Daily Support...
Having a circle of support has been a tremendous help for me mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
My niece is so good at "talking me off the ledge" when things seem to be stressing me out, and I feel overwhelmed. Our talks consists of a lot of listening to one another, but at no point do we ever say to each other, "you should have done this/that". Sometimes just listening helps the person facing the stress and challenges see the era of their ways, and also helps them to reflect on what they could have done differently. Without this support, I feel as though I would hold everything in, fall into some type of depression, and not really face the underlying issues.
Physically, my support has to be my career, although I work with many educators that fuss and complain about the strenuous labor of working with young children, I could imagine a day where I just sit down and do absolutely nothing. Not only do the children and I get to run, jump, and climb together, we are also able to take long hikes on our property, which also helps me mentally in terms of the calmness, and fresh air to think. Without this support, not only would I have been able to keep and maintain a great healthy lifestyle, but I would not have been exposed to Child Development, and the lessons i have learned throughout the years, that have helped me raise my 5 wonderful girls today!
Emotionally, my husband and children have gladly accepted this position! My husband and children are awesome at giving me hugs when they know I am tired or sad, soup and crackers when I am ill, and laughs and smiles when I am grieving (the loss of my mother). I could not imagine not having this type of support, I am very family oriented and enjoy company at all times. My oldest daughter graduated high school Friday night, and preparing for Fayetville State University, although I am very proud of her accomplishments, I must admit there will be a little emptiness inside of me.
Spiritually I look to my church family and friends, as well as spend time personally with my religious beliefs. My father plays a huge part in my spiritual moments as well. I am not sure what I would do without this support, because it was instilled in me at birth.
