When the events of life overwhelm me, I struggle with staying in a hopeful place. I am reminded of when I almost drowned as a young child in the ocean. I was hit by a wave so hard I became disoriented. I could not figure out my way back to the surface. I was tossed around by the tumbling of the water like a rag doll and was not strong enough to break free from it. I recall reaching a point of not being able to hold my breath any longer and felt my mind surrender to what seemed to be the inevitable. I recall saying to God, "Ok, here I am. Take me. I can't hold my breath any longer." I was no longer afraid. I was ready to die. Miraculously, the moment I released the air out of my lungs I broke through the surface of the water.
When I made it back to shore and told my father what had happened he held me, and then told me what to do the next time I was in that situation. Now at the time, I thought, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I won't be in the situation again because I am not going back in there." Apparently, he knew differently and sure enough in time I was back out there again.....more cautious, but still willing to be in the game. Excited about riding a wave, but realistic knowing it could kill me if I wasn't paying attention and applying the education my father taught me and following the rules of safety posted by the lifeguards.
So, how did that life experience help me deal with events that overwhelm me? First, there is a God and accepting the situation as it truly is and surrendering it to Him releases the anxiety. Second, my father's words of wisdom were....When you are struck by the wave, don't fight it. Roll with it. Let it wash over you. The immediate blow will pass and then you will be able to get your bearings and easily swim back up to the surface. So, I apply the same concept to the overwhelm. I give it time to wash over me. I then begin to think of how best to problem solve it and then do it.
Sounds simple but honestly, it works.
