how to stress yourself out

I think as moms we live with an incredible amount of stress in our
daily lives. Things childless people take for granted such as
showering can become a source of stress for a mom. How to get in the
shower without waking the baby, how can you take a shower when a
toddler is awake and can get into anything, how many days is it
acceptable to go without showering? These are few random thoughts I
have personally had.

I have found that I am my own worst enemy. I take on stress like it's
a new hobby. You need a chair for the mom to mom sale, sure no
problem. You want a bake sale with that, yep got it. Volunteer once a
week with a toddler in tow in a first grade classroom, check. Pack a
healthy lunch every day for said children, boo-ya! Eat chocolate like
a champ at the end of the day due to stress levels, done.

So why do it, you may ask? Because it is in my nature to be a doer.
Well, in most cases anyway. Apparently that same logic does not apply
when it comes to housework or laundry. I am by nature a leader. I will
take things on when others are afraid to. It doesn't bother me until I
realize that my three children have needs. They need me to read a
story, need me to check homework, need me to give them baths, need me
to find lost shoes, need me to bring forgotten lunches to school. You
get the point right?

In the midst of all these needs arise my stress levels because I am
unable to complete all the duties I took on. Then the screeching mom
comes out. She screeches at children to pick up toys, clothes and put
away dishes. She screeches at her husband to help and wonders why he
can't see the messes around him? She internally screeches at herself
to shut up and get a grip. It rarely happens.

I am hoping that my next blog will involve some form of how to de-
stress yourself. Especially right before the holidays. In the
meantime, remember that you are only one person. And that there has
got to be another idiot in the crowd just waiting to say yes. It
doesn't always have to be you!