The key to not feeling overwhelmed for me is to keep moving. It’s when I stand still that things start to close in on me. We have been so busy and surrounded by chaos for so long, I forgot what its like to just be quiet. If I really think about what has happened in the last year and a half, I start to wonder how I was able to push through. The global pandemic that took us out of the classroom .The addition/renovation that we planned in order for my mother-in-law to move in. The construction finally starting, only to find out I am extremely allergic to dry wall dust. The solution was to live in a tent in our backyard for months. My mother-in-law becoming ill and having to move in with us before everything was finished. My husband and I struggling to finish her area so she would be comfortable. Returning back to the classroom excited, but also afraid.
I know I am not the only person who has felt overwhelmed, but I can only speak for myself. I believe I was able to push through because I learned from one of the strongest women I knew. My mother! She faced a lot of difficulties in her life, but got up every morning and did what had to be done. If I am a little bit like her I am grateful! I also have an amazing husband who was there every step of the way. We have been married for twenty-eight years and have had many challenges (which included sleeping outside in the tent with me for months). We tackle them together and in the end, come out stronger! My boys, every time I look at them they remind me of what is important in life. Of course my friends too. We stayed in touch during the shut down via Zoom and socially distance coffees. We were able to talk freely about our struggles and how we were coping. Mostly, we laughed and I believe grew closer. This post was supposed to be about my new pantry, but I have been thinking about this a lot lately and wanted to thank the people who helped me through.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I appreciate and love all of them. My mother-in-law included! She has recovered nicely and is acclimating herself to the new space and being part of our everyday lives.
Next week will be all about the long awaited pantry!