This is the first Tuesday I’ve missed in 13 weeks. The reality is, I was busy! I forgot. Which is what happens when we have so much to do, we just can’t get to it. “Busy” is a problem that needs to be fixed. For me, it is. Have you experienced this? Most of us have.

I was up at 3 am, on the road for a 4 hour trip to an airport with a 4 hour drive back, just to spend some time with my daughter who is off on an adventure. I got back in time for a 1 hour soccer game for my son, followed by a half of an attempt at dinner and conversation with my family. I was busy.

Blessed. But busy. Gratitude for the ability to do any of it at all. Counted all the blessings. Still, tired in the doing. 

That was my reality. I was grateful and also tired and also thought about how much I didn’t get done. One does not outweigh the others.

There is always that solo parent’s voice reminding me of the to-do list. Always telling me what has to happen next.

‘Always’ can be a battle zone.

Always reminds me of the 24×7 juggling act that is the life of a solo parent with very busy children.

  • I do count my blessings.
  • I do carve out meditation time.
  • I master the deep cleansing breath.
  • I am absolutely focused on gratitude, grit and resilience as I also process my reality.

In truth, it would be glorious to simply think myself more rested, to wish away the stressors that toy with my life like a cat with a mouse. I would absolutely love to move to a location more in line with where I’d like my life to match my vision board.

A lovely life.

When I hear statements from coaches like, “what would that look like”, I smile. Not because I can see it as well, but because we all have a fantasy life that in reality is the challenge itself.

The reality is, not everyone can afford to dream; has a support system; and some are fighting battles we just don’t know about. For a majority of people in our world who live just under paycheck to paycheck, the reality is, ‘dreaming’ is an expensive investment.

It’s a mental workout to stay stuck in the positive all the time. It’s a dangerous reality to never go there at all. It’s reality to have an off-day. It’s human to stop trying to do all things for all people. Tell that to a solo parent, and the reality is, they will most likely take the dream but know that “positive thinking” isn’t always possible. Give yourself permission to just feel overwhelmed once in a while. You’re human. I know I am.

Gotta Run!
Karen

 

About the Author: Karen Henry (Daly), MA CRM owns Henry Healing as a holistic well-being practitioner and writer. She’s a former university professor and current scholar practicing the infusion of positive, existential and community psychology.

 

 

“We Are The Positive Psychology People”

Find out more about positive psychology courses and training at 

Share This