Feeling a little overwhelmed...

Stress Visualization

    Well, I knew it was coming, but I was hoping it wouldn't hit me quite so early. Or maybe my iron is low. Working on multiple assignments and projects already, the pressure is on! I have to remember to focus on learning the concepts, the processes and terms, and not so much on trying to get an "A" in every class. This is so hard for me, even though I seem to go through this every semester. It is the overachiever in me, a first born Sagittarius with ADD. I do not have a scholarship riding on my grades or anything else for that matter. And if I do happen to really get lost in one of my classes, I will take it again, over and over until I get it. So why am I feeling this stress? Time to take some slow deep breaths and exhale even slower. Refocus on what is really important and expel the rest along with my exhaled breaths.


Important

• Read the assigned pages in each textbook.
• Take notes on the reading and on the classroom lectures.
• Work on the assigned exercises, tutorials and research.
• Understand the key concepts from each lesson.
• Apply the new concepts.
• Study for quizzes and tests.
• Understand the basics of the programs I have to use for each class.
• Ask questions if certain concepts or directions are not clear to me.
• Remember how much I love these classes!

Not so important

• Get 100% on every assignment.
• Turn in everything on time.
• Turn in everything.
• Know how to use all the programs inside and out for my classes.
• Complete every assignment.
• Get 100% on every quiz and test.

Reading over my lists...tweaking my lists...reading again...breathing in...exhaling...I feel better. I want to be a web designer. I love my classes. This is where I am meant to be right now.

A Bump in the Road

     What's this about a bump? Actually, I'm not sure if it is a little inconsequential bump or if it is an ice berg kind of bump, with a lot more hidden beneath the surface. But while I'm waiting to find out just how big this particular bump actually is (this is not a reference to a lump,tumor or growth), I'm worried. And when I'm worried, I'm distracted and my stomach feels like it is in knots. I really don't enjoy this (like anyone I know enjoys being worried). I'm trying to find a way to keep my head in a  level and calm space. But it's proving to be difficult, very difficult. I have old behavior patterns that want to barge in and make themselves at home again. Unwelcome mental and emotional house guests I tell you. In the past, I would hyper focus on things, worry non-stop and let everything else go.There was such a lack of balance in my life. Luckily, I found a way out of that old way and I have been so much healthier and happier over the past few years. But I guess I haven't had anything major come along in quite a while that has pushed me like this. So I am taking deep breaths, exhaling slowly and reminding myself that going back to the old way will not solve anything. It will not make me feel better. It will not be healthy in any way, shape or form. What do I need to do?
     I need to think positive. I need to live in this moment and focus on what is happening right now. Be present, be present, be present. Do what I can with the resources I have. Be proactive and keep it all in perspective. I don't know what is going to happen with this bump, but I do know that I do not have any control over it right now. I have to accept this fact and not neglect all the other things going on in my life right now. It is going to be what it is going to be. Surrender. Breathe. Think light.