More Than Just a Mom

Most mothers have two full time jobs. One is a financial job and the other is taking care of the family. From sunup to sundown, we are working 24/7 with little time in between to breathe. Being a mother does have its benefits but it is tiring and stressful. Before Jeremiah and Micah came into my life, I had all the time in the world to take care of myself, take mid-afternoon naps and do whatever my heart desired. How quickly things changed for me? I went from being just a single girl to a full time mother. The road to motherhood has not being easy. 

Jeremiah was six-years-old when he came to live with me. He had a lot of emotional problems. Eventually Jeremiah was diagnosed with a mental illness. The clinical diagnosis was a mood disorder and reactive attachment disorder, a psychiatric illness that affects how children bond with parents or caregivers. Jeremiah is also hard of hearing and wears hearing aids. He's had a pretty rough life. Our daily routine consists of appointments with doctors, speech pathologists, in-home therapy counseling, and school meetings. The Artis clan are busy bees. I will say that with all of the support systems in place, things are getting better for our family. Jeremiah, now nine, is on the road to recovery and learning how to deal with his disorders. 

Life has been stressful. I cannot stress that point enough. I'm lucky that I have an outlet and I can talk with counselors, my best friend or other people in my life who are willing to hear me vent about the things that are affecting me. When you are going through hard times in life, you need to have someone to turn to. Its not good to bottle up your frustrations. It imporant that you take time out for you. 

Some of the ways I take time out for myself is having lunch alone. I simple love Cheddars in Newport News. My favorite thing is taking a book to read and ordering the crispy chicken salad with pecans, two ranches and a honey mustard. Oh lets not forget the croissant. I enjoy sitting a table without any hollering or demanding kids. I can just relax and immerse myself in my book and food. Another way I treat myself is to go to a movie alone. There's nothing better than sitting in the dark with the snacks you sneaked in (movie food is to darn high) and taking in a good flick. 

Find out what you like to do the most and try to do it at least once or twice a month. Go get your hair or nails done. Take a walk. Get involved with a reading group. Volunteer in the community. Do whatever makes you happy. 

We're more than just a mother. Never lose yourself so much that you forget to take care of your mind, body and soul.