Thursday, November 29, 2018

I’m going to get pretty personal here today.  Usually I keep this blog to fashion, recipes, and fun.  But, I’m struggling right now and I know there are many of you out there who are, too.  These are things I’m trying to do right now as I am juggling visiting my dad in the hospital and having my mom live with me.  She is reliant upon us for transportation to and from the hospital and my husband and I work full time jobs and have two kids and a dog.  I know there are people dealing with much more than this on their plates, too.  

-Try to continue your normal routine as best as you can.  I thought about not writing on the blog right now, but it is something that brings me joy so maybe I need this now more than before?

-Do not feel guilty about doing some “normal things” or things that bring you joy.  Look for opportunities to get a coffee, polish your nails, read a book.  It’s the old adage that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”.

-Let people help.  If people ask, they want to help.  It makes people happy to help you.

-Outsource what you can.  We have hired a driver to help with transportation for my mom a few times a week.  It’s important to me to take my sons to activities myself but I can’t be in two places at once.

-Don’t neglect your spouse and kids and say thank you a lot.  My husband has been amazing and I’ve tried to thank him more than usual and bring him Blizzards from DQ and other things he likes.  My boys have really matured and stepped up to the plate.  We’ve had some deep conversations and that have brought us closer.  

-Look for the blessings.  I have had such wonderful family, friends, co-workers, bosses, students, blog readers throughout this difficult season. People are good and they will help you if you let them.

I have also conquered some fears.  I don’t like driving at night.  It gets dark before 6 now and I’ve done great.  I had a deep rooted fear of parking garages – this hospital has the scariest, curviest garage entrance and I’ve conquered it.  I hate driving downtown – I’ve managed just fine.

-Be very organized.  This week I had a transportation schedule and a meal schedule on the memo board and it has really helped.  

-It’s o.k. to do take out or make meals easier during this time.  

-Use online grocery shopping or delivery.  That’s what it’s there for.  

-Still decorate and participate in holidays as much as you are able.  One of my blog readers said that one year she regretted not putting up a tree because it made her sadder not to have it and it would’ve brought her comfort.

-Take it one day at a time.  If you think too far ahead, you may get more overwhelmed.  I had a really bad day Monday and thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown.  I was thinking too far ahead and not focusing on just getting through that day.  

What things have helped you through a difficult season in life?  If you are currently in one, my thoughts go out to you.

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

14 thoughts on “Thursday Thoughts -How to Handle a Difficult Season”

  1. I agree wholeheartedly! You know I am knee deep in a difficult season too and all the points you’ve made are things we’re doing and they do make a difference. Most important is what you said about not looking too far ahead – when I worked in oncology we used this acronym for FEAR Future Events Appearing Real and it has helped me to remember that. We are taking things one day at a time around here!
    Continued prayers for you and your family Amy!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. I thought about you while writing this and knew you were doing many of these things. I agree about not looking too far ahead. Thank you and continued prayers for you and your family. On a random note, I don’t think I’ve told you this- my KD paddle is hanging in my classroom and it has prompted lots of funny questions from my students!

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  2. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog and am wishing you and your family the best during this difficult time. I taught high school Spanish for 12 years, but now work in the administrative side of education and also teach at the college level so I enjoyed the glimpses into your classroom, as well as all your other content.

    Your mom is lucky to have you and your family!

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  3. I’m so sorry you are having this difficult season. We’ve all been there and will all be there again. Life is beautiful and messy like that. Here’s the hard part – Take your own advice! It’s easier said than done, but do the things you’ve shared!! Prayers for your Dad & Mom and for you too.

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  4. All of this is so true and I know it’s true so I should be putting it into practice now. Thanks for the reminder.
    I hope things start to look up for you soon. Thinking of and praying for your family.
    (Teaching is also incredibly difficult during these seasons.)

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    1. Thank you Kristin. It’s so inflexible and a sub can’t really do our job! I hope things get easier for you. I worry about you being isolated! I hope you find a moms group or sort bug when you move. I really love your writing style and I hope you will post!

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  5. I’m glad you’re still blogging 😊 I’m in a difficult season as well, it’s why I read blogs, they make me happy and give me something other than my circumstances to focus on! I’m continuing to pray for you and your family! Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Noelle. I’m sorry you are in a difficult season. I was worried that people might take my post the wrong way. I know there are people struggling much more than me. Please take care of yourself and I will pray that you find peace soon. You are exactly right to recognize that blogs bring you joy and to keep doing that.

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  6. Well said- I agree 100% with everything you have said. I have learned to graciously accept help when I’m going through a rough time. It allows people the opportunity to bless someone else. Sometimes we have to be on the receiving end 🙂 Keep taking care of yourself and don’t let that cup run dry! Blessings and love to you

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  7. You really are having to juggle an awful lot here – I can imagine you are tired and wrung out. Your list of how to cope though is truly excellent. I admire how you are coping with this – especially overcoming some of your mental blocks with driving – I can totally relate to that, so hats off. Thinking of you – you are finding such great ways to cope, but I hope your Dad gets out of hospital soon so things can get back to normal for you. Is this on the horizon yet? J xx

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    1. Thank you Joanne! I know you’ve had a rough time lately, too. What have been your best tips? If I had to guess for you I would say nature and self care. You seem to be doing great and I admire your spirit!

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