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| Hubby and I in 1992 |
I've been stressed out lately, no doubt about it. Between Sarah's diabetes, practicing for her part in Mulan, a ginormous school project, preparing for my son's February wedding, planning a trip to DC in March, work, life...
I've been stressed. Last week my son's fiance's mother asked me to send a bunch of pictures of my oldest, Devon, growing up to use on a board she's preparing for his upcoming wedding. I'm home sick with a viral infection, so as not to waste any time (because I have none to waste), I figured this was something I could do without making myself sicker or infecting anyone else.
I've been stressed. Last week my son's fiance's mother asked me to send a bunch of pictures of my oldest, Devon, growing up to use on a board she's preparing for his upcoming wedding. I'm home sick with a viral infection, so as not to waste any time (because I have none to waste), I figured this was something I could do without making myself sicker or infecting anyone else.
So I delved into the boxes and albums of photos going back nearly 22 years. You know what I realized? There was a time when life WAS simpler, when I didn't feel like I had the world on my shoulders. And I started to think that I need to find that carefree person I used to be. That even with the craziness that is my life and responsibilities, she's got to be in there somewhere, right? Just because I've had more life experience doesn't mean I need to stop enjoying life.
- Step one: Take a nap - seriously. I don't feel like I've been paying much attention to myself and my health lately, so I need to catch up on rest.
- Step two: Go replenish my vitamin supply. I ran out a couple of weeks ago and haven't gone to the store to buy them.
- Step three: Find at least 30 minutes each day to exercise - whether it's walking at lunch or Wii Fit at home. I need to get my body back into shape!
- Step four: Renew my relationships. Undoubtedly my focus has been on Sarah's health more than anything else lately. I haven't spent much time with my husband, and when I have, I haven't felt much like communicating. I'm worn out. I need to relax, trust that Amanda can take perfect care of Sarah while we go out on a date, and enjoy spending time with my husband.
- Step five: Find time for myself. I'm sure if I ask my husband to take over one of Sarah's nightly activities, he'd be happy to. She currently has classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, with an occasional Thursday, Friday and/or Sunday mixed in. If I could just come home at 5pm on either Monday or Wednesday instead of 7:30pm, I'd have 2 1/2 hours to myself!
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| Halloween party with baby Devon 1989 |
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| Date at Great America, 1988 |
I'm sure this all sounds familiar to a lot of parents out there, especially moms - and not just those with kids who have health issues. We moms run ourselves too hard trying to make everybody else happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
But in the end, won't we be better prepared to love, nuture, and attend our families if we take better care of ourselves?
But in the end, won't we be better prepared to love, nuture, and attend our families if we take better care of ourselves?
