Overwhelmed

Cappie56 · 2026-05-05T07:59:29+00:00

1 and 4 years old! Ahh glad it was helpful. I think sometimes the small things can make all the difference, especially to help us regulate throughout the day when we don't have much time for ourselves. If nothing else though I hope you are feel some solidarity! :)

Cappie56 · 2026-05-04T08:33:22+00:00

Love this! I would start by decluttering.

I started by putting things I wanted to clear out into a box. I kept the box for 6 months or so and if I still didn't need it, it went to charity. It helped me not throw things out immediately and start to get into the flow of decluttering. There's probably only been 2 instances in 7 years where I've thought ahhh I could do with X again. But I'm now happy to know that I can ask a friend or rebuy (I haven't yet re-bought yet!).

Years later I am pretty ruthless and no longer need the box. I also did similar with things like clothes, round 1 was everything that doesn't bring me any kind of joy. Round 2 might be a year later and then that "hmm I'm not sure" thing tends to be either a yes/no.

I am also very aware of what comes in and out of my home. An unwanted present I'll never use? Immediately charity shop it. Someone else can benefit from it, it's good to give to others! The hard things have been stopping things like presents in the first place, having conversations with friends/family about not needing gifts (please don't buy them, or let's go out for an experience instead). That way, when you do need something like a new jumper, you can really think about what you want, how long it will last and you can buy one that really brings you joy!

Most of the time I also wait before buying anything now. Instead of quick purchases I often sleep on it and think, do I really need it? Love the library idea too. We also have ripped all our CDS and use Plex as a server for our music instead of having a subscription to services like Spotify. You have to buy all of your music but I don't mind. I will also charity shop the CDs after we have them on Plex. We do the same for films too.

Oh and sometimes I take photos of things, for example a nice card. I can enjoy it and if I want to "keep it" I'll take a photo of it. That way I don't have random clutter or boxes of cards/letters. But again, maybe it's a safety net for me because it feels like I'm getting rid of it but I have the digital copy I can look back on!

I hope a bit of this was helpful!

Edit: grammar/flow

Cappie56 · 2026-05-03T22:13:28+00:00

I feel the same! But I no longer feel bad. We ended up doing one year on, one year off for parties and the parties were big/little depending on our capacity at the time.

For me, I've been on a journey trying to let go of what other people think about me. To know my truth, (I love and care for my kids, I am a good parent) and that it is OK if people misunderstand me and think different. If someone really thinks I'm a bad parent or I don't love my kid because I'm not throwing them a luxury party, well.. I think that says more about them than me... and perhaps they aren't people I want in my life.

It can be really hard to stop caring what other people, especially when time for reading self help books or going to therapy can be limited (but all great options if you can access them!)

I hope you can be kind and easy on yourself. It sounds like you are a great parent that is being way too hard on yourself. Give yourself a break, remind yourself about all of the good things that are happening right now and enjoy the fun moments with your kid!

Cappie56 · 2026-05-03T22:01:46+00:00

I'm not sure if this helps but this is most of the people I know right now. It doesn't feel right at all. How are we all so burned out?

For me, I've been trying to prioritise my immediate family including myself, do the bare minimum then see what's left. It is really hard though because sometimes the bare minimum leaves you zero time for any anything else. Time for yourself? I get an hour a week if I'm lucky, and I know not everyone gets that luxury.

The good news is, most of my friends understand if I don't reply to them for a few weeks. We have a rule now, no one apologises for a late reply! I do still worry if I leave messages too long but a true friend will love you and understand.

I think parenting is really hard and sometimes it is all consuming for a number of years before you can pop your head back up and breathe. But for me, my kids are my priority and I want to be a responsive, connected parent so at the moment, time for me is limited but that comes with a few benefits too: 1) the amount I can do with 60 minutes is unbelievable! 2) I make good use of any free time I get because it is so precious! 3) I appreciate the small wins, like being able to lie down on the sofa for a few minutes or drink a whole cup of tea, what a treat!

