Aaaagh!

Yes, I know, a huge number of us single parents trying to squeeze by financially, and manage our work life, kids, pets, (and in some cases possibly even a personal life???) seem like we are saying that a lot lately! Why, I am not sure. It just seems like some kind of drama is hitting everybody, all at once. And with Christmas quietly sneaking up on us at that! Aaaagh!

So, I am really just about distracted to the point where I don’t really know what to even say right now…and that is saying a lot for me. I am usually pretty outspoken. But, I think when you are stressed, and everybody you may depend on for an occasional sympathetic ear is stressed out too, it just kind of multiplies everything. I mean, friends or family you may usually depend on to provide child care or pick up your kids when you get the chance for a couple of extra hours at work is so overwhelmed, they can’t help you at the moment. Or, you may just be having one of those WEEKS with your kids – where everything they do seems to be specifically engineered to drive you to tears! Believe me, I have been there and done that! Ummm, yeah, actually I am having one of those weeks now. And, the hot water heater and the dryer both broke on the same day, too. <sigh> and it’s only Monday…

But, as difficult as it is to do sometimes, this is when it is realy, really important to take care of yourself. Loc yourself in the bathroom with a fantabulous aromatherapy candle and take a bubble bath. Go work out until you are ready to pass out. Go sit by a waterfall with a book. Watch a really bad, stupid funny movie. The whole point is to take a little time for yourself so that you are better prepared to handle all the stress. Seriously, if you go for a 3 mile run, you can find that you are in a completely different frame of mind. You’ll rest better when you get the chance to go to bed, you’re getting in shape so that you are physically in better condition to handle the stress.

The whole point here is that sometimes we ALL can feel overwhelmed. Whether it is because we need some quick cash, steady extra money, or just flat out get too stressed, we all have to remember to take at least a few minutes out to take care of ourselves. Especially if you are a single parent. After all, your kids’ world actually does pretty much revolve around you. And, kids are smart; they pick up on when you are stressed, and act out on it, too, which can make everything that much worse! So, take a few minutes and do something nice for you. Then come back and face the real world.