There are so many people that lack coping mechanisms.
I am one of those people.
Even though I see a counselor, it can still get hard when mourning or feelings of unease set in. I pray and ask for God’s help, and that sets my heart at ease, but sometimes, I am only human and I look to the wrong things.
Back when I was drinking, I used that to numb the pain of things I never chose to deal with. It was a huge downward spiral that I was in, and I couldn’t (for some reason) figure out how to get myself out of it. I felt doomed. But then I started praying and asking God to take it all away from me, and that He did. I live one day at a time now, and know that alcohol or other man made things cannot replace the peace that only He gives. It was a struggle at the time, but very brief and knowing I have a wonderous life ahead of me is sometimes something I have to remind myself.
When feeling down I have to remember to look up regardless of the things that are happening around me; I must be strong and remember that my routine is what keeps me on track, both with the Lord and in my every day life. It’s what helps me to be happy, joyous, and free.
Have you ever fallen off of the hinges at any point in your life? I’m sure we have all had hard times, but how we deal with them is utmost importance. It has taken me nearly forty years to realize this but it is true. Coping mechanisms—prayer, exercise and discipline do help. Running away from problems used to be my catch all. I ran for nearly forty years in not dealing with anything and then, for some reason, it all caught up with me.
When I had my son, it rocked my world, but it made my world more about someone else for the first time than all about me as I was accustomed to. It was then that I started to question life and how I was going to raise a person that was so similar to me and different at the same time. There was so much to learn and it became more overwhelming to me at times than joyous. I simply forgot that being a mom meant doing the best I could, and that I did, but the guilt of not doing everything perfectly really weighed on me. The stress of worrying about whether or not I would corrupt this little person nearly drove me to insanity, and in those first few years I’ll admit, I really struggled. I was so blessed, and for the first time I had realized how much God loved me simply by giving me that bundle of joy…but I also forgot to raise him with my arms wide open and ask God for His divine help in the whole matter.
Things are much better now that I am back on track and understand motherhood a bit more. I know that only I can give my son what he needs and it has been a huge relief in even realizing that. For the most part many people don’t love themselves enough for them to believe that this is true—that they are special and supposed to be THE mom of a certain child. It is a gift and one that I am thankful for each and every day. So if you are feeling burnt out as a mom, just remember that you have been chosen. It is a divine responsibility and your coping mechanisms can always be found by simply looking up and asking for God’s help. He is there to hear all of your prayers. And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back every so often. You’re doing a good job. Amen.
“He gives strength to the weary.” Isaiah 40:29
Party Gatherings 