Let's Begin...(1 Word Challenge)

I don't even know where to begin...
I can honestly say...I am having a s*%@ day and I am depressed! I only need to look around my house to know that I am having one of my low days...There are dishes on the bench, I can't even see the other side and my dining table is covered with random stuff. My lounge looks like a tornado has been through it, oh wait - that would be my 11 month old son! On top of the house looking like a disaster, I have to actually (eventually) clean it for Open Home on Sunday, make decorations for the kids birthday parties (doing everything on a very tight budget), get my planning finished for work (unit plan etc) and make time for my blog (I actually take blogging seriously, its more than a hobby to me).

I am exhausted, I have had bugger all sleep this past week due to Master M waking several times in the night and it has finally caught up on me! I am feeling very emotional and overwhelmed by everything that is happening in my life! It was just the other day that I had an OMG moment, when I realised that it's my kid's birthdays next week, NEXT WEEK!!! Arrrrghhhhh!! From today, Master M will be turning ONE in 7 days & Miss B will be turning TEN in 10 days - all I keep saying is "I'm not ready for this"! (I am in total denial)
Photo of me at 40 weeks pregnant with Master M
(my due date: 24th February)
With all thats been happening in our lives, I haven't had a chance to just sit down and reflect on Master M's first year or look back at Miss B's ten years - TEN YEARS! Two massive milestones and I have swept them both under the covers...I just don't think I am ready to accept that my babies are growing up! Everything is happening so fast, I feel like I need 6 more months just to catch up!

I know that I am going to be an emotional wreck leading up to their birthdays (wait - I already am!) -  plus getting the house ready Open Home on Sunday, work on Tuesday, blogging and planning/organising their birthdays (which are happening next weekend) - can you see why I am a little overwhelmed (okay I am VERY overwhelmed), however it's no surprise to anyone that I thrive on pressure and no matter how exhausted I am or will get, I will #makeithappen! I would be really proud of myself if I do manage to pull it off and I will have time to nap after the 12th - by then the house will *hopefully* be sold and the parties are all over rover!

These are the MAIN things that I am dealing with at the moment!
  • Planning and Organising three birthday parties (2x Saturday and 1xSunday)
  • Teacher planning for work (unit plans typed and emailed before Tuesday)
  • Blogging - writing posts
  • Clean house and get it ready for Open Home on Sunday - go and visit some Open Homes. 
  • Update Master M's baby books and keepsake box.
  • Take a moment or two to reflect on the TEN years of being a MUM!!
AAARRGGGHHHHH Where do I begin???

***A few moments later***
Okay, please forgive me, you just witnessed me having a mini breakdown! I am just glad you never got to see it real life - it wasn't pretty)...I have had depression for over 10 years and I have come to know what my tell-tale signs are e.g. crying (lots of crying), messy & cluttered home...and I have also learnt a few things along the way that help me get through an episode, not matter how big or small it is...

1. Firstly, accept that there is a problem and whether or not you need to ask for help or if you can help yourself. Write down everything that is bothering you or that is on your mind (kind of like letting it all out...on paper), thinking about what, who, where, why, when? Breaking it down makes it easier to choose a problem, task or area to focus on - it's important to tackle things one at a time. 

2. Now that you have chosen ONE task to work on (the other tasks will be done later on), think about ways/solutions that you can get the job done, without becoming overloaded or overwhelmed again. I love lists, so this step is one that I really enjoy! Write a to-do list or put all your ideas on paper, that way you can physically see it and it's one less thing in your (already overloaded) brain! 

3. Now to make a plan! Think SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/Relevant, Timely) and put it into action! You can do this! Good luck! Once you have tackled the problem/task - give yourself a pat on the back and maybe a treat before moving onto the next problem. If you didn't resolve it, go back to #2 and maybe choose another solution. 

Now wish me luck, as I am going to tackle my first problem - CLEAN THE HOUSE! I can't concentrate when there is mess or clutter around me (on top of an already cluttered mind)...so I am going to do 15 minute increments of tidying up each area of my home!

Let's begin!


