Is it only us or is homework getting harder? We are here to tell you that with smart kids comes homework questions and requests for project assistance that makes our stomach turn a little queasy and an internal monologue consisting of, “did we even learn this?” repeatedly swirls through our brains. While we valiantly reach back into the very dusty recesses of our brains to try and find the answer, it is often with a wish and a prayer, along with a healthy helping hand from the gods of Google, that we don’t make a complete fool of ourselves.
On a recent 4th grade math worksheet we reacquainted ourselves with simplifying fractions. In the 30 plus years since we have learned this, we have not really found a use for such knowledge, so with the help of Google we were reminded to find the greatest common factor etc.... This suddenly got us thinking about how applicable this advice was to life in general. Hang onto your seats fellow humans, here is one of those examples your teacher promised you, math does apply to real life! Often when we are overwhelmed with life, regardless of the issue, it is because we are looking at the whole picture. It is scary, overwhelming and honestly looks too large to tackle, so we have to simplify it, break it down, turn it into a fraction!
The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don't. -Marie Kondō
For example: You are overwhelmed and not feeling well emotionally. You used to go to therapy and while you have continued your medication, due to this pandemic, you haven’t had a session or reevaluated your medication or dosage in a really long time. Frankly, the idea of even looking up therapists in your zip code or scheduling a doctor’s appointment seems daunting. While you know that what you are feeling isn’t healthy, you also feel powerless to do anything about it.
How to simplify: With all the sadness and fear during COVID, there has been something quite wonderful to come out of the pandemic and that is advancements in telehealth and a renewed attention to the importance of prioritizing your mental health. So while the thought of getting back into therapy may be daunting, there are several online platforms to choose from if you wish to sign up, some even have access to doctors that can prescribe medication when deemed necessary. You can also access lists of therapists and counselors according to your zip code through your insurance website or you can do a Google search for providers in your area.
But even looking online or deciding on a doctor can be overwhelming at times, so break down the task even further. Your week could look a little like this: On Monday-I will look at two platforms for online therapy. On Tuesday-I will sign up for a month if something yesterday looked appealing. On Wednesday-I will send a message to my primary care doctor. On Thursday and Friday-I will set appointment times. During the weekend I will go on a short walk and do one thing that I enjoy doing but haven’t made time for in awhile.
Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. -Leo Tolstoy
Sometimes life is just chaotic and getting organized and on task can seem as attainable as herding cats, but breaking down a task or a goal into attainable pieces can make the end result seem within reach. Almost every post on our site is put there because the person posting is feeling overwhelmed, the answer they have been searching for on their own seems just out of reach, but support often helps nudge the answer a little closer.
The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. -Paulo Coelho
Our hope is that Supportgroups.com helps expand your support network and makes life seem less hostile. Life is hard enough, but without people in your corner cheering you on, it can seem impossible. Take the time necessary to break down whatever seems too big an issue or problem to tackle, post about it, ask for help. Additionally, work on acknowledging that you are worth the time and effort it takes, the outcome may surprise you, in a very good way!
As always, we are glad you are here and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
Wishing you all the best,
Team SG
