I've read some really great slices on self-care this year and I've been thinking about what that means for me. I berate myself constantly about why I can't seem to get my act together (i.e., Christmas Tree in March). I wonder if it will always be this way; catching up instead of keeping up. I often feel like I can't tell anyone because I don't have kids and the rules of basic adulting say we should be able to take care of our own damn selves while keeping the complaints to a minimum. It seems to be an unspoken rule that single, childless people haven't earned the right to be busy, overwhelmed, or just plain over it. If I hear the phrase "just wait until you have kids" one more time I am going to scream, so it all just goes unsaid. And yet, that doesn't seem to change the fundamental truth of it all. Maybe self-care for me just means being honest with myself and others about what is going on with me. Maybe it means not feeling compelled to compare my situation to anyone else's. Maybe it means giving others the freedom to extend themselves the same courtesy. Maybe it means expecting a little empathy in return.
5 Comments
I hear you! I am a single, childless woman and boy "my life is so easy because I don't have kids or a husband". I just can't complain. I hear you & happy to know I am not the only one.
Reply
Kelly Dennis
3/13/2017 01:39:42 pm
Oh Robyn! I'm so sorry you feel this way! We all know how hard you work and you should be applauded for the amazing person you are everyday!
Reply
Lindsey
3/13/2017 03:09:17 pm
Your last few sentences could not be more true. It is so very hard to not compare. These past few weeks seem to have been hard and getting everyone down. We just need spring break! ☺☺☺☺
Reply
Natalie
3/13/2017 06:40:17 pm
You do SO much, you definitely have the right to be exhausted, overwhelmed, whatever! Even if you didn't, you still can be those things because everyone has their own limits and things that are stressful and exhausting to them.
Reply
3/14/2017 09:36:05 am
Oh, Robyn, you go ahead and feel as overwhelmed and busy and over it as you want! You don't need to have kids to be completely flippin' stressed out. Parents don't own the market of being overwhelmed.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AUTHORReese: Elementary Music Teacher in Chicagoland. Clarinetist and Trumpeter.
I'm writing a Slice of Life every day for the month of March as part of the Slice of Life Challenge. See more at TWO WRITING TEACHERS. MY FAVORITE POSTS |