My life has been feeling chaotic over the last few months with big life-changing moments.
I moved to a new house in a new town, and Drake and I found out we are having baby No. 2 (coming March 2023).
Typically, when moments like this happen, you can either be extremely excited or extremely stressed. I found myself more stressed with lots of worry.
This is part of the reason I have switch our weekly blog to more of a bi-weekly blog. I don't have the same energy to put into my writing.
I also can't find the self confidence to write something I feel will mean something. I fear that it just won't be good enough.
Today's fear
If you are reading this from the U.S., you also might be feeling some fear and worry.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, our inflation rate is at 8.3% as of Sept. 13, 2022. The consumer price index summary states that "shelter, food, and medical care indexes were the largest of many contributors to the broad-based monthly all items increase."
Shelter, food and health care - All essential items of living.
Money and finances can be a big stressor in everyone's life. With our world in a bind, it can sometimes be difficult to feel positive. It can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel - if there even is an end.
Dealing with anxiety
I will be the first to tell you I am no expert when it comes to overcoming anxiety or depression. I have experienced both in my life at some points, whereas anxiety or worry more so come and go based on events.
With my most recent move, my body actually had a reaction to my stress. Stress mixed with my pregnancy, most likely, lowered my immune system and as a result, I had shingles. Some studies have shown to link stress to shingles.
It was like the cherry on my stress-filled cake when that happened.
Thankfully, I almost fully healed but my worry isn't going away.
I worry about purchasing good enough items for this business.
I worry about having to do taxes as a small business.
I worry about being a good mom to Brooklyn.
I worry about having a healthy pregnancy and staying active.
These are just a few of my worries, and I am sure you have many of your own.
So, what can we do?
Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.
Dwelling on all the negative things or worrying about what could go wrong is not going to help get us to a place of peace. It won't bring more joy into our lives.
As the quote says above, worry isn't going to get you anywhere.
Worries can either be tied to fear of what might happen or what has already happened. In those cases, we need to take action. We need to push ourselves beyond that fear and take control of what we can.
Instead of procrastinating, start with a small task. It's those small steps that can make the biggest difference.
Other worries can be tied to negative feelings and self doubt. My feeling of not being a good enough mom. That is only a feeling. Feelings are temporary.
If I take a step back and look at all the good things I do for my family, all the positivity and love that I bring my child. I know I am a good mom. I don't need validation from anyone or anything else.
Other ways to cope with stress can include exercise, meditation, talking through your stressor with a friend/your partner.
Oftentimes, we know the steps that need to be taken to feel better but are so stuck in the rut of worry that we forget to take that first step.
I'm writing this to remind you (and myself) just take the baby step. You got this! You are stronger than you think.
If you have other ways to deal with worry and anxiety, please share in the comments.
Stay simply confident,
Kayla
Reminder: Occasional anxiety is a part of life. However, anxiety disorders are more than just temporary.
If you are suffering with anxiety or depression, please reach out to your health care provider, support system or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.