There was a time when overwhelm wasn’t just a feeling—it was my everyday reality. I was surviving, not living… until a quiet voice within began to stir, whispering for something more. More rest. More truth. More me.
This is the story of how I found my way back to myself—and how you can, too.
There was a time in my life when overwhelm wasn’t just a feeling—it was the soundtrack of every single day.
I was carrying so much all at once:
- Healing from deep trauma,
- Managing the invisible emotional labor of caregiving,
- Raising three daughters, one with special needs.
- And quietly trying to rediscover a voice I’d long silenced in an abusive relationship
The weight felt relentless, like a storm that never quite passed.
Some mornings, I’d wake up with a tight knot in my chest, the kind that whispers, “Not today. Not again.” But the world kept spinning, and so did I—barely holding myself together.
I learned early on that being “nice” was safer. It was my armor and my cage all at once.
Pleasing others was easier than rocking the boat, easier than facing the uncomfortable truth that I was shrinking, fading, disappearing.
Every time I swallowed my truth, a little piece of me grew smaller, quieter.
And yet beneath that quiet, something stirred—a deep ache for something different.
For freedom. For authenticity. For joy that wasn’t just a fleeting visitor.
That yearning didn’t come with fireworks or fanfare.
It arrived as a whisper beneath the noise of exhaustion and self-doubt.
It was the courage to say no when my body begged for rest.
The strength to set a boundary, even if it felt shaky and new.
The boldness to finally claim my own needs, even when I feared disappointing others.
Reclaiming myself was not a straight path.
It took time, patience, and an immense amount of grace.
Sometimes it meant sitting with discomfort—leaning into the hard feelings instead of running away.
Sometimes it meant stepping backward to gather strength before moving forward again.
But through it all, I discovered a truth I wish someone had told me sooner. Overwhelm feels heavy and crushing. However, it holds a hidden gift within it.
The gift of clarity.
The opportunity to recognize what no longer serves us.
And the invitation to begin the tender work of letting go.
This space—where overwhelm meets opportunity—is where my coaching heart lives.
If I can rise from silence and from that crushing weight of overwhelm, then so can you. I moved into a place of clarity, agency, and hope.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t have to be perfect or “fixed.”
You just need to take the next small step.
And know you’re not alone on this journey.
Reflection to Carry With You
- When have you felt overwhelmed in a way that changed you?
- What small step toward yourself feels possible today?
- How your story, your voice, might be a source of strength for others?
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your courage to keep showing up.
I see you. I hear you. And I’m walking with you.
— Erika
💬 Ready to take your next small step?
Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking your voice again, or simply craving a moment to breathe—I’m here. Let’s explore what’s possible, together.
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You’re worthy of support. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Sometimes the first step to clarity is simply noticing.
Erika Patterson Coaching 
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