Yes, Dej, I too can relate! Used to be the busy bee organizing everything, multi-tasking with three kids, etc. No more. It was a big shock when the realization first happened, but now I kind of enjoy sitting back watching the "next generation" take over. It's nice to be waited on once-in-awhile after all. The only trouble with so many "cooks" using my kitchen, I never know where they put things. Used to know where everything was, now it's like a scavenger hunt!

Try to relax and enjoy giving someone else a chance ......

PS: Do you find that all the noise from people talking, dishes and pots clanking, kids yelling, etc., is totally exhausting???? Whew!!!!

I'm so with you here Dej. I would think nothing of 12 hour days at work. was active, triathlons, busy and strong.
When did the change happen???? was it so gradual that I didn't notice? Or has it become worse since I found out? Is it all in my mind? am I slower now because I think I should be?
All I know is life is SO much slower now. I can't manage a whole day without sitting lots, an afternoon nap or an early night.
A tortoise overtook me the other day...

Yes!!! I'm so glad you said this as I was feeling like I was the only one getting exasperated at all the noise others make while I'm busy trying to do nothing!!

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Yes.

I find visual or audio stimulus can wear me out! I was trying to talk to this nice 93 year old man at the church bean supper, and between the heat, the noise, and the people buzzing, I was losing it. Poor thing looked at me and said "am I spitting on you dear?" and I realized that EVERY word that came out of his mouth was making me flinch! I was so embarrassed. I told him I was in sensory stimulus overload, and apologized. He wanted to help me to a chair. How sweet is that?

I wish I could sit back and relax. Enjoy being able to watch everyone spinning by me like "Taz". I still get angry that I can't be the Supermom I once was, or the person who worked 16 hours a day and could still multitask.

My body is not on hyper mode, but by brain still thinks it should be. I miss those days of reaching the end of the day, after the kids did.

I guess I have slowed down too Dejibo, and hate to admit it. Funny how we all are so different, yet the same.

That was so sweet of the very, elderly gentleman to offer to assist you. There are many good people in this world.

There are numerous times when I just have to stop, take a breath, think and weedle out the crap that doesn't matter. I just get overload if I'm thinking too much, hearing too much, seeing too much, have something on my mind and need to go do something, all at the same time. I feel my head fill and slowly seep down my throat causing great anxiety.
It's not a panic attack- it doesn't get that far. But I know I have to reduce the number of incoming stimuli before I pop.
And I used to pride myself at being a great multi tasker.

I'm now that irritating lady driving the speed limit and muttering to herself at all the people tailgating her....."you should have left on time then you wouldn't have to rush.". I never noticed till I slowed down how rushed people are to get to the same red light as me!

I HATE folks being up my butt at a red light. As a professionally trained driver, you are supposed to see the wheels on the car in front of you TOUCH THE GROUND. If you can not see their tires touching the ground, then you are too close! If my car stalls, or I cant move, then, you are STUCK behind me! Plus you make me as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rockers.

I too dont reach panic attack mode, but I reach that weird cartoonish level of presence. its like I am here, but not here, and my body simply cannot/willnot absorb any more information. I am flinching when folks talk, I am squinting at the lights, and I am just shy of the "im gonna pass out" level. I can still function, but my body makes it really clear to me that its NOT happy. Crowded places, hot places, busy places, or too many folks talking to me at once throw me right off the cliff.