When our kids get hurt, we are always ready to make them feel better.
But what happens when mommy hurts?
One of the hardest things I’ve discovered about motherhood is how to smile through the pain. Trying to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider when I really wanna cry isn’t easy.
We don’t want our children to see us hurt or sad. Our job is to be strong and be their protector.
So when we go thru heartache, disappointment, loss, or hard times, how do we cope? Where do we find our strength? How do we heal?
Aside from the obvious solutions of prayer, shopping, problem solving, time, etc, here are some things that I try:
*I find great comfort in my kids. I try and put my personal issues aside and just enjoy the moments with them. The simple innocence and humor of a 2 and 6 year old can do wonders for the soul.
*I’m a movie girl. There’s nothing like a great romantic comedy to whisk my brain away for a couple of hours. Somehow watching Julia Roberts tell the snobby Rodeo Drive salespeople “You people work on commission, right? Big mistake. Big. Huge.” always get a big smile out of me.
*I love to read, but never seem to have enough time. When adversity comes I always attack my pile of O Magazines and fiction. Nothing like escaping into a world of worlds. They say books always have a way of finding us. Somehow it always seems to help motivate me.
*I have great friends and family who are always willing to lend a checkbook ear when I need it.
*I write some of my best blogs when I’m making big decisions or going through tough times. For me, the pen is definitely mightier (and safer) than the sword. And sometimes expressing myself on paper is a great release.
*Get out of the house. If gas wasn’t $18.75 a gallon, I’d fill the car up and take a ride to the beach blasting all my favorite West Coast tunes. Instead, I’ll take a quick stroll to my favorite neighborhood bakery and fill up on cupcakes, cookies, and pies.
No matter what you’re dealing with, always remember,
WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE HOPE IS GONE, LOOK INSIDE YOU AND BE STRONG
AND YOU FINALLY SEE THE TRUTH, THAT A HERO LIES IN YOU.
-Mariah Carey
Great advice Nora. I try to keep Harmony from seeing me down, but she has “spidey senses” and can tell I am not myself. During those times I have her lay in the bed with me; we snuggle,and let her sing or tell me stories.
Kids definitely have “spidey senses” and know when something is just a little different. It takes alot to put personal feelings aside and offer them reassurance that you and them are gonna be alright. Great jo!
*great job
What an article! So many effective and fun ways to help ease the pain and frustration.
thanks mom