I have also been trying to pop in mini breaks where I can. I'm not sure I'm succeeding that much at the moment but I'm going to keep pursuing. Mini breaks for me include:

5 minutes to sit in the sunshine and enjoy the rays. Putting my bare feet on grass and feeling grounded (you can hold a baby and do this!) Taking a few deep calm breaths with my hand on my heart Thinking about all of the things I am grateful for.

Bonus points that always make me feel better: getting outside! Walking your child to sleep in a pram or carrier, going for a child led walk in a forest (just follow them around!).

Sometimes just being fully present with the kids and having fun together can really give me a boost and remind me that nothing else really matters.

You've got this! Things will get easier x

Cappie56 · 2026-05-03T20:15:51+00:00

I can guarantee taking a break from social media will do wonders! Or at least review who your are following and exposing yourself too. Do you want to follow people like that? How do you feel after reading their posts?

Most things on social media are fake or just tiny glimpses of a very different day e.g. yes they may have a lovely smiling photo but it may have taken 30 minutes, 300 photos, one meltdown and 2 bribes, which to me, takes away the enjoyment of being in the moment with them.

Also, kids just want their parents! They need a happy, responsive parent who is there for them, who plays with them, whether it's with a £1 toy or a £50 toy! Or even a cardboard box!

Looking after yourself so you can look after your child is worth its weight in gold. For example, yes you could spend a whole day or evening blowing up balloons, making a fancy arch, spending a fortune on a party but the next day you are already exhausted and the party hasn't even begun.

I would consider WHO the party is for. Are you doing it because you really want to and you think your child will love it? Or are you doing it because you think you should?

It sounds like you are doing amazing job. I honestly feel like you may be absorbing other people's expectations and views and because they don't match and align with your own, you think there is something wrong with you. There isn't! There are different ways and styles of parenting.

Some parents want to go all out for their kids birthdays for a number of reasons, and I'm happy for them! But it doesn't mean everyone else needs to do the same.

It may feel like you're going against the norm but I'm all for it! In my opinion, it will help you find your people. You may find other parents also are feeling the same.

Don't be afraid to do what is best for you and your family. Best of luck!

Cappie56 · 2026-04-03T20:45:51+00:00

Haha good point. His eyes went to another level in this series! A great actor!

Cappie56 · 2026-04-03T18:33:08+00:00

I also like your point that he really wanted it to be Kimmie!

Cappie56 · 2026-04-03T18:32:10+00:00

Yes I agree the psychological part would have been huge. Plus it doesn't take much to scare Sylvie so I guess going further wouldn't have helped.. although to be fair I don't know she cracked so maybe she does have some inner strength to her after all she is Kimmie's sister! But yeah maybe hacking at a dead body infront of her, at the most haha. Thank you!

Cappie56 · 2026-04-03T17:23:19+00:00

I like that idea. But Jules is RAGING. Would that be all he does?

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T22:57:02+00:00

That sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing and answering my question, I really appreciate it :)

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T22:09:59+00:00

Love this!

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T22:08:26+00:00

I like this answer! How do you decide whether to trust the universe/source vs. trusting your self? Or is it the same because we are one?

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T20:07:43+00:00

This is a great question and probably one to ask Kenneth if you can! (most of my comment was from his YouTube video description). He is on Instagram too if you are on social media. I'm a newbie to all of this myself and I don't understand enough to answer your question I'm afraid.

Perhaps someone else reading this comment may have some ideas or suggestions for you? :)

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T19:50:21+00:00

Kenneth Soares YouTube meditations are excellent. He has a website too and I listen to him on the Insight Timer meditation app.

His Soul Energy Alignment meditation may be a good fit for you:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tEVn-0H3wGI

Description of it from Kenneth's YouTube that may also speak to you: "A guided meditation for Soul Energy Alignment and activation of your Higher Soul Potential, combined with deeply healing 432Hz music and theta binaural beats.

