I’ve been waking regularly thinking about stripes. 

My mind was very focused on all the things I had to do, all the bookings in my calendar - the black stripes. I noticed that this focusing on the stuff to do felt like pressure and was resulting in feelings of overwhelm that needed to be shifted before I could start my day. 

I wanted to start my day in a lighter way. After all, overwhelm is optional and it’s definitely not how I move through the world at my best.

And also, I like the stuff in my calendar! I put it there after all. This feeling of heaviness needed to be gently rebelled against.

I started to play with focusing on the space between the obligations - the white stripes. It feels so much better!

Listen to this week’s episode to find out more.

Support the show

• 🎧 The One Minute Marke: Need a quick reset from overwhelm? Download my free one-minute audio here: The One Minute Marke.
• Welcome to the Overwhelm is Optional Podcast
• This is the podcast for big-hearted, highly driven professionals who want their life back.
• Each week, we explore ways to gently rebel against the idea that overwhelm and exhaustion are just the price you pay for success. You don’t have to push through—it’s time to work with ease, reclaim your energy, and create the life you want.
• 💡 Meet Heidi Marke
  I’m Heidi, a Coach, Teacher, Podcaster, and Author. Having painfully burned out—losing my career, confidence, health, and financial stability—I discovered a better way. Now, I quietly lead The Gentle Rebellion, helping you to:
  1. Stop pushing through overwhelm.
  2. Redefine success on your own terms.
  3. Reclaim your time, energy, and life.
• More Resources to Support You:
  🌿 Learn more about my work: www.heidimarke.co.uk.
  🎧 Curious about my free audio? Try it here: The One Minute Marke.
• 📚 My Book:
  Overwhelm...