Of Blogs and Podcasts and Growing

It's getting colder here in NJ. It's also getting more isolated and that feels colder. Here in Central NJ, We are in this limbo where we are not quarantined but we are trying to be safe. We have not returned to school, most of us, but he have been virtually at school. 
My family homeschools and though we have not changed what happens at home, like everyone else, we have changed.  I have been talking and counseling so many moms. My friends, my clients, my coworkers, they all are struggling with being moms 24/7.  Online connection falls short and time to talk with adults is hard to come by as you are interrupted constantly or responsibilities pile up as you take the time to talk with someone.  It is maddening but I want you to know, I see you. 
My church has taken to creating podcasts, they are meant to get you thinking about God and how to have a close relationship with your creator. Well, the Podcasters were thinking about parents in this context and lo and behold I got tagged. It seems crazy but I am on a podcast. Maybe you think, well anyone can podcast but for me it is daunting. You might have some time to think about what you are going to say but it is  so unlike writing. I can't backspace a conversation and several times it went in a direction I did not plan for.  In the end, it came out better than I expected due to an editor who I am convinced is a wizard.  I will share it here as soon as I can. We talked about so many topics but isolation was definitely heavy on our minds. I could have isolated, said NO to the challenge.  If I had, it would have been bad for me. I don't know if others will get the blessing I hoped from it but I grew enormously by just allowing God to use my expertise and experience to share with others. Maybe there is a parenting moment you have been  afraid of, maybe a playdate at the park seems uncomfortable to even broach with a friend.  Maybe your fear of rejection has kept you from reaching out to call a friend, can I encourage you, the other mom probably has the same fears. My podcast friends said they felt like they were stumbling over their words too at first. Think of something you feel safe doing, a Facetime meet up with a friend during nap-time maybe? A walk with a friend each with children in a stroller so you can connect in a safer way?  You may need to be creative but the payoff will be refreshing. Here in NJ the coffee shops and restaurants are open again in a limited capacity, could someone watch the kids while you grab a meal with a friend? Even a 2 hour break without wiping messy little faces can be the breath of fresh air you need for another week. Remember what I have said in past blogposts, Apply the oxygen to your own face first so you can help those around you.  Keep going Mommas! But get that refresher.  I am proud of each little thing you do for your children each and every day.                                                    

Covid-19, isolation, parenting, mom