One Of Those Days

Something I’ve been thinking about lately…specifically in terms of being a mom…because that’s my career, you know…

have you ever had one of those days?

I suspect yes – so I’ll just share what one of those days looks like for me. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve noticed this tendency in myself to kind of shut down when the list gets too big, kids are too complain-y, the house is too messy, and so on. By shut down, I mean turn the brain off and surf the web, or read a chapter book that the kids have left out (Yep, I’ve even been seen reading Hank the CowDog), or spend some time on a computer game. It’s not a bit productive, it doesn’t help me a bit, and I sure don’t feel any better when I come back to reality and see that the list hasn’t changed. Somehow, it’s always still there. So I’ll finally stumble out of the wagon and take my proper place pulling again, and eventually something on the list will get done. It’s usually not as much as I wanted (small wonder), but it’s a start which gives me momentum to keep the wagon rolling. Metaphorically speaking, if you know what I mean.

Sooo -

I’m learning, be it ever so slowly, that when I fall into this zone-out time, when my brain takes a break from reality (right or wrong isn’t the issue; fact is it happens sometimes and I’m guessing there’s no one reading this who can claim ignorance about this…), it can be overwhelming to jump back out of the wagon and face that ugly list.

I really did first type ‘ugly’ list but revised it – it’s not an ugly list. It’s a list of life, it’s my job description, and I truly would want no other job than what God has called me to do. And there are even days now that the list isn’t as big as it was in years past; and there are many days, really most days, where the list is big and long and things break and appointments are many and yet I can march right through it all with nary a stumble.

But some days - - - well some days are cloudy and I get headaches. Some days are cold and I get grumpy. Sometimes aches and pains drag me down (like the awful cold sore I endured for a week. yuukkk). Some days are not cloudy and not cold and I don’t have a cold sore but I still feel like crud. Energy, enthusiasm, excitement are gone. No joy in sight. Life is dull. Flat. Gray.

Can anyone relate?

I blame those days on hormones. You women understand. I could say more about that but don’t really think this is the right forum for it. If you’re interested in reading an excellent book on it, it’s called Jump Off The Hormone Swing, by Lorraine Pintus. As with all books, read with discretion. This book didn’t end cruddy days for me, but it did teach me how to lessen their frequency and better cope with them; and most importantly, it reassured me that there are very real physical reasons why I feel that way sometimes. From this book, I also learned a name for this turn-the-brain-off-and-stumble-around-awhile phenomenon. It’s called brainus mushyitis.

Uhhhh…. yep.

This author nails it. And many other women have the same struggle that I do sometimes. Not sure why, but that’s helpful for me to know too. I’m not alone in this.

Anyway. Back to the list.

Cruddy day or not, the list always is. And - - - when I zone out and waste an hour - - - the list is still there.

So - - - eventually I snap back to reality, duty calls, there’s work to be done.

And so - I take that flying leap out of the wagon and hit the ground pulling hard. Back to work.

And even more behind than when the zone-out hit!

What I’ve learned is that the most important thing I can do on one of those days is pace myself. On the days when the list is long and the energy is low, if I can look at the list and can highlight one or two or maybe even four things that MUST get done today, the rest can wait. Cleaning, baking, patching, emails, blogging, gardening… most of this can wait awhile. With no big consequences. These things are the minors. If I don’t major in the minors, I can usually get the majors done without too much pain. Come to think of it, it’s usually the minors that can get overwhelming  - and they don’t even have to be done. That’s why they’re called the minors. Too often those minors can morph into majors if I let them. But, if I can get the real majors done - - – 1. meals on table 2. laundry clean (doesn’t even have to be folded!) 3. school with kids  - - – the rest can be done when the clouds clear, sun is shining again, the headache dissipates, cold sore heals, energy is high, hormones are back to normal. If I can remember to pace myself and not tackle the minors on one of those days, those minors won’t morph into majors. And life looks manageable again. Which it always is but sometimes I lose my focus.

Anyway.

Just some things I’ve been thinking on lately.

Also hoping that no one out there in blogland is thinking they’re the only ones who have those days. Because you’re NOT . Rest assured - - – everyone, and I do mean everyone, has those days. Some people have more, some less, some worse, some better, but I believe everyone has them to one extent or another.

So - - - when you’re having one of those days – - - pace yourself.

Clear the schedule as best you can.

Enjoy a hot cup of tea and break out the hidden candy bars.

Frozen pizza or mac ‘n’ cheese is fine for supper. Cold cereal? Go for it.

Text a friend and ask her to pray for you.

Say an extra prayer for grace for the day.

And -

Say a prayer for me too, because you never know - - -

I might be having one of those days too!

 

Rejoice evermore for -

He’s Still The King of Kings And Lord of Lords!!!!!!!!!