I am no stranger to the difficulties of having a new born
and toddler. I very clearly remember the
days of pushing my grainy, groggy mind through the prickly fog that enters the
sleep deprived mind. I distinctly remember
the day I decided that it was time for my younger daughter to sleep in her crib
instead of in my room. I was standing in
the family room attempting to put together a plastic kitchen for my older
daughter—the toddler. She was a toddler whom
I expected to be of more help.
Ridiculous what the mind will do when it lacks the capacity for rational
thinking due to lack of sleep.
I find myself there again—unable to sleep. There are no infant cries or coos for
food. There are no creeping toddlers who
have escaped from their brand new, low-rise tot bed to startle me from my
peaceful slumber. The night noises are in
my head. My 11 and 13 year old girls run
there like crazy all through the night.
Are they happy with themselves? Do they like what they see in the
mirror? Do kids at school really like
them? I mean, really. Do they understand what they are being
taught? And why aren’t they practicing
their music? What can I do better? What
if I have already messed up enough to make them need therapy two times a week
for the rest of their lives?
Sounds like the one that needs therapy sits at the laptop
tapping, tipping, and typing. She is asking
for the anxiety to leave her so that she can finish the dishes, mop the floor,
make the beds, and welcome them home once again. She is hoping that after a lengthy cycle of
unrest, tonight will bring her the wisdom that arrives when one lets
go and understands that most is beyond her control.
It all will present itself as needing attention when it needs attention. Without rest she will not pick up the cues. She will not recognize the teachable moments. Let it go. Get some rest. Be well. And all will be well.
It all will present itself as needing attention when it needs attention. Without rest she will not pick up the cues. She will not recognize the teachable moments. Let it go. Get some rest. Be well. And all will be well.
photo credit: Michael Cory via photopin cc