Howdy folks. Been a little quiet on Shambolic Living the last few days but I’M BACK. Last week proved to be a tad overwhelming – dealing with the loss of a loved pet, helping to coordinate a massive work event and a quick trip to Sydney to take the kids to the Harry Potter Exhibition and then for a touch of art culture at the Picasso Exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW.
In the hurly burly the precious blog got stalled (lesson learnt need to have a few blog posts up my sleeve ready to autopost so you guys won’t be able to tell I’m gone).
Welcome to the folk who have discovered the blog in the last few days and apologies to all who have commented recently – although I haven’t responded I have been reading them all – checking in on my I-phone but my limited technical ability coupled with a teeny weeny screen with a midget keyboard that means everything I type comes littered with typos meant I haven’t been able to reply.
The week just gone saw work/home responsibilities collide in a jarring wreck of twisted stress and emotion. In that situation the “hobby” had to be ditched so obligations could be met and children in distress comforted. Curious to know if anyone has any strategies for when life simply gets too much? Although I had to make adjustments it’s no big deal in the long term, we’ll be back on track this week, however, when the stresses extend not just for days but into weeks and months how do you restructure your life to ensure your sanity? Just interested to know your thoughts on this issue.
I’m the wrong person to ask as I’ve lived in longterm stress for 18 months now and I truly can’t remember what being on track means. Strategies? We do work on some, but it’s survival mode and we just tread water as far as basic housework and feeding ourselves. It’s not great, not healthy, but hoping this year will get better. I hope you find some strategies soon. Emotional stress – especially with children – is tough. Best wishes to you. x
I hope this year gets better for you Deb – you have been through so much already. PS Don’t read my next blog post – I saw on your blog that you have lost your pet too and I don’t want to make you cry. I promise my post tomorrow will be hilarious – I have no idea what I’m going to write about but I think we all need a good laugh.
Just take your time! I find tight schedules stressful! Prioritise and do things at your own pace. Hard with children around but I don’t know any other way 🙂
Thank you.
I cannot suggest any thing, would not dream it. My suggestions would not be valid. However i am at a loss myself for different reasons and having a hard time adjusting and changing. Not sure what to do, what to put first etc. Do not what is higher or lower priority. So if I were to make an offering it would be take each day. My opinion only. 🙂
Take each day at a time is excellent advice. I hope you find a way through your stresses too.
Stunning photo, so peaceful and relaxing. I can’t wait to go to the beach this summer. 🙂
Thank you it’s another one of my brother’s shots.
Wish I had some good advice to share, bu the truth is that I don’t think I’ve ever been on track.
Maybe we just need to define ourselves a new track – ditch the unnecessary and dig out a different path for ourselves.
That sounds about right–just keep on keepin’ on.
don’t know if this will help anyone but I do think that back in the day when I was a single mother with 4 small kids and working a full time job and sometimes 1 or even 2 part time jobs and just trying to be everything for everybody I learned “NOT to sweat the small stuff” I hated that my house was always a mess and the laundry was never folded but realize now that there are so many more important things than having an immaculate home and perfection is overrated! taking time for a picnic with the kids or just cuddling on the sofa with them for a movie is something you will all remember but no one really cares about the rest!
Thanks Kim, love the point that kids remember the cuddling on the sofa for a movie rather than whether the washing was folded.
So sorry to hear about the loss of a beloved pet-i know possibly not too far in the future we will be facing the same sadness as our dog and cat are getting on a bit.
I have gone through a fair amount of stress in last month or so with sick mum,starting blogging,starting new business,and daily life with 2 young kids. Have learnt to only do what is necessary-washing clothes and dishes,basic cleaning,going to others houses instead of freaking out an hr before friends come over and clean like mad! Basically doing only what you need to do and concetrate on the important things-family.
Good advice Diane – the juggling routine with extra stresses is particularly difficult. Hope your Mum gets well soon.
Make sure you incorporate time to yourself to decompress. Every time I do that I feel more on track. Not QUITE on track, but more on track… and that’s a good start.
A great point that is important to remember.
So sorry about your pet. I, too, am facing this with my dog, Marshall, and my cat, Phoenix. They both growing old ( with me). Stress? I wish I knew what to tell you. I have had a bad year on the job and am not handling it well, so I know advice from me would me useless. I saw your post and hoped I would get some advice in your comments. Everything said is good and true, but the mind is an amazing thing. It has controll at present and not in a good way. I’m sorry so many others feel the same. What does that say for the world we live in? Good luck to all. Don’t give up. Don’t give in.
Thank you for your comment. I love that even though you are feeling stressed at the moment you took the time to encourage others not to give up.