Kristin123

You’re so welcome. It’s funny: I can remember being where you are now as if it were yesterday. I was so scared and overwhelmed and I was certain I was the only one who felt that way. I watched other moms who appeared to glide through their day looking like they had it all under control while I gained weight, struggled to keep up with the housework, and made career-limiting choices at work (no travel, no power meetings after hours) so I could pick my kids up on time from daycare. My life was all about what I HAD to do, and never about what I WANTED to do.

And I think maybe I’d have been content with that if at least I’d done it all well, but I was stretched too thin to give anything 100%, so I was simultaneously inadequate at everything; employee, mother, daughter and wife. I forgot who I was outside of how I defined myself in relationship to others. Lord, did I beat myself up over it! It was a dark time in my life and I won’t say any more about that here because this isn’t about me. I only relay this story to you so you’ll know, it does get better. I blinked and suddenly it was all behind me. I laugh now to think I’m the wise, older mom who thinks she can give advice to others like you. If you only knew how I stumbled along the way.

Trust me when I tell you, it’s not you. Don’t you believe for a moment that others aren’t feeling like you. No one could do what you’re doing any better than you are! You’re an good person under extraordinary circumstances. If I could say there is one thing I wish I’d done sooner, it is to take one hour a day for myself. My hour ended up being my lunch hour at work. I put on my walking shoes and went for a mile or two walk each day. I took that time to quiet my mind, refresh, relax and get a little Vitamin D. I came to jealously guard that time – no matter how busy I was, I forced myself to go.

Don’t lose yourself in the fray and don’t beat yourself up if it seems like you’re just stumbling around. You are good enough. Hugs to you! 🙂