When What You’re Carrying Feels Too Heavy

Listen, you are not a failure because life feels like it just drop-kicked you into a brick wall. You’re not broken because you feel like you're carrying bricks in your spirit, blocks in your chest, or emotional dumbbells labeled "Everybody Else's Expectations." The truth is, you are a divine vessel of the Most High, so let me holler at your higher self for a moment. (don't get distracted by the slang, let's focus okay!) Smile

That heaviness? That sense of being overwhelmed? The tightness in your jaw and the tension in your back? That's not a sign of weakness. It's feedback. Consider it your body's way of saying, "Hey there! We need to discuss your life choices!" It's similar to when your favorite snack seems to judge you because you've been indulging a bit too often. It's all about balance!

Your soul is whispering:

• “This doesn’t belong to you anymore.”

• “Put that down before I make you drop it in public.” (that's a good one)

• “You’re carrying a season that expired two growth spurts ago.” (Boom - speak YA YA)

  
  

Sometimes we wear burdens like they're our birthright, as if the weight of our responsibilities and worries is an intrinsic part of our identity. From a young age, many of us are taught to equate hard work and struggle with value and worth. This cultural narrative convinces us that to be productive, we must constantly bear the heavy load of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. We often find ourselves accepting these burdens without question, believing that they are simply the price we must pay for success and fulfillment in our personal and professional lives.

We carry stress like it's a badge of honor, proudly displaying our ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities, often at the expense of our well-being. The relentless pursuit of achievement can lead to a toxic cycle where we glorify overworking ourselves, interpreting our long hours and sleepless nights as evidence of our dedication and commitment. In social settings, we may even engage in conversations that revolve around our struggles and the toll they take on us, as if sharing our burdens somehow strengthens our bonds with others. This collective acknowledgment of stress can create an illusion of camaraderie, yet it also perpetuates the notion that being overwhelmed is a normal and acceptable state of existence.

We think exhaustion means we’re doing something right, equating fatigue with productivity and success. This mindset can be particularly insidious, as it reinforces the belief that if we are not tired, we are not working hard enough. In a society that often values output over well-being, we may push ourselves to the brink, ignoring the signs of burnout and the need for rest. We convince ourselves that taking a break is a sign of weakness, when in reality, it is a crucial component of maintaining our mental and physical health. The irony lies in the fact that while we strive to achieve our goals through sheer willpower, the very burdens we carry can hinder our progress and diminish our overall quality of life.

Ultimately, it is important to recognize that these burdens do not define us. Acknowledging the impact of stress and exhaustion on our lives is the first step towards breaking free from this cycle. By redefining our relationship with work and success, we can begin to prioritize our well-being and cultivate a healthier perspective on what it means to lead a fulfilling life. Embracing rest, seeking support, and allowing ourselves to let go of unnecessary pressures can lead to a more balanced existence, where we can thrive without the heavy weights we once believed were our birthright.

Plot twist (and Lord knows I absolutely love these!): You weren’t built to carry everything.

Even divine vessels leak sometimes. Even sacred beings sob in the shower. Even chosen ones have their "I can’t do this today" moments. (And listen, sometimes it's not just a moment; it's a whole entire week. Ummmk)

When it feels too heavy:

• Lay it down spiritually, even if you have to pick it back up temporarily.

• Say, "God, I can't carry this. Can You hold it while I catch my breath?"

• Seek Divine Guidance for Life's Responsibilities

• Take a nap, a walk, a breath, a break, whatever version of a divine pause you can access.

  
  

I realized that In the journey of life, that it is so important to recognize that we often carry a multitude of responsibilities, tasks, and commitments that can sometimes feel overwhelming. To navigate this sometimes complex landscape effectively, it's crucial to turn to God for guidance. By asking God to show you what should be on your plate, you open yourself up to divine insight and clarity regarding your priorities and obligations. This request is not merely a passive plea but an active engagement in seeking understanding about what truly matters in your life at this moment. When you ask for God to illuminate your path, you are inviting a sense of peace and direction into your daily decisions. This can manifest in many ways, such as through moments of inspiration, feelings of assurance, or even through the advice and support of those around you. It is important to remain attentive and receptive to these signs, as they can guide you toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

The Importance of Wisdom in Decision-Making

Throughout my journey, I've realized the crucial role wisdom plays in decision-making. Along with seeking clarity, it's equally vital to request wisdom and strength. Wisdom involves more than just knowing what to do; it includes the ability to distinguish between what is essential and what is unnecessary. In a world full of distractions and competing demands, the ability to recognize which commitments align with your values and goals is invaluable. Strength is needed to implement these decisions. Letting go of certain obligations or relationships can be difficult, especially if they've been a long-standing part of your life. However, recognizing that not everything is meant to be carried indefinitely can lead to significant personal growth and a more meaningful life. It takes courage to release what no longer serves you, but doing so opens up space for new opportunities and experiences that can enhance your life.

