Lessons from the Front Line

LIFE, RAISING A PHOTOJOURNALIST:

AND A TREE HUGGER 🙂

I’m sorry today’s post is late, but it’s been a rough few weeks! Since this is my post on lessons I’ve learned, I realized that I had quite a few to share with you.  Here they go:

1. Sometimes taking care of mama means relaxing.  
   Oh I know, I’m supposed to be working out and blah blah blah, but I had an emotionally taxing week. (And FWIW, I hate working out. It doesn’t mentally uplift me, just gives me stress.) Like Thursday, I had a 7am to 9pm nonstop day, and I could barely lift a finger much less work out. Then I tweaked my neck while working out my arms last Tuesday and woke up to dizzy spells. This week I decided to be a workout queen and get them done early, only to have the dizzies knock me flat for a full 20 minutes after crunches. CRUNCHES! The easiest exercise ever, even if you’re doing it perfectly. I think this is a message from God that I’m not to pursue working out right now. At least, that’s how I’M interpreting it…
2. Patience is required – from everyone.
   So after 2 weeks of putting out fires at school, it seems the kids are in the swing of things. Poor Amelia had to adjust because the boy she considers her best friend moved and we only just found out. There were a million other changes for the girls this year too, coupled with the fact that OT & Speech therapy (their favorite) and the normal routine didn’t even start until week three. Nothing is perfect but I think we’re in a good place now, I hope anyway.
3. That thing you felt? Yea, it’s real.  
   I’ve been been having a rough emotional time despite trying lots of good things: increased bible reading, healthy eating, trying to take care of myself, sleeping well, giving up wine, reducing my sugar & coffee intake, etc. It’s been an awful couple of weeks where everything – even minor stuff – felt like the end of the world. Then yesterday, BAM! I felt good.  I think the negativity had a source that’s gone now, and I’m free to be back enjoying my life. This is such a great thing, but I will tell you I thought the problem was ME. I was going to slug myself if I gave myself one more “pull it together” lecture in my head. Turns out, there was something going on and it’s all good now.
4. Additional meetings are good.
   Every now and then you need to call in a school meeting and, even if you have to be uncomfortable during it, even if you had one JUST LAST WEEK, good can come of it. That’s precisely what happened last week and I’m so glad because I had a chance to meet with the homeroom teachers. I really love every teacher we’ve had for the kids so far, and when I talk to them face to face, I get a better feel for their philosophy. From now on, though, I’m going to stop off and give myself a treat after the meeting  🙂

So I do feel better, but honestly, it’s been months since I have. I had almost begun to give up hope, but I’m glad I didn’t.  If you’re feeling like this, don’t give up hope either.  Seek out if there is something or someone sharing negativity that’s burdening your brain or your soul. Good luck – I hope you’re having a great week!