Tiny things that get your through

[Exhaustedbones]

Going through a hugely challenging time. One of those 'I can't see a way out of this' kind of times. But as we know, as mums the engine room can't go down and so I am trying to get little glimpses of joy, or if not joy a relief, even just for a second.

Today those moments included; waking up to kisses from dc2, I fell asleep in his bed after his stories last night and slept through. He was so happy to see me there this morning amd asked if we could have another 'sleep over' tonight.

My eldest sent me a tiktok video about how he always feel loved by me and that he feels I believe in him. I don't know what are our lives will look like in 12 months, but I am trying so hard to not forget to live. This is their childhood and this time will never come back.

I’m so sorry you’re going through such a hard time. Do you have support or people you can lean on?

Reading has been my way of escaping for a few years now even just a few pages can help.

Also being kind to yourself in little ways, taking a couple of minutes to apply some nice have cream, fitting in an early night if you can, regular fresh air, and having a kind inner voice all can make a difference.

Don’t be hard on yourself you’re not alone here.

Sorry you’re going through a tough time. I try and remind myself that I’ve felt absolutely awful before but got through it and I’ll get through it again. It’s temporary even if it doesn’t feel like it.

I get a sense of relief after a walk in the fresh air. A hot bath. Not forcing myself to do things that aren’t necessary.

Hope you turn a corner soon.

You sound like a wonderful mother and your children obviously love you very much. I’m sorry times are so hard for you right now.

I have no advice really. After a really shit few years (on top of the shit years before that!) of loss, I struggle sometimes too.

I try to read, and be kind to myself. A bit of skin care, a nice bath. Time with my teen children always lifts my mood too.

I hope things look brighter for you soon x

this - reading
dreaming of your new normal
deciding to slim if you want to and need to
sleeping one 1 h more if you can afford it
having twice longer shower if you need secret cry
hope for the future and faith in the immortal life with God
sitting on a sofa with coffee
eating comfort food
I would call my mother if she was the type capable to help and advise, my was not, so I have never called her

When I feel overwhelmed I reassure myself out loud as if I'm a child. In the bathroom mirror or driving the car, hopefully never accidently in public. I'd probably be considered mad if someone heard me but I'd say things like well done pet or you're doing great, you can do this, everything is going to be ok my love, you are doing such a good job, be proud of yourself etc etc.

I love this, I’m going to try it!

Podcasts that are like listening to your best friend chat away. Katherine Ryan. LuAnna. Shagged Married Annoyed. Just light stuff like that. They make me feel less alone in the world.

I’m full of positive manifestations at the moment!
I keep telling myself that everything will be ok. I remind myself that I’ve managed to sort everything that’s happened so far and I just need to keep going.
Believe in yourself OP, just like your kids do!
This too shall pass….

This really resonated. We’ve had a terrible few years and I’m struggling with grief of losing sibling whilst also dealing with parent going through chemo once again but my kids are young and I don’t want their childhoods to be ruined by all this grief and upset. I’m lucky that I don’t work so some days I just have to have solitude to put myself back together so that I can be present and a good mum to them. Some days that looks like laying on the sofa watching a good series I can immerse myself in so I can switch off and telling myself that’s ok because putting on a brave face every day is exhausting. Some days catching up with a good friend if I feel up to it. And small acts of self care. It sounds very superficial but I got some new make up for Xmas and I’ve enjoyed trying that out. Reading a good book, doing puzzles- just little things that help me.

No words of advice as we’re in the same situation too and it’s hard. It really is but your examples really made me smile.

your absolutely right this is their childhood.

that is our reason ❤️

I love the idea of a kind inner voice. I need to work on that!

I was reading am article that eating a few fruits per day even just for a few weeks can lift the mood.

You sound like a fantastic mum @Exhaustedbones your children are so lucky to have you.

Sorry you’re going through such a tough time ❤️ For me I’ve found meditation very helpful - 10 mins a day on Headspace really helps.
Therapy, exercise and spending time in nature have all got me through tough times as well.
You will get through this.