How has the pandemic re-shaped your life in the last year, friend?
If anything, I have leaned deeply into the NEED to "take care of (the) people suffering from unintended consequences" of the pandemic - namely moms, the special needs community I do life with, those 24/7 parenting over the last year, and myself.
The question that keeps surfacing for me here though, is this:
Can a stressful year reshape the road ahead for us?
I know personally that a stressful life can absolutely reshape one’s path.
Several years ago, I was blessed to end up in recovery - from loads of life hurts & the impact chronic disease and special needs parenting has had on my life (and soul). Celebrate Recovery not only reshaped my walk and taught me my worth; it also gifted me time with women who have different struggles, which included a history of addiction. Which uncovered MY unhealthy coping mechanisms (we've all got them).
Beautiful, amazing, WHOLE women.
This season taught me that every human has a hurdle or two to overcome.
We are not alone in our struggles.
We are also not alone in our striving for something… more.
Kind of like The Woman at the Well.
She’s the highlight of our next teaching with Terri Sestina later this month. Click here to join us & make sure you have subscribed for the recap!
Until then, let’s normalize every experience of motherhood, parenting, and caregiving. Let’s cheer one another on - no matter what.
I would love to ask that question of you one more time today before you hit “delete”…
Can a stressful year reshape the road ahead for us?
I would love for you to comment below with how the last year has reshaped your life. Or how you would like for it to be reshaped! Inspire someone. Grieve with us. All is welcome here.
Looking for some quick reads to support your journey?
Digging Deeper
An excerpt from this article posted by one of our MFMH mentor’s Terri might keep you afloat if you’re looking for the church to get involved in your mental health. Truly, your pastor or priest might not even know there’s something off!
“Nobody, however, is photographing themselves lying in their bed at home while experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread at the mere prospect of getting up to take a shower. It’s just not happening. And parents, for good reason, are not voluntarily broadcasting the ongoing treatment their newly diagnosed children are receiving for schizophrenia.” - Mental Health, This is Not a Drill
What can we do about this? Well, we can broadcast our pain (and reduce the stigma attached to mental health and well-being - yes, please!) or we can intentionally reach out, remembering these folks are oh-so human and may not have the answer.
Neither do I, by the way. (Have an answer that is.) But, I do get to be a part of a ministry that is willing to stand alongside you come heck or high water. It’s why Moms for Mental Health exists.
Mentor Moment
One last read for you if you need a reminder that we need one another here, in this one precious life and on this super-rocky road…
“Reach Out.
Let's put our oxygen masks on for a few minutes.
I would like to remind you of this truth. You are not alone. We are not meant to carry our burdens alone. We need friends to walk with us. So reach out to a friend today.
Remember that clear is kind, so tell them what you need. If you need to chat and not mention Covid-19 or talk about your child, tell them. If you need a listening ear without solutions, tell them. Struggling with mental health issues can be isolating. Not everyone will get it, actually most people won't. Find those people who can support you. Reaching out and finding your people will keep you sane and give you the strength to go back and do the next thing.” - Amy Brown
(Amy Brown is our chief mentor mom with MFMH. And words like this plus her life experience are why!)
That last line: “Reaching out and finding your people will keep you sane and give you the strength to go back and do the next thing.”
It’s necessary. It’s true. We are better together. And I’m so glad you are here.
Always. Always.
Love to you,
Jennifer