Mitchells in the Revolutionary War

Even though I logically understand what the expression “too much on your plate” means I don’t think I ever fully grasped the dynamic and emotional reality of this expression until just recently in my life. I’m 57 years old and there have been a lot of things in my life that I have struggled through, waded through, survived. I often look backward in amazement that I was able to juggle so much chaos at different points in my life and somehow get up and make it to school or to work or to soccer practice for the kids, and I never felt that I had too much on my plate. And somehow at my 57th birthday, I fully feel that expression for the very first time and I really don’t know how to process it. 

As a 911 operator, I once took a call from an older woman, probably in her 60s at the time (making her almost 80 now), whose dog had escaped her fenced yard. She was hysterical. Initially, I didn't understand the severity of her distress. I even asked my coworkers what the 'big tragedy' was. I was quickly reprimanded. They explained that everyone processes trauma and grief differently. For some, losing their dog might be the most traumatic event of their lives. It took me a long time to grasp this concept. I had assumed everyone experienced childhood trauma, financial struggles, divorce, addiction, and other hardships similar to my own.

My time as a 911 dispatcher taught me a lot, both professionally and personally. I was navigating a divorce, processing resurfacing childhood memories, and learning to manage single-parent responsibilities and PTSD. While I don't recall feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, I was deeply overwhelmed by the emotional toll they took. I managed to get everything done, though I now recognize my performance wasn't as strong as I initially believed.

Now, I truly understand the expression, 'having too much on your plate.' I finally comprehend, and can articulate, my awe and confusion about juggling numerous responsibilities. How do you prioritize? What demands your immediate attention? How do you survive the day without collapsing from utter exhaustion?