The Unseen Struggle

I have come to think of two areas in life as analogous. One is the raising of our children and one is my survival and small triumph with living with a mental illness. Lately I have been able to observe my sister and a close friend with small children and the lifestyle that they have taken on with such a job. It is a job. In this world there are many things that we do that are jobs that do not make monetary means, and some of them are the greatest and most important for raising, and prospering in, a new world. Mothering our children is one such endeavor. I believe surviving and thriving with my mental illness is another.

Watching my sister with her daughter who is fast approaching two years, I am taken with the element of struggle in being a child as well as mothering one. The child’s needs are a constant struggle for them. They struggle with hunger, injury, learning, potty training and the need for rest and comfort. The mother spends much of her energy, which is a constant struggle, meeting these needs.

Lately, I have been nurturing myself in the respect of taking it easy on myself. I have stopped the constant mental banter of “Why are you behind on your laundry?” or “Why are the floors so dirty?” or “Why can’t you have a job or achieve more in life?” My daily wellness is a job much like that of being a mother. It is virtually invisible and hard to give ourselves the credit we deserve partly because our society is based around careers and money and monetary success. Just look at who we have running for president. Donald Trump represents this money making cruel male world that we live in. Mothers are rarely understood for their efforts even by their husbands who are earnest in their efforts to understand. Yet it is our moms who are raising the next generation. It is important that we have no more Donalds in our future.

One of the best things that a mother can receive is time for herself for regeneration, solace and self-nurturing. This will only spread to her child by example as well as fueling the reserves of the source of their nurturing. Being a mother is a full time job as is living with a mental illness. But I believe that I can serve the world and give back if I am well. I can also take my strength and help the mothers of the world like my dear sister. Our world is made up of so many multidimensional facets that rarely get discussed or the credit they deserve. We do not live solely in a world made up of money and it is crucial that we realize this for our own well-being. It is time at we recognize the power of the feminine, the true themes in nature that keep this world spinning and give credit to the unseen. The first step is to do this within ourselves. What have you done in service for our world or for yourself lately to make this world a better place? Did this involve a paycheck? I am guessing not. It is important too that we nurture ourselves so that we can keep on giving. Take the time to rest today and give yourself a much deserved break.