Remember me? Do I look familiar?? No? I'm pretty much the worst blogger...
Actually that's Chaney and I have a feeling that it won't be too much longer before she starts censoring my blog so I figured I should publish this picture before she gets any older.
I've always been pretty open about things here so when I started feeling stressed out and quiet; I didn't feel like I had anything good to say. That's probably not the truth but that's how it felt.
So what have I been up to? Lots.
Looking back, during Chaney's last school year, I struggled a lot with enormous amounts of stress that led to depression and I was determined not to do that again. I haven't avoided it this time around but I did do some things differently. Did you know that September is one of the most common months for people with depression to start spiraling? Something about the changing amounts of daylight, blah, blah, blah...
So with that knowledge, I took some proactive steps. For lack of a better description, I hunkered down. I made a list of what was important {not in any particular order} and I stuck to these things:
1. My health
2. Steve, Chaney & all the activities that come with them...
3. Church/home
4. Work
5. Refusing to let other people's bad decisions control my every move.
Notice what's missing? Yep. Sewing, fabric, taking pictures, blogging, etc. Now, I've still been sewing some but it hasn't been at the typical 100 MPH pace I like to hold myself to. I've missed reading blogs and blogging a lot but guess what... it's all still here. :)
And guess what also happened? The school year is off to a great start. Coaching softball is fun and not draining. Our house is more organized. Lunches for all three of us are getting made during the week. I've enjoyed my time with Steve & Chaney instead of feeling the constant pull towards my studio. And most importantly, I'm healthier.
That last one... it took me a long time to figure out that my health {physical, mental, spiritual, etc} is important. What I thought was being selfless was actually closer to selfish; I have always put myself last and in turn, it affected everyone. Now I know this isn't any sort of earth-shattering revelation and I bet most of you already know what it took me all this time to learn but better late than never, right??
So I have lots of things to share! There's been lots going on in our house and I can't wait to catch up with everyone. Thanks to all of you for your kind emails, comments and for sticking around while it's been quiet!
I'm back and feeling rejuvenated! I promise that I'll make it up to ya'll... :)
First order of business: update my blog some because it's clearly not summer anymore...
37 comments:
Welcome back!
Glad you are back. Yeah for you. Taking care of yourself so you can have the strength to take care of your family is important. I remember what it was like to keep it together when you are raising four kids with no financial assistance. My mental health was not in the best shape at that point.
But atleast we survived the HEAT!! And now the weather is ever so much more comfortable, and easy to live with. More fun to quilt in, and snuggle in too.
Good for you! Depression is tough. Taking control back is the key. Many more happy days to you!
I've been wondering what was up. Glad you're back!
I read that September and March were the hardest months for depression earlier today; I am glad that you found a strategy that worked, and we are all still here! Glad you are back!
Glad to have you back!
Welcome back Jennifer. Glad you took the time to take care of yourself. I too suffer from anxiety, panic and depression. I totally "get" everything you said. Again, welcome back and blessings to you!
I'm glad you're back! Keep taking care of yourself :)
Glad to have you back! It is so hard for women to take care of themselves so we can take care of everyone else. We seem to do it backwards.
There is a link to a great talk about women and taking care of ourselves on my blog if you have a few minutes. It is worth the listen.
http://harriethomemakerstrikesagain.blogspot.com/2011/09/for-all-you-ladies-out-there.html
Watching the video is the best, but it is available to read as well.
Hugs!
Amy
Glad to hear that you have made some positive changes and that the school year is off to a great start! Balance and health are key, I agree! Always working on mine :)
Love that photo - so cute! You're smart. Sometimes we get so caught up in our 'to do' lists and we forget to take care of ourselves. Not saying that you did that - just that I have. You are important to the people who love you so it is a gift to them to take care of yourself. Welcome back!
Welcome back!
