Fighting the Overwhelm

After writing last week’s blog post, I was visiting with my husband about how much harder this “personal blogging” is turning out to be, and sharing with him some of my challenges. I absolutely love writing, and I love working through my thoughts and memories and creating stories to share out of those places, but I also… get overwhelmed.

There are just SO many stories I want to share, and it’s like I’m looking at this huge library full of great ideas, lessons, and memories, and I don’t know where to start. It’s enough to make me run away and read instead of write. (Yes, I do that regularly – instead of fighting through, I just “fly” away to fiction world and read someone else’s words).

WHY DOES OVERWHELM HAPPEN

Why does this happen? I think it’s because I care so deeply… about my stories, about sharing them, about connecting with others, and about healing and sharing God’s redeeming power in my life. When you feel this deeply, it’s easy to want to tackle all the stories, all the memories, and it’s easy to feel the pressure to tell it well and to share the most important parts.

So, why am I sharing these struggles? Because if I plan to help you share YOUR story, I need to be real when I’m sharing mine. It is not always easy. It’s not even always fun. But, it is still important. And overwhelm can be overcome! I remind myself that there are no rules! I can write what I want to write, in any order, and any way I prefer… one story at a time.

Practical Steps

If you find yourself in the same place – overwhelmed and unsure where to start – here are some practical steps you can take to get started and move forward.

• Make a list of your stories — just brainstorm everything you might want to tell.
• Pick what’s most present — what’s been on your heart lately? Start there.
• Write a snapshot, not a novel — even one memory or moment is enough for now.
• Try a prompt — “What is one story I wish my children/grandchildren/friends knew about me?”
• Don’t edit yourself yet — just get the words out.

Keep Going

Each story that you write and share helps someone – even if that someone is just you. Your voice matters and telling your stories helps you trust and strengthen that voice. If you need a place to start, check out the prompts I share in the What’s Your Story: Blogging From the Heart Facebook group. Send me an email if you are stuck, and let’s visit about how you can move forward. Pray about what God wants you to tell and how you can share it in a way that encourages someone. But, don’t stop!

HEARTSITES

If you’d like your own HeartSite blog, you can read about all the details HERE, or click on over and order your blog site today. I’d love to walk alongside you as you step into a new chapter of sharing your story. Let’s make it happen together!