OK. Please tell me how much you do, and how you manage to do it, and tell me if you think I am mad.

[wickerman]

I've come to the conclusion that I am, actually, doing too much and this is the cause of much of my stress/distress and dissatisfaction.

I think I have two choices - to continue to ride the peaks and troughs that this current lifestyle is giving me - which could be dangerous

OR to admit defeat and try and simplify my existence.

I've never been one of those batch cooking, uber organised mothers - it just doesn't seem to be in me - so I need to find other ways. I can, however, make lists. And I do.

Ok - so single parent to two girls, both of whom have had significant health problems in the past but are doing fine now (yay). I get 4 days off every two weeks when they are with their dad, but I still do all the headspace stuff.
Home owner, with needy lodger. Home is currently severely neglected. Don't want to sell it as we have had to move around so much historically. But feeling it as a millstone. It has problems. And needs painting.
Work fulltime in a creative industry (playwright/musician.)Always feel like I am not working hard enough, doing enough, networking enough. Career has taken a massive knock in past 3 years owing to separation and HUGE family issues - sibling hospitalised for bipolar and revelation of family abuse which has lead to total schism in family - basically I've lost my parents - which have taken up most of my time and are still threatening to derail me. Am valiantly struggling to build it back up again. Am in despair about it but giving myself this year to build back up. Have had success in the past, feel I deserve it again.
Have needy younger boyfriend, whom I love massively, but who obviously is not a long term goer, and also can't help with anything, as he is scarcely formed himself. But I do, really love him. And he brings me joy as well as much frustration.
Have problems with weight, alcohol, and tobacco and fluctuating mood. So am trying to hit the gym 3-5 times a week.

Have support from cleaner and after school childminder - only reason am still alive, I think.

have no family to help.

What about you all? How do you keep it all together?

[Bonsoir]

You seem to collect needy people. That is not a criticism. But ask yourself why this is so. Needy lodger, needy boyfriend, two small children, useless family... maybe you should be looking out for some people who give back a bit more?

[Chocattack]

Wow! That's a lot . < choc returns to hiding underneath the covers feeling a waste of space >

[boredandrestless]

I'm with bonsoir, it's the people in your life causing you to feel so overwhelmed.

Break up with needy boyfriend. Give lodger notice and find a new one (who isn't needy and has a busy fulfilling life of their own).

Are you currently having any counselling? May help you to talk through family issues and everything else you have going on.

[AgentProvocateur]

Agree with Bonsoir. Maybe difficult to deal with needy boyfriend, but no way would I put up with a needy lodger. Get rid and get a new one.

[Chocattack]

Just saw your question. On the basis of what you've written no I don't think you're mad. Is that what you think about yourself? Are you worried about being bipolar like your sibling?

[RasberryMilkshake]

yep, you've got a lot on your plate. I too think that is the root of a lot of my problems. Unfrotunately I havent found a solution yet.
I work in demanding professional,extremely stressful and emotionally draining job 80% of full time. Have 6 dc aged 3,6,7,9,12 and 13. One dd has ASD. Do have a DH who does as much as he can, but he works full time on stressful job too. No cleaner (boo!) or after school care (basically if I am not at work the DC are with me!) Big financial stresses, which are managable but mean that house is in very run down state, with little possibility of much improvement any time soon (long reasons for this!) I do all the thinking/planning/organising for DC which REALLY wares me down.
Also have lots of issues from my past to do with family which I am working through...
Have no other family or friends really near by....
I am doing too much. I am totally shattered, I am on ADs, but still feel fairly rubbish tbh. I would love to cut back somehow - but can't see a way at the moment so battle on....
I would say if there is any way to make things easier for yourself then you should do it - it will be worth it in the long run!

[orangeflutie]

I don't think you're mad. You seem to be just about managing like most of us. I think there's a problem when motivation starts going and too many things start to slide and it's difficult to climb back up again.

I think it's important to surround yourself with people that care and try not to accept too many people who drain you. Easier said than done I know.

If you can try and do something just for you everyday too.