Sometimes we all should take that step back & work on taking care of ourselves. Sounds like you're getting better at it too. :D
Looking forward to seeing what else you've been up to.
haha! You just wait... One reason I'm not on the computer as often is that my 2 boys are constantly wanting to be on it too! Kind of like the phone when I was a kid... My how times change! Sounds like you've got your priorities straight!
I'm glad to see you're back and feeling healthy. I can relate to feeling overwhelmed by life and having to choose what's really important. Glad you're back and looking forward to seeing what you have to share.
Good girl - you've gotta take care of number 1. If Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. Looking forward to catching up with what you've been up to!
Glad you're back:-)
Congratulations on doing so well in September and putting you and your family first. I hope that you can get back into blogging without the obligation you appear to feel. No apologies necessary for not sharing all the time but thank you for sharing when you have time.
i'm reading some blogs, but not really-- skimming most-- and not updating my own at all. i'm sewing when i feel like it, rather than trying to keep up with creating content.
honestly, i feel better. it seems like blogs have sucked all the fun out of sewing for me. i can only tolerate a few these days.
missed you and glad you are doing better! don't worry about posting when you get the bloggin' blahs, but I do hope you keep the blog open just so we can pop in on you and see how you are whenever you do get a moment to post. i can't keep up with a lot of blogs right now either, so you're not alone there. take care!
I love this - and I love your outlook, so often I find myself working under pressure to complete a project of take a photo just for my blog, which makes all of it no fun. Glad you are back! The pic of Chaney is adorable.
Glad to hear things are going more smoothly for you, Jennifer!
Welcome back! It's so difficult to take those breaks, but I'm glad you did for you and your family, and I'm glad you shared it with the rest of us. I think knowing that others need and survive a blogging/sewing break gives the courage to others to do the same (I am taking a semi break, too, and it's hard!)
I should have done what you did! The stress monster got the best of me, for sure! Good for you!
Thanks for the honesty and open post! I think many Mom's suffer from depression...taking care of ourselves last...I'm still learning myself. Your list looks perfect! Don't jump back in, simply walk one little foot step at a time and retreat if need be.
So glad you're back and that you're feeling so well.
Priorities are essential, yes?? :-)
Thanks for the honesty with which you shared here. I'm having a hard time finding my stride with our homeschool and my health this fall and I am really encouraged by your post. Glad you wrote. And that I read. :-)
You have a blessed day!!!
Depression is ugly stuff. So glad you've taken some control back which I know isn't easy. Thanks for the softball picture. I miss the days when my girls played.
Good for you for being honest with yourself (and us) and taking control. I've missed you, and am glad to see a post whether it's weekly or monthly. You're taking care of YOU and that's most important!
Keep us posted when you feel like it!
~Julie
Welcome back, and here's to taking care of yourself. I too put myself last lots of times and have dealt with depression off and on for years. Love your blog, and look forward to seeing whats new when you do post.
I understand what you're talking about, and September is the start of the downhill slide, yep. Keep on keeping your priorities in order! You work full-time as well as taking care of your family and your hobbies could be f/t jobs in themselves! There's nothing wrong with unplugging from the computer and sewing machine on occasion.
It was a happy thing to see you on my blogroll. I have been thinking about you a lot but didn't want to bug you. You were not forgotten!
Welcome back!
It sounds like you're on top of it - well done. It can be so hard and you're doing really well.
Nice to see you back, but well done on taking time out for you.
Glad to see you're back. As a Mom and a grandma that's struggled with depression since my teens, it was only in the last few years I finally was able to get a handle on it all as I was too busy trying to keep family and work going instead of taking care of me. Very good that you've discovered what you need to stay clear of the downward turn towards depression. I look forward to reading your blog, and that's whenever you blog, your family and health come first!
recently found your blog (sorry; don't recall the link) and am glad i did - especially reading a post like this. what you call "pretty open", i call brave and honest. you help remove the stigma from depression (which i have/fight). thank you.
kathy
meant to also say that i am glad you are feeling better and thanks for what you share. :)
kathy
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