Hi There

How have you been?

As a parent, an adult, and as an individual, how have you been? Lately, there has been a lot online about mental health and it has got me thinking. I will say it is quite easy to shrug it off and say it does not apply to me but if we should look deeper, there have been times I will say it does apply to me.

How is my mental health? How is yours? Especially as a parent How are you doing?

Let me say a little bit about myself- I have been tired more so tired from nursing and not sleeping much, and if after work I will add mentally too. Work has been busy and when I come home I would like to just turn on the TV and shut everything out and just be entertained. I do not want to think too hard since I had been thinking a lot at work. Alas, as a parent to young ones, that is not ideal, there are mouths to feed and kids to take care of. There are dishes in the sink (don’t tell me to ignore then and rest because they pile up if left and it’s worse tomorrow than today), feeding bottles from daycare to clean and food to prepare for the family.

Sometimes as parents, it’s very easy to forget ourselves as we care for others but I want to encourage you to look up. Yes, like the song says: Look Up Child by Lauren Daigle.

I am sitting here writing this with the TV on in the background and the little ones asleep and I want to share what has helped me keep sane:

Keep your relationships going. Call friends, text them, even if they do not call or text you first. Do not be an island like the saying goes. Sometimes reaching out to others makes me feel like I am not alone in this craziness. Call your parents or that one crazy person that puts a smile on your face. It will be amazing how conversations make you feel.
Hug your little ones- they are god’s gift to you and the smiles on thier faces are worth seeing daily. Yes they will probably ask you a bazillion why’s about things happening, like just a plain old why is the sun round, why is there a black hole 🕳! Be creative and tell them something. Sometime you could even come up with a story and have them help you make it up as you go along. The Pandemic has had us cooped up inside the house and it can be overwhelming as to how much energy the kids cannot burn but as a friend said, this Pandemic gave my family the best vacation ever and money did not buy it. Hug your kids, thank me later ☺
Go outside. The beauty of spring is coming up every where at this time of the year and the sun on our faces, the gentle breezes and budding flowers and trees around us causes us to be hopeful that there is hope. No matter how dark or cold the winter is, spring always comes around
Look up, child! Yes look to Jesus- Hebrews 12:2a states: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” This month alone, my family lost a family member to sickness. At the same time, I have seen God work in the life of another family member, doing a blessing for them that most people have waited decades to see happen. God hears prayers and that is a major reason to look up. There is nothing He cannot do, even for our mental health!
Finally if you need to seek a professional counselor, check out this link or check with your church.
Have a great day and you and your family a very Happy Easter!