The Tree That Reached It’s Limit

Yesterday, I decided to go on a walk on my own. I was awake early and picked a train to get to my destination to walk back.

The walk i did was approximately 7 miles and was a mix of coastal path, forest and pavement. It was a beautiful morning and the sun was shining. It looked beautiful shimmering on the water. The wind was stronger than a gentle breeze, but it was welcomed.

As I started my walk, I met several dog walkers and runners going in the opposite direction. I always find if there is no one ahead of me or I can’t see anyone behind, what do they know that I don’t! However, all was well, it was lovely to start the day and enjoy the beautiful morning.

About 30 minutes into my walk, I came across a fallen tree that was blocking the path. I could still bend down low and go under. Speaking with a couple, who owned the land which the tree was on, the strong winds the night before had brought it down. Unusual as no other tree seemed to be affected in the area. The couple said the wind must have been blowing in the perfect direction to bring it down.

I returned to my walk and continued on my way. Meeting dogs, runners and walkers galore. Each one giving a nod or a ‘morning’ as I passed. I saw many birds, butterflies, dogs and humans. Plenty people starting their day in the same way.

The walk was pretty uneventful apart from the tree. And I thought about it a lot as I walked. Why was it the only tree to fall over? Why that tree? What had been the final straw the pushed it to breaking point? Was it a constant wind force or was it a strong gust?

Everything has a breaking point. Everyone has a breaking point. What’s yours?

It isn’t something we suffer from all the time, it can be at certain points in our life. For example, the pressure and stress from looking after or caring for sick or elderly dependents? When you give and give and are feeling the strain of it all. You feel and know it is your duty to be the carer, but it is hard. You never thought it would be this difficult – you didn’t sign up for this. Love perhaps doesn’t conquer all despite all your best efforts. If you could, you would hide under the duvet and stay there for as long as you could.

You want these feelings to stop, you feel awful and guilty for even having them.

Breathe.

You will not be on your own, others will feel the same. What you need is to take time and respite for you. This is self care and what is needed by all of us. Reach out and get support. You are not in this alone.

Overwhelm, stress, burnout.

Breaking Point.

If it isn’t family, is it work? Is work full on and stressful? Are you overloaded and trying to pick a priority? But it is impossible as it is all important and needs to be completed now. No matter how many lists or plans you make, work keeps piling on and you are feeling the stress and anxiety build. You know a boom moment is about to occur but you can’t seem to stop it as you are snowballing down a hill and the pressure is building like a prosecco bottle waiting to pop.

Stop.

Whilst it may be a difficult or uncomfortable conversation to have, speak with your manager. Quite often, unless you say no or enough, the work will keep on coming. Take a breather. Look at all you have achieved and acknowledge your hard work to date. You might find it useful to speak with a therapist. Check with your work as they may give you access via an Employee Assistance Programme. Don’t keep pushing on, seek help.

Are you feeling pushed to your limits right now? What is your limit? What is your tipping point? Unlike the tree, we never want to get to the point where we actually fall over. Think about what you need? Is it help and support or is it time off? It could be a combination of both.

Quite often we are so busy focusing on others that we forget to look after ourselves and as I have said many a time before. Get your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. You cannot help others if you are running on empty.

You never want to get to the point when you fall over. You want to get help about ten steps before that. You don’t have to reach breaking point to get help. When the balance starts to tip, this is your warning sign. Pay attention to it. Listen to it. Don’t let a fallen tree become a metaphor for your life.

Thank you for reading. Look after you.

Your mental health is so important, please take care and be kind to yourself.

Love Emma xx