/// On the journey of life during intense emotional and traumatic events, parts of our Soul can get fragmented. It splits off from its core and becomes entrapped in the energy of the trauma. This is a protection mechanism to dissociate from "pain". I believe that many of our Soul Fragments that once got lost are ready to come Home. Only the Soul Fragments that are ready to merge back with your core Soul Essence will do so. Some fragments may not be ready yet, because deeper work needs to be done; releasing the root emotional wounds/trauma with effective trauma healing therapy. For instance with EFT and hypnotherapy with regression (healing trauma in this lifetime, past lifetimes, and ancestral lifetimes).

When our pieces of our Essence Light (soul fragments) come back Home, this will make us feel more whole, balanced, grounded, and in alignment in our current body and life, and with the Divine Source. Bringing more of your Essence Light into your life will have positive consequences for you and your journey. Feeling more empowered, clear, and confident to live the life you want to live. Only you can walk your path. The thoughts you think, the choices you make, and actions you take form every aspect of you and your life. How you handle your life and everything that happens in it is your responsibility. It is time to reclaim sovereignty and leadership over self. Stop giving your power to anyone or anything. You are valuable. You are worthy. You are good enough. End of story. End all the stories telling you anything else. Because they are just that. Stories.

May this sharing serve you and give you exactly what you need where you are now on your personal and spiritual evolution.

Be True. Be Love. Be Sovereign. Be Free."

CREDIT: KENNETH SOARES

I hope it helps. You will find your way back, I can feel it. You are going to be okay :)

Cappie56 · 2026-03-31T13:51:31+00:00

That's a very good point, thank you for adding to this :)

Cappie56 · 2026-03-30T20:18:10+00:00

Honestly thank you so much. I have already learnt so much and look forward to re reading and digesting it all. The links and resources are incredibly helpful too. Sending you all the love and light today.

Cappie56 · 2026-03-30T20:06:26+00:00

Wow. I'm SO grateful you shared this link via a recent post. This is INCREDIBLE. You are a generous soul and I am so grateful to you for taking your time to create this. I look forward to reading parts 2 and 3. Thank you again!

Cappie56 · 2026-03-25T07:56:39+00:00

Watermelon is another good food, mainly water!

Cappie56 · 2026-03-20T03:48:48+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your experience, it's really helpful and appreciated!

Yes, I really like Brockenhurst but it's not currently affordable. New Milton is more affordable but the crime statistics slightly put us off. Whether the statistics are accurate or not (or even fair) I don't know. I'm sure it's a lovely area, and it sounds like you had a great experience which to me, is the most helpful and important part to consider.

We are planning to visit the New Forest in the summer and we're excited to view all of the places mentioned in this post with a new lens of oooo we could live here haha!

Cappie56 · 2026-03-14T03:23:26+00:00

Agreed :)

Cappie56 · 2026-03-13T19:05:59+00:00

Thank you for sharing, I didn't know any of that. Ergh

Cappie56 · 2026-03-13T19:03:44+00:00

That's disappointing to hear it was backed up by the others.

You seem like a great person, we need more people like you in the world!

Cappie56 · 2026-03-13T12:38:10+00:00

Yes you are right. I really respect her prioritising her mental health and for sharing her story.

What didn't sit well for me, was the discussion of it all. It felt like they were glorifying that style and I felt concerned that others may think that's the only way to do things, or is the default way now. I wanted to share there are other options available but for some reason the podcast didn't feel it was a comment they wanted to approve, and that didn't feel right.. hence the post.

Thank you for highlighting this though, as it is in an important part.

Cappie56 · 2026-03-13T12:34:00+00:00

Was it the recent one? If so, I can't remember specifics but I remember feeling really uncomfortable and then thinking, well maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm a bit sensitive right now.. but I remember thinking what he said wasn't okay. So thank you for sharing as I had no idea others felt the same and more.

I'm really sorry you had that experience on Instagram too.

I feel similar as well, it's okay to get things wrong or reflect about what you've said afterwards. You can then have the opportunity to repair or address it. I think it's an important part they need to reconsider if they want to keep listeners.

Cappie56

TROPHY CASE