It's time for me to visit my tree again to remind myself I can indeed stand up when I'm falling down. The past few months have been nice ones with school holidays taking away much of the daily stress that contributes so much to how I feel. Well the holidays are well and truly over and it's back to the normal routine with a few changes here and there.
Miss G. is in her last year of school and with it bringing many new challenges for her. She has a lighter load than other students as she put in a lot of hard work last year to complete two VCE subjects. That means she has more free time during the school day and is able to get some of her homework done at school. We hope this means life will be a little easier for her at home, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way so far. We have had quite a few discussions on how to manage time, be organised etc., all those things essential for reducing stress. Hopefully some of it will be taken on board. She has a leadership position this year which brings it's own set of stresses, however she seems to be thriving in the environment which is good.
This is such an interesting time for both of us, as a teenager becomes closer to the age of legally being an adult, the transition to making their own decisions and being responsible for themselves but also still needing support from Mum and Dad. I'm sure it must be quite frustrating, exciting and a little bit scary for her. Meanwhile I sit back and observe and hope I can offer sound advice if she asks for it.
So the focus this year will be very much on Miss G. and while this is as it needs to be, in amongst the craziness this year will bring, I need to remember to look after me so I can look after her. And how best to do that is something I'm experimenting with. I have done a lot of soul searching about what is important to me and I still come back to things like, being still, being in the moment, being quiet. Rushing around and being too busy is not for me. I am looking at a book from the library at the moment with advice that is relevent to where I think my state of mind and body should be. I've found it to be quite comforting and if when I get to the end I still like it, I might purchase a copy to have on my bedside table.
Another thing I'm finding helpful to get the day of to a better start is to clear my mind and sit for a few minutes to just be. I am trying to walk in the morning for exercise and am finding that I'm out the door in a big rush before I've had time to do this. Time constraints and all that. Still, it's something I can keep working toward.
It's been nice visiting my tree again. I'm so glad I have this space/place to mull things over.
Anne
De stressing is so important. See rules 4, 6, 7 and 10 and of course and always 11. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteYou sound positive Anne =] I've just read a book which advocates 'just being' every day. It can be hard when the whole world seems to be whizzing by. But I can see the reasoning behind it.
ReplyDeleteI, on the other hand, have a son who is just entering 'teenagerhood' and my god it's stressful! I've always enjoyed watching my children grow and develop. However I am finding it hard knowing when to let him make his own mistakes and learn from them and when to step in and lay the down the law. It's tough being a parent sometimes but you seem to have a good outlook with regards to your daughter. The fact that she is thriving say's it all.
...and yes, that is my mantra! Look after yourself so that you can look after those that need you! You're doing great x
I love your tree. And what a fabulous post. Breathing quieter now.
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