Dear readers, I am so, so thankful for you all. Really. I felt so alone early in our parenting journey, but you have helped me to feel understood and supported, and your knowledge and generosity have helped me to grow as a person. I wanted to give a tangible thank you, and since books are pretty much my favorite things in the whole universe (well, you know--along with chocolate and coffee), I thought about the writers who have given so unreservedly of their experience, wisdom and love. Their words lodged deep in my heart and have helped me in so many ways. So, to thank all of you, we are giving away some of my all-time favorites! Each book will have its own post, and you may enter for any or all of them. To enter, simply comment and tell me why you would like to have this book. :)
*****
Mommy Overwhelm by Laura Schuerwegan
When I first started blogging, I never expected anyone other than a few friends and family to read it (and not many of them!). Most of my posts got about 14 views (most of them mine, finding new typos that I had missed) but one day I saw to my shock that a post had a several hundred views. Authentic Parenting had shared it, and as we chatted, Laura invited me to guest post a three part series. It was greatly thanks to her (and Hermana Linda, of Why Not Train a Child?) that I decided to start a Facebook page. Being a faith blogger as well as a gentle parent kind of puts me in a weird category sometimes, and I knew that my religious views could be an obstacle for pages that focus on parenting, so I am especially grateful for Laura's acceptance.
So many wonderful moms get blindsided by depression. I have always been a genuinely happy person, and with all the challenges of pregnancy and birth never felt particularly depressed. A couple of years ago, though, the mommy-overwhelm began to creep up on me. Every day felt like running in sand. Things seemed to take so much more effort than they should. My anxiety spiked and I started having panic attacks. When you are in the middle of that version of normal, all of your energy goes into coping. One of the hardest things is reaching out to others when you already feel so fragile. Although the book does not replace a medical professional, Laura has so much empathy, encouragement and practical advice to help you heal. I particularly loved that there were so many little things that I could do, ideas that I wouldn't have come up with on my own, that were manageable and easy enough not to add to the burden of things that I should do but couldn't. I recommend this book to any mama who struggles sometimes with Mommy Overwhelm!
You can win your own copy of Mommy Overwhelm! To enter, leave a comment on this blog post telling why you would like to read it. If you comment anonymously, please make sure that you either leave your email address (myemail at whatever dot com) or sign up for notifications for replies so that I can notify you if you win. For additional entries, if you are following the Authentic Parenting blog or Facebook page, leave an additional comment for each one. I will choose a random winner on February 15, 2014. Please check out the Authentic Parenting website and the Authentic Parenting FB page--you will find some wonderful things there!
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11 comments:
I have been struggling with unexpected stress and anxiety as I learn how to be a mom of two. I would love to read this book! - Sondra
I like Authentic Parenting on Facebook
- Sondra
My husband and I both suffer from stress and overwhelm from raising our now six children with very little support and challenging finances. I'd love some extra help on how we can each manage this better and simplify things a bit.
I would like this book because I always thought of myself as a pretty level, happy person, till I had my son, and I'm so different now. I've learned (and am learning) how to cope in different ways, but I often long for the woman I used to be.
Lauren M commented and the comment did not go through. This is her entry. :)
I would love to read this book. Most days I can feel my stress levels have me close to a breaking point. Between parenting my sweet little boy, a full time, (highly stressful) job, and the fact that my partners job takes him away from home 4 days a week, i find it very difficult to take care of myself. It is so important to me that my beautiful 3 year old boy grows up understanding that he is my greatest blessing and I need to learn some self help techniques to calm myself down to ensure that happens.
I would love to read Mommy Overwhelm. I'm there quite often due to chronic illness and having "More" children. My life is really stressful at the moment and in a total state of upheaval.
I seem to go through phases of mommy overwhelm - I'm grateful for friends and God and pages like yours which see me through. Today I'm not feeling overwhelmed and for that I'm grateful. I will get a copy of this though
I would love to read this and then give it to my daughter. She is a single mom of 2: 5 and 6 years old. She is also a full time college student (better late than never)and she struggles with depression and anxiety. Her income is limited to her disability check. For obvious reasons she is totally overwhelmed. We try to help as much as we can, but she still has a hard time holding it all together. Any help is most welcome. Thank you!
Entry for Victoria Coffigny
I really enjoyed what you wrote here. It's so important to be gentle and kind with yourself during this parenting journey. What I find truly fascinating is how my children can bring me closer to seeing myself in the kind of compassionate light I imagine God does. They do this wonderful thing by driving me completely nuts as often as they can. I believe the reactions we have to our children or parenting - or life - are our guides to coming home to our soul self. They are our healing. As is depression and anxiety.
In love and light
www.eilataviram.com
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