by Debra Smouse | Jun 19, 2014 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
When I was a little girl, especially after a rotten day, I would contemplate running away to the circus. We had visited a place called “Circus World” where the folks working for Barnum & Bailey Circuses would train, and it seemed an ideal place to escape. Because,...
by Debra Smouse | Sep 4, 2012 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
There are two things I want to confess today. One: I regularly battle the perfectionist demon. Two: I have a bit of stubborn side. Combined, this means that there may be days upon days when I’m so determined to get everything done on my own that I won’t admit to...
by Debra Smouse | Aug 28, 2012 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
Hello, my dear. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired of how your life is going? Are you feeling scattered? Do you feel like you are hanging on by the knuckles to survive? I know it’s hard. It’s challenging to feel anything but dullness and pain. It’s a...
by Debra Smouse | Oct 20, 2011 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
The other morning, I was up at 4 AM. I had gotten six solid hours of sleep and my mind was insisting it was time to get up and attack the day. My body, however, disagreed. We compromised and I got out of bed and read. It was perfect in so many ways: JB was sleeping...
by Debra Smouse | Sep 29, 2011 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
“I was physically shaking, “ he told me. “It was worse than when I quit smoking. I felt panicked the entire time.” If I had overheard that tiny piece of a conversation with a client, my curiosity would have been piqued. What had happened to this confident...
by Debra Smouse | Sep 8, 2011 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
Call me crazy, but I name the various voices of my personality. My inner critic is named Mary. My lizard brain is named Louise. My “I’m so happy I could burst” side is named Paula. It makes life easier in many ways, because putting a name to things can allow you to...
by Debra Smouse | Aug 18, 2011 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
It was chilly when I got up this morning and as I slipped my feet into my slippers, I thought “Hm. I should buy some new slippers so I’ll be ready for winter!” Yes, I’m well aware of the fact that it’s still August, yet the thought of seeking some warm slippers in...