it or not, if you have gotten to this point, you have done a lot of very important work. It is time to take a break and do something fun. Experience the joy of being in the present moment, versus in the "have to do’s." Do what ever it is that you fell like doing. Be however it is that you want to be.

6. Move through your backed up work methodically. Now that you have allowed yourself a joyful moment, it is time to address the work that has daunted you on the physical plane. With a renewed energy, set the intention that you will tackle whatever it is that is overwhelming you easily, effortlessly, joyfully, and quickly.

Be methodical. Take it in bite-sized chunks. Start with the easy, and move to the difficult, or vice versa. Or sort what you have to do in categories first: A) must do right away, B) this can wait, C) I can let go of this, and forget it. Then take the A’s first. Set aside 2- 3 hours a day to do this until it is complete. Then do the B’s. It is amazing, but just sorting helps to set up a mind set that it is doable; I am back in control!

7. Celebrate. You’ve really accomplished something big …
Celebrate! Treat yourself with a reward for your success. Make it something that is special for you! And, let’s include in our celebration thanksgiving to God for the support of your change.

8. Set yourself up for future success. Change your own self-talk—the thinking inside of your own head. Start telling yourself, "My life flows easily. I have all the support I need. I manage my workload effortlessly. My life is peaceful." Use this or something positive that better fits your situation.

And remember, if at anytime you feel things getting out of control, or if you start to feel overwhelmed, STOP and intentionally slow everything down. It may seem scary to do, as we worry about not meeting deadlines, or expectations. But try it just once. When you do, you will see that it will all work out.

Finally, self love is the foundation for all. When in need of love and support, go within. During this busy holiday season, take the time to love yourself and nurture yourself. This is an important gift that you can give!