Up from the Whelm (Maybe)

Did you know that you don’t need to be overwhelmed, you can just be whelmed? No, that’s not, apparently, an improvement. They mean the same thing. But to say one is whelmed doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? Over adds that oomph the feeling needs to truly express itself.

Recently I watched this video on how English is awash in sailor jargon, and since then I can’t think of the word overwhelm and not imagine the sea.

When we talk about being overwhelmed, even if we know nothing about the word’s origins, we often talk about drowning, sinking, floods, and needing a lifeline. It is a most watery word. (Though underwhelm isn’t it in the least.)

Earlier today I commented on a Substack post I liked: It’s rather crowded down here in the overwhelm. To take the analogy further (because I can), the overwhelm, like the depths of the ocean, is a dark place. It may be crowded down there, but we can’t often see each other until someone manages to turn on a light, an underwater flashlight, if you will. And then, oh! Here is someone else. We can hold hands and swim up for air together.

So, I’ve been overwhelmed by all the things, but we’re heading towards my favorite season. Blessings upon you summer-loving people, but I am not one of you. As summer sets on the horizon, you have my sympathy, however, since I live in Texas, well, summer hardly ever really, truly leaves. It’s a party guest that lingers in the doorway, drags its feet into the drive, and thinks of a last-minute reason to pop back in. I can draw the curtains and turn off the lights, but it’s still there, waiting, just shy of veering into violent stalker territory.

I will put out pumpkins and Christmas lights. I will have my fall and holidays! They don’t exactly make me feel less overwhelmed. They bring their own obligations and to-do lists, after all. But they bring joy and sparkly lights. And if I must be in the overwhelm, at least it can be pretty.