Last week I was ill, overexhausted and just over everything. The time change was probably part of it, my body trying to adjust, but there was no one event that led to my attitude it was a build up of multiple things.
Work has been incredibly busy the last few months, we were leading up to a big event so there was the anticipation of it looming. Aubrey has been in a toddler tantrum phase off and on the last couple of months. (We think she is cutting her molars, but I think many of the tantrums are due to her not knowing how to cope with not getting her way.) In addition to the tantrums, she was incredibly clingy last week and only wanted mommy to do things for her. I couldn't even go to the bathroom without her having a meltdown. So, needless to say, I had finally reached my breaking point. I could feel the tension and stress building inside, but I couldn't see an end in sight. I knew what I needed, I needed a break. I needed a few hours of solitude, but I didn't know when in the world I was going to find it and I felt a little guilty for even needing it.
Everyone has their own way of destressing. For me, an introvert, I get rejuvenated when I can have some time to myself. As a mom, however, that time is few and far between. My solitude time used to be when I was getting a shower, but even those get interrupted now by the pitter patter of little feet on the tile bathroom floor in the early morning. The shower door flings open letting the cold air into my little sauna and I see a little blur stripping off her pajamas and declaring, "I want to get a shower too mommy". Alas, where do I find a little me time.
It is amazing how God places little events in your life that bring clarity. Last week as I was in my stressed and tired state of being, everyone around me could see it. My co-workers and family made comments letting me know they could see my fatigue (they politely left out the stressed part, but I knew what they meant). By the time the end of week approached, both my family and co-workers could tell I had reached my limit. I knew I had to change my attitude, but I didn't know how. Luckily for me, my attitude intervention came in the unlikeliest of places . . . a home improvement store. Yes, that is right.
One of the projects at work last week was the re-painting of the conference room. I love to paint, so I had volunteered to organize the work. After lunch, my boss, a colleague and I headed off to get the needed paint supplies. I was in my element. I knew what was needed. I was excited about the project and the outcome, so my spirits were immediately lifted. Painting to me is therapeautic because you are transforming something- a room, a piece of furniture. You're giving it new life. Just getting the project organized transformed my attitude. I remarked to my co-workers that if they see me in an ill mood for them to suggest I make a trip to Lowe's on my lunch hour and I meant it.
If a simple trip to a home improvement store where I could imagine the possibilities of a project, focus on a tangible project with immediate results, and be a little creative had the ability to completely change my attitude, then it is definitely something I need to be aware of. It may sound silly, but if that little 30 minute trip can lift my spirits and get me out of a funk then it is worth it.
Our attitudes and frame of mind affect the people around us. If we're aware we have a bad attitude, it is up to us to turn it around. We often know what events, people, and circumstances can trigger our negative reactions, but have you taken the time to discover those items that evoke positive reactions in you?
Your happy trigger may be reading a good book, watching a movie, going for a walk, taking a drive on the backroads, listening to music, or visiting with a good friend. Regardless of the activity, it is important to make sure that we know those happy triggers and we take care to weave them into our lives often. It is what keeps us sane and able to juggle all of the many responsiblities we have. It keeps us in the right frame of mind.
So to keep from reaching your breaking point, find your happy triggers whatever they may be and make them a part of your life . . . weekly. It isn't selfish, it is in fact self-preservation. One of our biggest jobs as a mom is taking care of ourself so we can take care of everyone else.
Okay, so I've shared with you that one of my happy triggers is a short-term project that allows me to be a little creative and hands-on. Now I want to hear from you! What are your happy triggers?
At some point and time we've all experienced the same emotions, whether a single twenty something, a new mother, or a seasoned professional there have been moments in our lives when we questioned our abilities, our purpose, and our sanity. This blog is dedicated to helping women connect, find resources, and learn from the experiences of others. We'll touch on a variety of topics, so check in often and share your experiences with us too.
