Putting it all in Perspective

This last week seemed incredibly hassled. I found myself constantly on the back foot never really getting ahead (welcome to parenthood).  I was running around trying to get the family ready for our “road trip,” planning a birthday party, and oh, yes, working and raising a family. Whenever this mom gets overwhelmed and starts to feel like it is all unraveling, one thing that helps me cope is to put it all in perspective. What are mom’s favorite ways to do this?

Read the NY Times or Watch BBC World News to remember the plight of others. In reading about, or watching the footage of, the recent cyclone in Mynamar or the earthquake in China, it reminds me of how blessed our family is.

Break the cycle of the day with a walk, book, or prayer. Honestly, I have found the way to put it all in perspective is to change both my physiology and my psychology.

Count your blessings everyday. It sounds cheesy, but I do think this is valuable. I remember once Oprah did a show on keeping a daily journal of everything you were thankful for, and I think there is something to that. Recently a close friend of mine lost her mother. My friend knew her mother was dying, but nevertheless it was inevitably still difficult when her mother passed. Every day I talk to my mom or hear the words “ma-ma” I feel like dissolving in tears of gratitude for still having all of my family.

Watch an episode of John & Kate Plus Eight. Honestly, think about it, two twins and a sextuplets. We have it so easy by comparison!

Ditch the list of to do’s and play with the kids for a bit, smile, and laugh. As a stranger in the drugstore just told our family “enjoy every minute of it because it is over in a blink of an eye.”