Good morning, fam. Today, let’s talk about this feeling that you’re being kicked when you’re down.
Sometimes we get so caught up in how we feel that it can feel like the whole world is out to get us.
I promise it’s not.
The problem isn’t the world. The problem is the pervasive societal ideas that:
we have to do everything ourselves
asking for help is a weakness
seeking services that we pay into with our hard work and tax dollars (WIC, SNAP, Social Security, etc.) is laziness
we see other people who have it ‘together’, so clearly we’re failures
and so many more.
These are lies!
This is what community is supposed to do, take care of each other.
So, if you’re stuck in a rut, feeling like you can’t reach out, that you’re a failure if you do, reframe it. Give yourself the kindness you would extend to your friends and family.
Will it take away all your stress? No, but every little bit counts.
Need a sitter? Ask your local Red Cross. They typically have a list of Red Cross Certified Babysitters who aren’t going to charge you an arm or a leg.
Need something for your home? Check your local Freecycle to see what people are offering for free. It’s not going to be new stuff, but it’s all free. And you can ask for things, too. And check out your online groups, too, like Facebook and NextDoor.
Need foodstuffs? Let’s be honest: SNAP and/or WIC don’t provide enough money to feed families. But every state has programs to help. Check for local food banks or volunteer groups who are actively out there to help.
One More Thing
It’s okay to be upset and have big emotions about what’s going on in your life. I know I am right now. Just don’t live in that rut. Mourn the problem, then bury it without burying you.
You deserve happiness.
You deserve love.
You are worth the effort.
And I’ll be here until you believe it, too.
(And I’ll be here afterwards, too. Cos that’s what family does.)
Love,
Your Mom
This is all great advice! It's up to us to know when we are allowing problems and issues outside of our control to control us. I especially like the "mourn the problem, then bury it" advice. Thanks, mom!