What Keeps You Going?

Quennie · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007, 04:26 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to ask for suggestions from mommies out there.

On a day-to-day basis there are times in our lives that we are soo pressured and we just wanna simply get out from the situation that we are currently in. The debts are high, income so low, couples fighting, children crying... it's practically endless!

Now, I have come to a query:

"WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING?"

Any suggestion for a mom in distress will be much appreciated.

Thank You.

maggieball · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:43 PM

Hi Quennie, I'm not sure I'd recommend this to everyone, but for me, I feel like I have to feed myself too. So I do things for myself -- write (not just parenting articles either, but I do write those), am learning to play guitar, enjoy a book after everyone has gone to bed (at least for about 15 minutes until I fall asleep on it LOL). You have to decide what you personally want for yourself -- who you see yourself as -- your big dreams -- the stuff you may have put on hold when you had children, and then continue to work towards those. The progress is much much slower than it was BC (before children), but it's satisfying enough so that when the chorus of 'mom' starts making you feel like an endless giving machine, you have some sense of also giving to yourself. Also, if it's a creative art, you can use the frustration and exhaustion creatively. If I step on a piece of Lego, the pain is already making its way into my fiction. That really helps me. Don't say you can't find the time, because even 5-10 minutes a day will do it. As long as it's progressive. I wrote a novel that way -- took 10 years or so, but in the end I have a beautiful product with my name on it. Good luck! Maggie
Sleep Before Evening

diamond42377 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:55 PM

I know exactly what you mean, some days you feel like throwing in the towel. I guess I am a mom in distress since I am working full time (and then some), taking college courses, taking care of a 1yr old, starting a 5yr old in school, and taking care of a disabled spouse who can't work right now.

The bills pile up and by the time I am finished paying everything, my check is almost depleted. What keeps me going is my appreciation for everything that I have. Yes, it gets hard but reflect on those days when the whole family is together and happy. I often reflect on the days we just sat watching movies or walking around the neighborhood. I also have a kids dance party on Fridays and Saturdays.

Another thing is to just push through it. Hard times don't last and as long as the good days outweigh the bad ones then things are okay. I often think of others that wish they had the things we take for granted also.

KrispysKingdom · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 06:02 PM

I keep going by taking a break! Sometimes life just gets to be too much and I need to take an entire day to get my mind in order. Sometimes I just sleep in, take a nap, take a shower alone, or go to McDonalds. It all sounds really simple, but if it is outside of my usual routine and I don't work the whole day, I usually feel much better. It also helps to send the kids with someone else for the day. In my situation, that is a lot easier said than done because we don't have a support system here, but my BF really understands that occasionally I just need to get away from the kids, so he will watch them. We are trying to work something out for a regular babysitter because we used to be able to go out once a week, which really helped both of us.

If it is at all possible, give yourself a YOU night each week. You may not be able to go out, or pamper yourself to the fullest, but it is still a break. Once a week we put the kids to bed an hour early. I know it doesn't sound like much, but there is a noticeable difference! Watch a movie, take a bubble bath, or go to bed early yourself. You will start to look forward to the night each week, which gives you new hope and a light at the end of the tunnel everyday as you look forward to your YOU time.

chickbefree · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 10:42 AM

What keeps me going is prayer and faith that maybe someday it will get better. Let's face it, the bills aren't going to go away(nor are the bill collectors) As a Mom I know that things could be worse! And I spend time by myself to get things thought out and start the next day with a better outlook and keep pushing for better. My family is the most important thing to me and I always think of them first. I have always been there for them, and them for me. When I feel like I can't take anymore I will usually go outside and work in the yard, or go for a walk. Someplace I can be by myself and think. This has always helped me.

chocolaydee · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 09:00 PM

What keeps me going is my family... They push me to excel in life and what I do. We do and plan everything together. They tell me MOM NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM OF BEING A STAY AT HOME MOM.

jackie0109 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 07:21 AM

What keeps me going is my family? I keep on working and striving for the best as to support them in the financial needs but also in other aspect of life. But above all is to dont forget to pray because it is the powerful weapon that we keeps on going.