Ever been in a situation where so much is going on, the pressure feels unbearable? The chaos of tasks and deadlines an ever looming whirlwind with no end in sight?* Whether it was college classes crashing into finals, loads of music to learn with a fast approaching performance… or sleepless nights with an infant turning into days of towering to-do lists.

Sometimes I feel like I can’t function. Can’t move forward, even if I knew what direction that was.

What’s helped through those moments is something I call “two-steps.” I ONLY think of the next immediate thing needing to get done, and what I will do right after. Yes, a million things call for my attention, but thinking about ALL of that isn’t helping the mind process well. Just think of the current task at hand, and what you will do next. Make these simple things. Doing the dishes. Studying for 20 minutes.

Once you finish with the first task, start your second, and then begin the “two-step” all over again. Little by little, you will get things done, FEEL better that things are getting done, gain more focus. This isn’t the all around solution to the craziness in life, but it’s been a big help for me in walking out of a whirlwind.

As I’m going through this, it helps to throw up short “emergency” prayers to God. Like, “Lord, please help me,” “God, give me strength for this next thing,” or “God, hold me together through this.” He wants to do life with us, even the crazy parts.

My go-to motto for these overwhelming times is the chorus in “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Repeated this to myself through so many stressful moments.

Chorus to “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Lemmel

(forcing myself to try out my first four guitar chords with Rosie!)

Here’s another heartfelt song, maybe throw it on the next time you’re gathering strength to tackle the laundry mountain or needing a mental time-out. My favorite line, “Can You hold me together, can your love reach down this far… cause without you holding my heart, I’m falling apart.” (Tauren Wells was the lead singer in this band BTW)

Here’s to falling apart..and still getting through the storm- NK

*(Funny joke about this. Saw a sign that said, “Due to energy shortage, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.”)