Thursday, April 7, 2011

The Thursday Push/Confessions of a Real Life Mom


I've been out with Little Steve since midday Monday and returned to work today.  It was extremely difficult to get up, especially since he was laying in bed with me this morning.  Though I've been 'off' from work the last couple of days, I am feeling ridiculously lethargic this morning.  Little Steve required a lot of attention the last couple of days (really, the last few weeks with all the stuff he's been through), and though I was happy to give it to him, it's been exhausting.

One thing that upsets me about voicing my sleepiness is the insinuation that I dislike my life or am unhappy giving my son 100%.  Sometimes, I just need help or encouragement.  Why does that translate to me being an unhappy mother?

My purpose with this post is not only to encourage you all to get through the 'tough stuff' like I try to do every week, but also to confess that I, too, get overwhelmed and extraordinarily tired at times. 

I feel like a lot of women mask their exhaustion because it makes us feel inadequate - trust me, I try to hide it, too - but dark circles under the eyes don't lie.  I've also gotten the "and you want another kid" thrown at me which is probably the most hurtful comment I've ever received.

Truth - I do feel like a Super Mom a lot of the time, but I don't get the privilege of having super powers.

Vent.  Let it out to someone.  If that someone has a negative response, choose someone else next time.  It's amazing how much stronger my relationship with my mother has become; she had 4 kids by the time she was my age!  She's is one person I can turn to when I feel overwhelmed and I know that her response will be positive and cheeful.  She just knows.  Don't underestimate the power of a really good listener.

I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the discouragement from the not-so-good listeners, so any advice would be superb!

"Raising a kid is part joy and part guerilla warfare." - Ed Asner

2 comments:

  1. Good morning! I definitely just wrote this HUGE message for you and it all was deleted! Basically I said for you to keep your head up because people who see other succeed and are making efforts to be happy... will try to bring you down.. its just human nature sadly! Just know that you are appreciated by your friends and family (and random people who read your blogs!..HA) because you are the voice that will let other mothers struggling know they are not alone.. you have bad days... you are HUMAN! I am not a mother (YET?!?) but what I do know is that being a mother is a thankless job at times... unfortunately the appreciation is silent and will come gradually often at the moments you least expect it.. I hope you have a wonderful day and try not to let the negatives outweigh the positives! You are doing a GREAT job!

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  2. Mandy - Oh no about the deletion! But thank you, again and again, for your encouragement! I do think there are actually people out there who like to 'test' others, which stinks.

    I feel better about this day already :)

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