Keeping It Under The Whelm

Everyone talks about being overwhelmed, but maybe the real art of peace lies in staying comfortably under the whelm.

Not checked out—just tuned in, but with grace and ease—like background jazz.

Under the whelm is where the to-do list still exists, but it doesn’t bark.

Where you show up with presence, not volume.

It’s the place where you sip your coffee before the world shouts.

Where emails are thoughtful and unhurried—more conversation than transaction.

Where your ambition doesn’t come at the cost of your nervous system.

Staying under the whelm is not laziness. It’s knowing how to protect your chill like it’s sacred—which, it is.

It’s moving with intention instead of urgency, saying no without an essay, and remembering that balance doesn’t have to be earned.

So next time someone asks how you’re doing, feel free to say,

“I’m good—just keeping it under the whelm.”