Finding Balance Through Prayer and Reflection

Integrating prayer and reflection into your daily routine can greatly improve your ability to determine what should remain in your life and what should be let go. To be honest incorporating these practices on a daily basis have been life hanging. Taking time to meditate on your requests, listen for God’s guidance, and reflect on your feelings and experiences can offer deeper insights into your life's path. Furthermore, journaling can serve as a powerful tool in this journey. By recording your thoughts, feelings, and the insights you gain, you can identify patterns and revelations that may arise over time. This practice can help clarify your thoughts and emotions, making it easier to discern what you truly want to keep in your life and what might need to be released.

Embracing Change and Growth

Ultimately, seeking guidance from God is about embracing change and growth. It's an ongoing process of reflecting on your life, goals, and responsibilities. As you strive to align your actions with your values and divine purpose, you might discover that your burdens lessen, creating space for more joy, peace, and fulfillment. Trust in the journey, and keep in mind that each step taken in faith brings you closer to understanding your true path.

Say this out loud or use it as apart of your reflections if needed:

"I release the pressure to hold everything all at once, recognizing that the weight of the world does not rest solely on my shoulders. I acknowledge that I am not weak for taking the time to rest and recharge; rather, I am demonstrating strength and wisdom by honoring my limits and understanding my needs. In a society that often glorifies constant busyness and relentless productivity, I choose to step back and breathe. I allow myself the grace to pause, to reflect, and to rejuvenate, knowing that this is not a sign of failure but a testament to my self-awareness and resilience. By embracing moments of rest, I cultivate a deeper connection to my inner self, enabling me to return to my responsibilities with renewed energy and clarity. It is through this practice of self-care that I empower myself to navigate life's challenges with grace and intention."

I want to stress that burnout is not admirable, and there's nothing holy about holding onto what you are being encouraged to let go of. Just as oceans pull back before they surge forward and mountains are created by slowly losing pieces, even Jesus wept. I'm just saying.

Release it.

This is your release, your letting go. It's your surrender guided by the spirit. Allow grace to elevate what effort never could. (that's good!)

Remember: You were never meant to bear it all. You were meant to belong to the One who can.

Let that be your storm mantra. Let that be your comeback cue. Let that be your reason to put it down and pick YOU back up.

Take your rest. Then rise again, lighter.

A Call to Alignment: Don’t just carry it. Check it. Challenge it. And if necessary, release it.

You've got this. However, you don't need to handle everything to demonstrate it.

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Encore: Let me make you laugh a bit, because it surely made me crack up

Imagine this: I'm having one of those days. Yes, I know everyone thinks I walk on water (well, maybe I do, just kidding!). But we all have our unique journeys during this human experience. Right now, my life is definitely "lifing." Responsibilities are piling up, my back is tight, my jaw is clenched, and I feel like a walking to-do list. I had back-to-back meetings with clients because one required my immediate attention, which threw my schedule off course. However, I firmly believe that everything happens in divine order for a reason. At this point, I'm craving prayer and meditation, but my day's schedule is running behind, preventing me from taking my usual 15-minute breaks every three hours to pause and find stillness. (Yes, you read that right.) So, I began my next session with one of my Transformation Station clients. As we warmed up with some SoleWORK, I decided that channeling the wisdom of a weary saint, to "shake off the stress" by doing some yoga while coaching them through their movement assignment. Oh, and I should mention that I was doing this on a full stomach after enjoying a generous serving of my special Cucumber Salad, which is as big as my sense of purpose!

I get into Child’s Pose. So far, so good. Then I try this fancy pose I saw on YouTube, you know, the one where your leg is behind your head and your soul leaves your body for a second. I twist, I stretch... and then I hear the most disrespectful pop sound come from my hip. Not cute.

And just like that, I collapsed sideways into what can only be described as the fetal position of surrender. On the floor. In silence. Next to an empty salad bowl (and for those who know me, know that I had to be short on time to have that next to me, because I don't like things out of place, if I can help it.). Staring at the ceiling fan like, “Lord, I didn’t mean for it to end like this.” And I hear my client saying as we are on Zoom, "Yahminah, Yahminah, are you ok?" All I could do is lay there for those 12 seconds that seemed like an eternity and laugh. That day? I got the message. Loud and clear. Put. The. Weight. Down.

Sometimes your body will say what your spirit has been whispering all along. If it feels too heavy, it probably is. And if you're on the floor, too full to move, just know you're not alone, somewhere out there, I’m still lying next to that empty salad bowl. Moral of the story: Let it go before it sits you down in the middle of the floor with nothing but your regrets and a side of guac and Cucumber Salad.

Stay light, stay laughing, and stay in alignment. With a hug and a warm cup of "

You Are Not Alone,"

~ Yahminah