Mommy Stress...Good or Bad?

It always amazes me how stress can turn one's world upside down and inside out! We think we have it all figured out, and then Vertigo sets in. I recently took a course on Stress Management. It made me realize how I have stuffed the emotional junk down my throat for so very long. First the feelings get stuffed, and then the sugar fills up any leftover space.

I could never figure out "good" stress or "bad" stress...it was all bad to me! I now know that the good stress can motivate me to take care of my "To Do" list in a positive light. The bad stress is something I still fight, still stuff and sometimes block from my mind entirely.

Bad stress is why I haven't posted in a long time. I have some life changing challenges ahead of me. The mom in me tells me to make sure the kids are okay and settled before I can work on what I need to do. But I think I'm using that as an excuse to avoid what really needs to be done.

I'm moving to another state (five hours from where I now live) and my children are staying here. They are old enough to be on their own, and are excited at the thought of doing so. It's killing me because I don't want to let go. I think if they left one at a time, it might be easier for me. But, it's happening all at once, and it scares the heck out of me. The thought of just being two again feels so foreign. I know it happens every day, and parents get through it, but it's not something I had planned for or ever imagined would happen to me.

On the flip side, I won't be involved in the daily drama of the "sisters." I won't get the phone calls late at night...telling me that they are going to be late! I also won't have to tip-toe around the house until noon because SOMEONE is sleeping...because SOMEONE was up until 3:00 or 4:00 or some other hour! I'm still going to miss even this!

I enjoy making "To Do" lists. I even list things I've already done so that I can have the satisfaction of crossing it off! My ADD is really kicking in so I leave lists in every room, just in case I think of something else that needs to be done!

I guess that's just what we (moms) do! We laugh, we cry, we carry out hearts on our sleeves and we make lists. I can't imagine my life any other way. Wish me luck with my lists!

First Night 2012 - Sundays in My City

Founded in 1976 in Boston (1991 in St. Louis), First Night is a community celebration of the coming of the New Year expressed through the arts. First Night’s mission is to broaden and deepen the public’s appreciation of the arts through an innovative, diverse and high quality program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all. In order to maximize the participation of people of all ages, First Night is a non-alcoholic event.

I have yet to experience this wonderful event as the weather on New Year's Eve has mostly been very cold and wet. This year, there were acrobats, bands, parades, a performance of "Xanadu" at our lovely Fox Theater, food everywhere, face painting, bubble catching, art exhibits, both stationery and animated...to name a few. My favorite part of the entire event is that there is no alcohol, which makes it a real family event, and a great alternative to getting soused for the evening! For more information, click here.

I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my city!

Thanks to Unknown Mami for sponsoring this wonderful blog which allows us to see parts of the world that we may not be able to visit. Please hop over to her blog by clicking on the logo below, and enjoy some amazing places.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a very happy and prosperous New Year!