Feeling stressed and overwhelmed! About This Page:

[disneyprincess]

Did you just ever feel so out-of-control that you didn't know which way to turn? I swear the weekends are hectic here. Now that the weather is getting nicer I have so many things on my "mental list" that I want to do. I also have this HUGE problem with worrying about what other may think of me, the kids, my house, etc. I look at friends and their homes always seem to be clean, and their kids seem to be ok. (I know you don't always see what goes on behind closed doors) but I don't know how to get over this problem of if I do this...I wonder what people might think, or I wonder what people will say. I'm a real good one to say I don't care what others think but deep down in side it really does matter to me. I would love to get over this problem but just don't know how!!

[snoozy]

Gina, those other people are not perfect and who cares what they think. My sister is just like you always worrying about what everyone else thinks. It doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is what you think, just let it go and relax. Life is to short to be up tight all the time. Think of it this way, there has got to be something wrong with people who seem to be perfect all the time that is just not normal. People arent perfect. Whats wrong with a lived in house it shows you are comfortable with your life. And your family is beautiful, healthy, and happy what could be more improtant then that.

[lauren-roxy]

Gina, I am a type A worrier too. I have started to realize though that just because others look like everything is going smooth and perfect for them, it isn't always like that. Just know that you are doing the best you can and that others are worried about what you think of them.

[magic mickey]

Gina, I sometimes feel the exact same way that you do. My house is always a mess and I just don't feel like I have the time or the energy to change it. I feel like I spend more time in my car then I do in my house. When I let myself get stressed about these things, then the best thing for me to do is take some time for myself. It doesn't have to be a long period of time, just some time doing something I like to do and doing it by myself. Afterwards I always feel better and I realize that my house is never going to be spotless and my kids are never going to be perfect, but that is ok because we are together. When I do have time for a really good housecleaning my son always asks me if we are having company. A wise old woman once told me "spend time with your kids while they are young, there will be plenty of time to clean your house when they grown and gone". Sending some your way.

[Cam22]

Back in my 30s, I felt exactly like you are feeling. In fact, I had a few so-called friends, who made sure that I was aware they were keeping an eye on how I did things. But when I hit 40 instead of getting depressed about being older, I finally felt like I could just be me. I wish I knew how that clicked for me so I could pass it on. But I do know it really doesn't matter anymore what others think.

[graygables]

You might want to check out www.flylady.net. She has a system and encouragement for the stressed and overwhelmed! Lots of wisdom and support, I love it. There's a small group of FlyBabies here on the Passporter board that support each other, too! for you!!!

[disneyprincess]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the thoughts and pixie dust. I am going to check out flylady I had before and even subscribed to her newsletters but haven't received anything yet. I think I'll check it out again.