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Yesterday was one of THOSE days. My kids were filled with an exuberant amount of energy, while I was completely drained. They ran around like crazy, fought each other continually, screamed louder than ever before and completely forgot how to obey.
I thought about retreating to my room to curl up into the fetal position and have myself a good cry. I even considered getting into my car and just driving away from everything for an hour or so. I wanted a break. I wanted silence. I wanted to be alone.
But instead, while my three children tore up the room around me, I opened up my laptop and did some blog hopping. First I headed over to check in on Anissa. I immersed myself in her husband’s words. I cried with him, celebrated with him and prayed with him for his sweet Anissa.
I then headed over to NieNie Dialogues and followed a link to an incredible feature that the Arizona Republic is doing on Stephanie. Her story is being told in such shocking detail and it is seriously so moving, awe-inspiring and convicting.
And I realized that I had three healthy, energetic children running in circles around me. This was our time, our moment.
Sure, I could still run to my room to cry about how hard my day seemed, or I could grab their darling hands and join them in a game of ring around the rosie. I could laugh with them, play with them, pick them up and tickle them.
I could also comfort them, love on them and enjoy their kisses.
It’s all a matter of perspective! These two women, Anissa and Stephanie, are MY INSPIRATION!
Where is your perspective and inspiration coming from today?
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom contributing editor, Erica.
Erica says
Yes Kat, that is one of my biggest struggles as well, feeling as if I am failing….oh and when I lose my patience…I really, REALLY feel like a failure.
Kat says
Awesome reminder. I had QUITE a bad day yesterday… Of course, I blogged about it: http://senilemomentia.com/2009/12/one-of-those-days-kids-will-be-animals/ … When my children seem to ignore me {or even CHALLENGE me}, I tend to feel like I am doing something wrong… like I’m failing at something.
But then once I get it off my chest, I have to remind myself that my children KNOW they are loved and that’s why they test their limits. They are not timid or scared or insecure. They are energetic and lively and even though sometimes they go overboard, their happiness and health are the most important thing to me because if they were ANY other way, I would be wishing they could try and test and challenge me.
Dr Mom Online says
Thank you for that reminder! We ARE blessed to have children who are ‘childlike’ – carefree, energetic, exuberant… even loud!!
I’m usually quite good at living in the moment and appreciating what IS right NOW… knowing we’ll never have that moment or opportunity again. BUT, I’m human and I can get caught up in stressful stinkin’ thinkin’, too!
Again, I’m thankful for YOU reminding me… : )
debi b says
wow.I know exactly what you mean. I have a hard time reading any blogs these days about people dealing with illness and I feel so guilty. After going through it all with my friend jess and her daughter Tuesday, it just killed me watching them suffer and then lose the fight 🙁
I am so fortunate to have healthy kids. I know this, but my heart just hurts daily…
Stephanie says
I just read that entire Arizona Republic article…and cried. It was so skillfully and powerfully written. I felt so many emotions as I read – fear, heartache, gratitude, hope. Stephanie truly is an inspiration to us all.
Kirsten says
Thanks. I needed some perspective today! 🙂
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Erica, this is such a perfect, strong and wonderful post. I’m SO glad that you wrote it.
2 Toddlers and Me says
Wonderful post. I agree, it’s stories like these that really help me realize what’s important. There are a lot of times where the stresses of life start to get me down, but then I visit my blog friends and just connecting with others or reading a relatable post helps me realize I’m not alone.
Brandy says
Ha i’ve got the same thing going on. my three are fighting and screaming over my sond b day presents. It may sound wierd but I always follow tragic stories on the news, and as upsetting as it is for someone to lose their child or even hurt their child. It makes me that much more protective and thankful for my beautiful childen. No matter how irritating they can be at times
Susan says
Thank you Erica! Yes, it is always about perspective and I’m constantly trying to remind myself of that.
Both Stephanie and Anissa are amazing inspirations and I think of them all the time.
one cluttered brain says
I totally know what you mean. We all should take a minute and hug our kids today. I’m not in the hospital struggling for my good health,like Anissa, and it is fairly easy to bathe my kids too unlike sweet Stephanie from nie nie dialogues…did I get her name right?
I am so glad I found a good community to associate with…I hadn’t realized that their are some pretty lame-o bloggers out there that totally keep to themselves and don’t like to meet people.
Well, I think I will be hanging out here more. I like it here.:)
Adventures In Babywearing says
So true. We all have our own struggles and mountains to overcome. The size of it depends on where you are standing. 🙂
Steph
TerritoryMom says
Wow, both of these beautiful ladies inspire me and what great husbands and families they have. God is good!
Eileen says
Erica,
I know what you mean. I have been dealing with chronic illness relapse for almost a year…most of the time in bed. I get so angry, missing out on life and my kid’s events and cant do anything I WANT to do.I can’t catch a break…have my sleep all disrupted and cant even enjoy eating without horrible affects. My house is a mess, Christmas is coming on like a freight train and I miss my adult times with friends. I feel so much guilt for not being the wife, mom, cook, friend, and housekeeper I “should” be. I look like I have aged 10 years in just one.
But last night I went to visit a friend. It was my first time out of my house in 3 weeks, but I had been told “Sue” was not able to fight off cancer any longer and had asked to go HOME where all she knew and loved would hopefully come and say goodbye. It was hard to make it there, but when saw our friend, stretched out on a lounge chair in the corner of her living room near the last Christmas tree she will ever see (one friends hurriedly put up for her)…robed all in pink with scant hair and a yellow hue to her skin, I felt almost ashamed of my recent inability to be thankful for life. I know that I most likely will have the luxury of continuing to wake up every day to say goodbye to 3 kids who love life, and a husband who brings love to my life. My friend will not see her freshman or senior daughters graduate or marry. She is literally in the winter of her life…when coldness comes upon you and color departs.
My house is a mess, my kids argue and their schedules make me crazed, my husband is oblivious to it all, and even my dog has been a little stinker…but they are in MY life and I in theirs for another day still, and I am blessed more than I know. PERSPECTIVE. Gives you a good kick in the pants when you need it! So, today I will not dream of running away or running TO an easier life. I will hope to just BE, and be still knowing how lucky I am.
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