When Life Feels Overwhelming (and Like a Game You Didn’t Sign Up to Play)

I dropped a blog post a couple of weeks ago about feeling the weight of the world ... and then poof — I vanished. Ugh. It wasn’t intentional.

I thought this season would finally give me space to show up more — for my business, for my family, and for myself.

Boy, was I wrong.

At my 9-to-5, I had just started to feel like I was getting my head above water. Then — WHAM. My already heavy workload seemed to quadruple overnight. This past Friday, I caught myself hesitating before replying to an email because I knew it would lead to more work.

“Don’t do it, Rebecca. Just let it go.”

And then, of course … I hit send. Dang it. You did it … lol.

What Is the Universe Trying to Say?

Do you ever pause and wonder what the Universe (or God — or the higher power you identify with) is trying to tell you?

Lately, I’ve been asking myself:

• Is this a sign that I should focus solely on my 9-to-5, and now just isn’t the right time to start a business? Maybe.
• Or is the Universe throwing everything at me at once to force me to wrap up what’s no longer aligned — so I can move forward with a sense of completion? I kind of like that one.
• Maybe I’m being nudged to finally master the art of prioritizing and setting boundaries? Oof. Definitely a work in progress.
• Or … am I just overthinking all of this? Yes, Rebecca. Yes, you are.

Seasons and Side Quests

Life is full of seasons. Some are filled with clarity. Others are murky and meandering. And sometimes, people and experiences weave in and out of our lives like quests in a video game, all contributing to the larger picture.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the new game my husband, Jeff, and our oldest son, Grayson, have been playing. The game is set in a beautifully illustrated world, and as you navigate your character through it, you collect tools, meet new characters, and uncover wisdom — but it’s up to you to decide what’s useful and when.

Grayson charges ahead fearlessly, ready to discover new areas and face enemies — even when he’s probably not “leveled up” enough yet. He doesn’t mind taking on the same boss over and over until he finally succeeds. He’s all in.

Jeff, on the other hand, takes a slower, more strategic approach. He explores carefully, picks up every possible item, and retreats when needed to avoid unnecessary setbacks. He even bought three beautifully illustrated guidebooks — and he always plays with one open in his lap.

And then there’s me. Somewhere in between.

I love the idea of taking time to explore, learn, and prepare … but I’ve also faced some major “bosses” over and over again in life until I finally broke through. I’m willing to try. I’m not afraid of the battle — I just want to understand it.

Real Life Doesn’t Come with a Guidebook

Unlike the video game, you don’t get handed a shiny, step-by-step manual at birth.

But if you're open, the Universe does place the right people, resources, and tools in our path at just the right time. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a quote that hits your soul, or a blog post that makes you feel seen — these are your signposts.

You just have to pay attention.

The Time Jeff Forgot to Tell Me the Most Basic Tip

The last time I played a video game with Jeff, we couldn’t defeat a particularly annoying boss. After weeks of trying, he looked over and said, “Why don’t you just hold the button down?”

Wait. What? You mean I don’t have to hit it repeatedly like I’m trying to give myself carpal tunnel?

He hadn’t told me because it was so obvious to him, he didn’t think to explain it. (Maybe he assumed I enjoyed the thumb workout? 😂)

It wasn’t his fault. It just reminded me of something important: What feels obvious or natural to one person might be a revelation to someone else.

The Same is True for Life

Sometimes you just need someone to sit beside you and say, “Hey — you don’t have to do it that way. There’s another option.”

That’s what I hope to offer you here.

We each bring our own approach to the game of life. There’s no perfect playbook. Some of us move fast. Others are slow and steady. Some of us hold back until we’re 100% ready. Others dive in even when feeling unprepared.

But we’re all navigating a complex, beautiful, frustrating, rewarding journey — and we can support each other along the way.

What I’ve Been Carrying — and What I’m Sharing With You

Over the past few weeks, I’ve carried the weight of stress, doubt, and that familiar tug-of-war between doing it all and doing what matters most. And if you’re in a similar place — I see you.

So starting next week, I’ll be sharing the real-life tools, mindset shifts, and small-but-mighty strategies that help me navigate the chaos and keep going (even when I want to give up).

Here’s what we’ll unpack together:

• How to cope with stress and anxiety when your plate’s already full
• Ways to tackle overwhelm without spiraling
• What it actually takes to set (and protect) boundaries
• How to let happiness in, even when it feels unfamiliar
• Practical steps to own your worth and quiet the inner critic
• Why connection matters, especially when you feel alone
• And how to face fear without letting it run your life

These aren’t things I’ve mastered; they’re the things I’ve had to fight for. And I’d love to walk through them with you.

You're Not Alone in This

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, uncertain about your path, or overwhelmed by all the things — please hear this:

• You’re not broken.
• You’re not behind.
• You are worthy, whole, resourceful, and fully capable of living your best life.

Keep your chin up. Take a deep breath. And remember that even if your journey doesn’t look like anyone else’s — it’s still yours. And it’s beautiful.

PS – Thank you to those who reached out last week. Your kind messages and check-ins reminded me that this small but mighty community is real. Thank you for walking with me.

PPS – Wally, our robot vacuum, remained dead between the piano and the couch for five days. Not one family member seemed to notice or comment. I finally rescued him after my younger son practically tripped over him. When I mentioned he was broken, I got, “Wait, Wally’s broken?” And I’m like, “Little man … you literally just tripped over him.” 😆