Overwhelmed…

I’ve published this before but it feels like something that might resonate today as, for many, normality looms after a holiday break.

I’m writing to you from a little place I’ve come to know well. In reality, it’s only a tiny spec of somewhere. Just a pinprick on the map of life’s twists and turns.

There are days, however, when It feels like the only place on earth. Much more than the sum of its parts.

Once upon a time it used to take me ages to end up here.

These days, I arrive in a flash…

Someone might ask me a question, need me to do something for them. Obviously something horrific, like tell them about my day. Their interest in me is a fast car, to the safety of Overwhelmed.

I might be sitting having a cup of tea and a thought pops into my silly head. Maybe it’s a thing I did, or didn’t do. I’ll wish I didn’t do the thing I did, or did do the thing I didn’t.

There being no milk in the fridge sends me on my way as well. So does the phone ringing, or having to get out of bed.

I know these things are trivial. I’m not sharing without shame.

Before I can get a hold of myself, I’ll be back in Overwhelmed. Sitting on a bench, by the village green.

Head in hands.

I do like watching the ducks though.

And they maintain a very nice steak and ale pie in the pub opposite the bakery.

Vegetarian options are available.

One thing I’ve noted, from my many trips to this neck of the woods, is that there are more people than ever, spending time in Overwhelmed.

Some are just day trippers. They come for a little look round. Others seem unable to leave, however hard they try.

Then there are the Overwhelmed stalwarts, the ones who just accept where they are. I feel very sorry for them, they live a life without hope.

Or maybe they are the lucky ones. It’s what kills you after all.

All of us need help though. That’s why we ended up here.

There is an upside to being marooned in Overwhelmed. You very quickly realise, you’re far from being all alone.

We are many.

So if you ever find yourself here, please try not to despair. The road that brought you in, is waiting to take you home ❤️.