You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been very quiet over the last two weeks, please accept my apologies! I’ve been going through one of those very overwhelming cycles, when everything is happening at the same time, ukuthi ngibaleke (I felt like running away)!
My little guy transferred to a new school so I’m adjusting to the new routine, pressure at work has me working at home every night, I’m moving house and I’m just not feeling my best at the moment. But don’t worry, I’m not going to use this whole post to feel sorry for myself. I’ve been looking at ways to keep positive, I read a quote that said “the size of your problem is nothing compared to your ability to solve them. Don’t overestimate your problems and underestimate yourself”.
Focus on what you want, instead of what you don’t want. Negativity breeds negativity. Fall down, but don’t stay there!
Keep a gratitude journal to keep track of the good stuff that’s going on. There’s ALWAYS good stuff. At the moment, I’m focusing on how much my little man loves his new school. He’s made friends and I have already noticed his confidence levels shoot up, due to the change of environment.
Sweat it out! I know it’s hard to make time to work out every day (at the moment, I can barely make more than 2 sessions a week), but I can definitely attest to the good things it does for my mindset and energy levels. I personally prefer intense cardio classes like boot camp and kickboxing.
Embrace change and your fears. A large part of my anxiety over the last few days was a fear of failure and change of routine. I had a big presentation to do (I hate public speaking) and I also had pressure to deliver on simultaneous projects at work. Don’t let failure cripple you, find a way to move forward, no matter what.
We need to learn to become our own best friends. The world sometimes feels like a very harsh place, but to be the best we can be (and the best moms we can be) we need to take care of ourselves and be careful not to fall into destructive traps like I have over the last few days. Lesson learnt!
I would love to hear what coping mechanisms you use when you’re going through a slump. Please leave me your ideas in the comment section.
Modern Zulu Mom
1 Comment
Hi Thando,
I came across your blog in 2016 but whenever I feel down or I need motivation I always come back to read old stories. You have helped me stay motivated and positive.
Thank you, May God continue to use you.