Everything to Everyone?
How can I be everything to everyone?
A mother, parent, teacher, homeroom mom, field trip attendee, housekeeper, cook, wife, shopper, chauffer, writer, blogger, not to mention a helper to my mother who’s been living with us for two and a half months.
Her living here has been much better than I expected, and I admit I do let things go around the house knowing she’ll probably do it. But if she wasn’t here, I’d probably let things go anyway. I’ve been at her disposal when she needs helps, but how do I keep it up? How do I continue to meet everyone’s needs (while my family neglects my own) and continue to put on a happy face?
I’m sorry, I just can’t do it on my own. I get snippy way too often and don’t try to hide my annoyance. My mom has picked up on it and has called me on it. But she does the same thing with my kids! Doesn’t anyone else see all the pressure I’m under? Not only do I have a house full of kids which I’ve cared for the last 13 years (just me and hubby) without the help of family, but now I have a live-in mom who has needs she expects me to meet, and be cheerful doing it.
I’m sorry if I’m not able to be everything to everyone. I’m sorry I’m not chipper when I’m feeling pulled and stretched liked taffy, and I’m sorry I tend to escape to my computer to hide away from the demands and chaos of my life. Sometimes escaping is all I have energy for!
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Gina, I have and am walking in your shoes. You cannot be all things to all people, as I would guess you have surmised. Hold on to what is good and true, do the best you can, and take long walks. Really. I’ll pray for you because I know just how hard the line you are walking is.
April 11th, 2008 at 9:20 amGreat post Gina. Very real. It is impossible to be everything to everyone and honestly, we aren’t meant to be. Keep going to God to refill your cup. Blessings to you.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:36 amHi, I can really identify with you! You have my empathy because life can be hard. I helped take care of my elderly mother and now my dad will be 90. Enjoy your weekend! Cindi
April 11th, 2008 at 1:04 pmAnnie, Angela, Cindi, thanks for your encouraging words. I’m glad you understand. It’s something I just needed to get off my chest and I’m glad others can relate to it!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:50 pmGina,
April 13th, 2008 at 3:46 pmHang in there! Believe me, I can relate. Thanks for visiting my blog again, and thanks for your encouragement. Best of luck to you on your manuscripts! That’s wonderful.
Genny
Contest: Sounds like you were going through a rough time. I hope things have eased up some.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:21 pmContest 2009. I sympathize because I have felt that way myself. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by trying to meet everyone’s needs. I tend to escape to the computer as well. I have learned to try and take time out for me to help me cope with the stress, even if it is just 10 minutes. Once the kids are in bed I allow myself to escape into a good book for a little bit just to help unwind.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:15 amCONTEST2009 I feel the same way! Monica
January 6th, 2009 at 10:23 amContest 2009> Hey Gina- that is something I can relate to. Being a homemaker mom, I feel like I’ve been expected to absolutely everything, but I can’t do it all. Thankfully, as my kids have gotten older, they are stepping up to the plate, and contributing a lot. Keep going to God with your issues, and He’ll keep giving you the strength and fortitude you need to get through another day.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:24 pmContest 2009 ~ Life does become overwhelming sometimes! I think I am part of the sandwich generation. I got married older and had my two sons in my thirties! My mother passed away at 80 in 2000, and my dad just turned 90! Luckily, I have an older sister and we both help with our dad. We lost our only brother the same year as our mom. It was definitely not a good year. Thanks, Cindi
January 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm