The last few weeks have been extremely stressful for me. The girls have been a bit more out of sync with one another than usual and they have really been exceeding my limit on their new favorite word, "No". The dog is like a giant bowling ball and my kids seem to be the pins. Every 10 minutes he will run at full speed straight into one of them sending her flying across the room. The toy box in the playroom has been turned upside down more times than I have liked and it has been a struggle getting them to clean up after themselves. Riley, my 19 month old, seems to want to nurse more than ever these days and it's making absolutely crazy. Maybe it has all been in my head but lately I just feel more on the verge of a major breakdown than ever.
Sometimes it seems like all the other moms have everything so under control and I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I have been a lot more snippy with my children and my husband but no matter what the cause they still do not deserve to spoken to in such ways. I haven't been getting much sleep and I find myself a lot crankier than usual. My eating habits have gotten out of control, as well. I will munch on anything I can find, usually carbs, and not eat a full healthy meal until dinner time. I worry so much about taking care of everyone else that I haven't been taking care of myself.
After having a bit of a meltdown a few days ago when Bella wouldn't go to bed after five attempts and it reaching 11 pm, I went to lay in bed with Riley to nurse her back to sleep (thanks to Bella). I opened Facebook and saw I had a new "Like" from Elizabeth at The Hesitant Housewife. I went to her blog to follow her and saw a post she recently wrote titled "Jesus Talked to Me in the Shower". I honestly felt like I was meant to read that post. It hit so close to home that I just broke down in tears.
As moms we have so many things and people depending on us that it's easy to lose sight of ourselves and our own well-being. We also forget that we can ask for help. We can ask for help from our families but more importantly we can pray and ask for help because He is just waiting for us to ask. I was so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I started to disrespect myself and my family. I knew I needed to change things fast.
That night I went to bed begging the Lord to please give me the strength I need to get through these crazy toddler years and asked that the next day not be so difficult. I cried and told Him I needed a break from the madness. The next day everything was wonderful. The kids woke up and quietly watched TV in our bed for an extra hour while I took care of the dog and drank my coffee. They came down, ate breakfast and played for a bit while I ran on the treadmill. I took shower...Yes, a Shower!!! I was even able to wash my hair!!! ha ha ha While I was blow drying my hair they took a bath in our tub (a treat for them). We all got dressed and then they went down for their naps without any problems. When they woke up we went to Chick-fil A and had a great time. We came home, prepared dinner and got ready for bed. I was even able to watch The Bachelor uninterrupted! A full two hours of Sean Lowe. I think my blood pressure is back at a normal level just because of yesterday. I kid you not, I thought I was going to have a stroke from all the stress I was feeling.
The point here is remember that He is always listening. He is waiting for you to ask for help. He will give you what you need and never give you more than you can really handle. We have to stop, breathe and remember to take care of ourselves too. We can not give 100% to those we care for if we do not take care of ourselves first.
I forgot to pray for another good day and before 9 am my beautiful new carpet was covered in crayons.
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Any solutions?
10 comments:
How funny...I just recently read a similar post that reminded me of the importance of being authentic mothers. No facades or masks. Yes, you clearly had a stressful past week or so...but THANK YOU for so willingly sharing it instead of faking it like so many of us mothers are prone to do! Praying for continued peace despite the ruined rug... :)
Thank you, Emily!!!! I try and be as real as possible because I know I can't be the only one slowly going crazy on this journey called parenthood!
This post made me tear up a bit. You wrote from your heart and the honesty in your words touched me. Sometimes we forget that God is just a prayer away...we can always call on Him during our weakest moments and He'll be there. No questions asked. Sometimes we think we are alone in this world with our struggles, but...that couldn't be further from the truth. He is always there. Thank you for this eye opening post. I hope that you are feeling better...and that you get some peace today, even if it's for a little while. xoxo
Having toddlers is hard, I myself snip at my poor little girl sometimes and instantly feel regret. I enjoy your blog and I'm sure you're going to have a whole great week soon!
I love this post! I'm so glad to see bloggers open up about their faith. That is such a good reminder, that He really is always listening. it's so easy to forget since you don't really "see" Him. Clearly, He is eager to accept you with open arms and take some of the weight off. Sending loves and prayers your way that you not only make it through toddler years, but you make it through as the most wonderful mom you can be!
(www.freeingimperfections.com --> only putting this because my blogger account links to my old blog)
note to self, pray... oh just get done and pray. You are so not alone and I was so in need of your perspective. Thank you.
Stopping by to follow along and to share big huge aloha with ya. We're riding the wave of life at Local Sugar Hawaii. It's silly and fun and down right awesome... and, I'd love for you to join us.
xoxo,
Nicole
If you'd like to enter, our amazing 30 hosts, 12 months of advertising, 1 winner giveaway ends in like 2 days.
I love your honest voice and ability to capture what so many of us mother's sometimes feel. This post is incredibly beautiful - thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. PS - oxyclean works wonders on stains!
Jen, I love your vulnerability and openness about the challenges of motherhood. It is more difficult to ask for help when we (we are related) were raised by strong, independent mothers because we feel like it's suppose to be come easily. I am so happy you found rest and comfort in seeking HIM through prayer. It was a reminder for me to begin my day in prayer, as well.
amazing post, thank you girl ;)
Parenting little ones can be so very difficult, and wonderful, both at the same time. I have found that sometimes getting out of the house stops the forward momentum of craziness. But when I say getting out, I don't mean, to the grocery store. I mean heading off to feed the ducks or go to the playground at the local school, or even getting a happy meal. God will love you through it all.
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