Monday, February 2, 2009

OVERWHELMED

I have received emails or a phone call from four different people, in different professions, in the past two days telling me they are feeling overwhelmed. I looked up the meaning of overwhelmed. According to The American Heritage Dictionary: To overcome completely, either physically or emotionally. Well, I think those are pretty strong words. Overcome completely, either physically or emotionally. I wrote a poem last week, just about those emotions. I think from a writers perspective becoming overwhelmed encompasses the many hats we must wear. Writing isn't simply sitting down to write. But in fact, that's the fun part. Writing involves re-writing text you poured your heart into, thinking you would be the next John Grisham or Mary Higgins Clark. Only to learn you need to start over. That's overwhelming. You can only be overwhelmed, overcome completly, if you give in to it. Create a mental picture of you being the overcomer~ is that a word? Take the reins. Stand up and say to yourself, I can do this. I will not let (whatever you are feeling overwhelmed by) get me down. Now, go look at yourself in the mirror and smile. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. Let me know you are feeling better. I'll be praying for you.

8 comments:

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Katt, I received a rejection last week and you'd have thought I was 16 again. Gads, I felt so low. Then I remembered that I'm published, I can't please everyone, and who would want to anyway.

Don't worry about feeling overwhelmed. I think these negatives are around so we understand how very wonderful life is all the other times.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

You know, I received a rejection last week too. BUT I was thinking about Stephen King. He had to remove the Nail and replace it with a SPIKE to hold all his rejections. For some reason, they don't both me like they used to. One of my friends said our manuscript is like a key and we have to find the right door to open! Isn't that right! Besides you are right---we are both published already!!!!!

Unknown said...

People use the word OVERWHELMED improperly, but when it's used, we (most of us anyway) know what they are insinuating.

perplexed may be a more legitimate definition, and I know that I've been there too,many times to admit to, but that's a part of life.

I am published as well, and I know how perplexing marketing my book has become, and at times it does feel like I'm overwhelmed. I am not overwhelmed, because I can and will OVERCOME.

Ernie

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Hooray Ernie! Yes you can overcome. The post was not just about writers though, they were from several different walks of life and in fact, several different age groups. I'm learning that age makes a difference too. Things that would have rolled off our backs several years ago, as we age, tend to weigh us down.
Thanks for your comments.

David Ebright said...

My Dad taught me the most about facing challenges & set-backs. I won't take up space here to explain - but at the age of 47 he fell & was paralyzed. He never allowed his condition to defeat him & was an inspiration to countless people, epecially me. I can honestly say that the only time I felt truly overwhelmed, was the day of his funeral.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Father. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

Ginger B. (Barbara) Collins said...

Kathryn,
I read your interview on WritingCareerCoach.com. What a nice piece of promotion. Congratulations!
Blogging has such great benefits--support, sharing information, good advice. My blog focuses on the marketing aspect of writing. In today's publishing world, you have to be more than a great writer. Agents look for a savvy marketer with a solid writer platform. I'm sharing what I've learned and welcome input on strategies you've used for publicity and promotion.
Ginger B. Collins

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Ginger, thank you so much for your comments. I'm looking forward to reading your blog.
Blessings to you my friend.
Katt