Tag Archives: pressure

Too Much Pressure to do Everything Right

I know firsthand how important organization and a sense of control can be to a single parent. So much of our lives may have felt (or does feel) out of control. There are so many elements to manage and we might even feel like we have something to prove (to whom I often wonder?) All that said we can be succumbing to too much pressure to do everything right and get everything just so… First of all, I think we need to ask ourselves what is really going on? What is driving us to try to be so perfect and … Continue reading →

Where is the Pressure Coming From?

Stress, pressure, tension—there are plenty of single parents who think these words have either become their middle names, or are at the very least a pretty regular reality in daily life. There is no denying that pressure and stress can be rampant in the lives of single parents, but where is the pressure coming from? Is it something that is coming onto us from the outside world, or are we doing it to ourselves? I don’t know about you but there are days when I have to remind myself to breathe the pressure can get so intense. I hit the … Continue reading →

Are You Trying to “Recreate” or “Create” the Unattainable Fantasy?

Staying hopeful and optimistic can be challenging for a single parent. With one foot firmly grounded in the “real world” and another reaching for a better future—many single parents work to build a healthy family and a great life. Some of us can get hitched up, however, when we are clinging to a fantasy of a perfect family; or trying to recreate an ideal that may have never really existed in the first place. I must admit that I do think a certain amount of idealism and fantasy is a good thing. But, we single parents can drive ourselves crazy … Continue reading →

Are You Putting Pressure on Yourself with Deadlines and Expectations?

Single parenting can be tough enough–without our putting extra pressure on ourselves by setting unreasonable deadlines of having expectations that we can accomplish more than is reasonable. It might be easy to blame the “world” or our jobs or other outside influences when things get really stressful–but we might be bringing some of this stress on ourselves! This morning I was up early–let us just say it was still rather dark outside–and before I even turned on my computer to start working, I was fussing trying to get some packages wrapped. I kept thinking of the “deadline” of getting all … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Pressure Points

Bleeding can often look more serious than it really is. Many wounds will start to clot within ninety seconds, with a scab forming within hours. That first rush of blood from a wound helps clean out debris and bacteria! But deep wounds — especially ones that damage veins, nerves, and arteries — can be very serious. An injured vein will bleed dark red blood evenly. An injured artery will spurt bright red blood with each heartbeat. Artery damage is more serious than vein damage, though both can be life threatening. There are a few places where arteries are relatively close … Continue reading →

Sports Are Just A Game

There is no doubt that sports can have a positive impact upon kids. Belonging to a team gives kids an instant identity and group to belong with. They also learn skills like setting goals, dealing with adversity, and sportsmanship. Playing sports can also have a positive impact upon a child’s self-esteem. David Burnett, author of “It’s Just A Game!” says sports gives children some control. When playing sports kids “learn the rules of the game — and the more they learn, the more they are in control — and they’re going to learn about sportsmanship and [how] to control their … Continue reading →

What to Do When People Keep Asking

One of the frustrating things about adoption is all of the unknowns. The one that bothers me the most is that there is no timeframe. Sure, your agency can give you an estimate, but those estimates are really more like guesses. As in, you guess is as good as mine. That is hard to explain to all of those people who are interested in you and your adoption and keep asking, “So, when is your child coming home?” I have known people who purposely didn’t tell anyone about their adoption plans because they didn’t want to answer questions. If you … Continue reading →

Life From an Eternal Perspective

Sometimes when the furnace goes bust, the water heater explodes, and you’ve stubbed your toe a dozen times since waking, you may think to yourself, “Murphy’s Law is in full force today!” it might be not only healthy, but wise to step back and look at life in the eternal perspective. I think it’s safe to say that I have led a somewhat chaotic life, which is probably why I crave peace and quiet so much. When life comes crushing down on me I may stutter, but I am not crushed. Oh yes, I weep, I fear, I worry – … Continue reading →