This post is a part of The 1 Word Blog Challenge - Hosted by Lisa at The Golden Spoons
This weeks word prompts were Begin, Surprise & Forgive


18 comments

  1. Oh Charlene!! I so get this. I don't have the depression to cope with, but I am totally overwhelmed most of the time. Just today, all three of my kids were supposed to be at different places at the same time. I had work responsibilities, something I had volunteered for at my daughter's school, and impending snowstorm, and the list goes on and on. I haven't looked at my blog all day until 9:00p tonight. I'm exhausted. I hope things get easier for you soon - although I don't know you in person, I gather from your blog posts that you are a strong woman and a great multi-tasker. I now you'll get through it all!

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    1. Thank you so much Lisa. I hope you get a good night sleep :) I will be reading the other blog posts in the link up later tonight!

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  2. I truly don't have depression, but still I can get this completely as I have so much to do weekly here and not enough hours in the day ever. And trust me depression or not, I have my own mini meltdowns every so often, as well. I just thank god that usually my husband is here to pick up the slack if I do need. I hope you are not too stressed and getting what needs to be as you can now. Sending some extra hugs your way!!

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    1. Thank you Janine. Everyone has their own mini meltdowns - and personally. I think thats okay - its your mind's way of telling you to SLOW DOWN! And that's exactly what I did yesterday...i stopped, let it all out, cried and then told myself STOP! BREATHE! And then followed the tips I have mentioned above. I have dealt with these episodes before, so I know what works for me and what doesn't. Everyone is different. Thank you for your electronic hugs! Much appreciated - Look forward to linking up with you, Marcia and Lisa next week :)

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  3. I love this post and how you wrote it, Charlene! I could definitely feel to a large degree how overwhelmed you must have felt having all those situations looming over you. :( I'm so sorry that depression causes you added problems. I'm very glad, however, as I kept on reading this wonderful post that you were able to marvelously regroup and get through everything you were facing. And I'm so happy that you shared the helpful tips that help you at the end! They're excellent, and I'll be trying to better do them myself! Thank you so much for being part of One Word and for writing this article and linking it up! :)

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    1. Awww thank you so much for your kind words Marcia. It means a lot! I am really glad that One Word is continuing and that you and Janine are going to be co-hosting with Lisa! I look forward to our weekly catch ups :). Today is a new day!

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  4. Wow you have a lot going on right now and everything needs attention and I'm glad to see your a list girl too, I'd be lost without my lists as they help me stay focused on what needs to happen next.

    I hope you get everything you need done for the open house and that your house will find a new owner.

    Thank you for sharing your struggles, it helps others that struggle too :)

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    1. thanks CJ - I have lists for my lists at the moment! I just need to get through the next two weeks and I will be OKAY!
      Thanks for your lovely comment. Sometimes you just have to share the bad & the ugly - it's not all sunshine and lollipops.

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  5. Good to have a plan - sometimes the plan is what keeps you going...

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  6. Plans are important, they keep me sane even at my most nutty times.. step by step :)

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    1. I agree Tessa! I love to-do lists and having things planned...definitely taking one day at a time! Thanks for your comment

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  7. Bite site pieces lovely - thats what I tell myself whenever I am overwhelmed.. which is pretty much always ;) Youve got this hun - just remember to breathe xx

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    1. :) Thank you Sonia! You're words of encouragement mean a lot!!

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  8. It's always good to have a plan. I like to eat the frog first, and start with the thing I like/want to do the least which makes everything after much more enjoyable! Good luck with the open house and hope the birthdays are full of happy! Thanks for linking up with the Ultimate Rabbit Hole!

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    1. Thank you so much for commenting Sammie! Plans are definitely good to have!

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  9. The quote at the beginning of your post is one to hold onto. Love it. Happy to see how this post panned out. Filling the hole that we often dig ourselves is so important and cutting the overwhelm down to size is perfect. Hope your week has kept on getting better. I love starting with a clean house. I instantly feel better. It is just finding the time.

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    1. Thank you for reading my post and commenting Karin - Great to have you here.

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