The Wilde Olive Blog: Oh my anxious mommy heart.

Slider

Oh my anxious mommy heart.

Thursday, June 11, 2015


It's hard to describe the feeling you get when you realize how much your children have changed your life. The things that are different are immense, vast and so far reaching that you don't really recognize your former self. Who was that person? Was that really me? Something happens that changes you so deeply. It's terrifying and I've heard that feeling never goes away. It lessens a little I think as your children grow into adults and gain their independence, but I see myself as that mother preparing for an empty nest and aching for them to be close.


Last weekend my in laws picked up my children and took them to stay with them two hours away. Right now, my children are a handful, two handfuls really. Their needs are great and it can be so tiring. So, I was happy to have a little break and some time for rest, but I worry. I worry so much. I have tried to give my worry to Him and just let it go a little but it's really hard for me. Somehow, over the course of working with people for the past ten years as a social worker and just encountering people in life, I've met so many people that "the worst"  has happened to and I don't let those stories go easily. They stick in my mind. Replaying in those "what if" scenarios. So, while I want to be carefree and let my kids discover and explore, I'm hesitant. It's HARD. I want them to be able to go without me and bond with their grandparents, their friends, cousins, aunts and uncles. I really really do. Letting go of the control of those situations is difficult. I over instruct. Over plan. Over check. I say negative things in an effort to, I don't know, justify my worries. I actually say a prayer for their safety nearly every time my husband leaves with them in the car. I completely trust him. I completely trust the women who raised both he and I to care for our children, but my anxiety is still there. Tell me this is normal?



I know my kids are small and my feelings will probably change as I have to let go a little more and a little more over the years. They will go to school, to friends homes, on school trips, oh man I'm not looking forward to field trip bus rides. See ,there I go again, worrying about something that isn't even happening.

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for WELFARE and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE. Jeremiah 29:11

I tell myself often that no matter how much I fight it, I am not in control. God is good, all the time, he provides our guidance and hope for the future, otherwise, what's the point right? So, maybe while I'm praying for them, I need to begin to pray for myself. For my anxieties to be lessened and my heart to speak louder than my brain! Shut up brain. You know nothing of faith.


Tell me I am not alone? 

3 comments:

  1. I volunteered with our local sexual assault program for a year, and over half of the victims where young children. It made me so, so paranoid about the safety of my own kids. I think it's one thing to see stories on the news, even if they are in your own town, and feel bad for those people, but still maintain a sense of "detachment," to maybe naively think that "it could never happen to me." It's different when you are right there, face-to-face talking with the victims, seeing it all in the flesh. I don't feel that anxiety about the kids being with my family (which given statistics on sexual assault, I probably should!) but I really don't want them to ever go anywhere else without me (field trips, friends' houses, etc.). My husband is probably equally as paranoid, so we make for a bad team on that - no balance! But I know I can't live my whole life in fear, that I have to let them "spread their wings" and gain some independence and all that. We talk to them about safety measures and have loosen the reigns a bit, and slowly but surely, I'm becoming a bit less anxious and a teeny tiny bit more comfortable. I'm also totally with you on already knowing how bad my empty nest syndrome will be (my youngest is just one year!).

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are absolutely not alone in this. I worry constantly. And it's so, so silly. I know it. I feel like I could have written your exact words. We are definitely trusting our babes in the most capable of hands, but something happens when we carry those bundles inside of us for 9 months each. I mean, we "grew" them and we were charged to raise them. So, letting go and allowing others to take on a responsibly of caring for their entire wellbeing for a period of time can make us nervous, even though we know they will have the most fun and learn so much from each other. It's ridiculous. I'm right there with you. My anxiousness is somewhat silenced knowing you feel it too :) We'll be good, mama!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I completely understand where you are coming from. I am right there with you. It is so hard not to worry.

    ReplyDelete

Leave us a message or a question!

Powered by Blogger.
Theme Designed By Hello Manhattan
|

Your copyright

Copyright Stephanie Clark 2019