Pandemic

So much has happened since last time I posted. World Pandemic, Hornet Murder Bees and apparently Zombies are on their way. In reality life has been super hectic, as I am sure it has been for you. This Quarantine has been such a blessing to me. It has turned my world upside down. Sometimes we need that to gain perspective. Sometimes ADHDer’s need this ten fold.

It did not take a Pandemic for me to realize I was blessed. I have three wonderful children that challenge my thought process and mind set every day. However, this did throw me right in the middle of a situation that was overwhelming. Working full time at home, home schooling and training a pup all at the same time. Yay motherhood.

I had to reevaluate my children’s needs and my needs in regards to life. I needed to identify what my basic needs were and what my children’s basic needs were. Then we could work on “beyond survival”. Food. Check. Shelter. Check. Love. In progress. Then we needed to tackle school and work. So here is what I did…

I took a few weeks to figure out how my children needed their life vs. school life. I figured out their cues of when they need breaks. I also figured out what I needed to refresh through out the day and in the evenings. This has restructured our family chore list and responsibilities. This is where I insert a roaring praise to my children and husband for stepping up to the plate and not just dwelling in tears. (Although tears are very accepted in our house.) I will talk more in depth on this process in my next blog.

I don’t want to list out everything I was going thru while this Quarantine experience, cause it is not a competition.(Not to down play any of those who lost loved one’s.) However, just to name a few items… Helped throw a wedding, dad was in the hospital a few times, my dog passed away, I was told I was loosing my office at work and would have to share an office (bypassed that one… oh wait I get to share one with three kids now…), sewage backed up in the house, the second round of lice for the family (so much laundry!!). This is just a sample size. I am not telling you this to gain sympathy. I am telling you this because I have gained self respect and I have learned that I can handle more than I think I can.

My world has been flipped multiple times within the past few months. When ADHD and Anxiety are in the mix sometimes we are on the fight (where are the matches?) or the flight (where are the car keys?) Peace out, in both situations. But as a mom, you can’t do that all the time. We are in a spot where we have to immediately face whatever is happening and respond. Keeping in mind that our kids are watching.

I have cried so much! I have laughed so much! I was forced to spend SO MUCH TIME with my kids. I was forced to spend so much time excited for my husband to come home. I have spent time running errands and helping my family. I have spent so much time with my old man dog that was needed, loved and is so very irreplaceable. I am so glad that I have had these opportunities. They have been so amazing! They have grounded me more than I thought was possible. I have learned that I am not as patient as I thought I was. I learned that I don’t know as much about my kids as I want. I have been blessed amongst the chaos.

I would say that God does not give you what you can’t handle, but he does so we can learn to lean on him. I do believe he is with us and guides us and is here for us, even when we do not hear from him. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) I just need to learn how to listen a little better.