Getting through tough parenting seasons

Winters can be rough (or any season for that matter depending on your circumstances) in our lives and it can really feel like it's never-ending.

I think though that this could be our opportunity to take stock, rest and store energy we need for new growth. To plan what seeds we want to sow when the time come perhaps. 

It can be extremely hard when or if a cold bitter season arrives. I definitely struggle to remain hopeful and to be still especially when it feels like there are cold harsh winds of various demands and pressures bearing down - and all we're trying to do is to stand still!

But when I find moments of stillness, I do my best to capitalise on those moments and spend energy really meditating on the ordinary things - what else can I really do in the midst of overwhelm? I can't think too far ahead because that might just heap anxiety onto what I'm already feeling, I don't want to think about the past too much lest it fills me with whatever unhelpful stifling emotion that that brings.

So, in these times, all I can do is to be in the here and now. Breathe deep. Perhaps I need to discharge excess anxious energy from my body (go for a run, go for a cold swim) so that my frontal lobes can come back on line for long enough to refocus.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that tough seasons may last a long time, and rather than trying to fight it and strive against it; I can circumvent and transcend the pain by:

- Not allowing my mind to dwell on the things that don't actually exist anymore (i.e. the past and the future)

- Taking my energy and redirecting on the ordinary things in the here and now, and allowing myself to be grateful and appreciate what good things i do have like my family, my Christian faith, my jiu jitsu (or whatever other hobby you've got), my guitar, my cold swims, my breathing, my writing.

- Capitalise on all the small vital moments that i do have (sometimes it fees like you have only small pockets of air, but I am glad for them!) and eke out all the gratefulness and enjoyment from these that I can. 

- Remember that seasons do eventually change and I have to be ready to take advantage of that. Prepare, plan and engage with whatever I need to so that the next tough season does not affect me too badly. 

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold" - Aristotle