About Heather Camlot
A freelance writer, crafts junkie and mom of two, Heather Camlot is constantly on the lookout for that elusive work-life balance she hears so much about. Read about Heather's never ending search for five minutes to herself while trying to meet deadlines, make the school bus and raise two fantastic children.
Why am I so stressed? Not just stressed, but overly stressed. I was never like this before. But all of a sudden – or maybe it’s been building – I feel like everything has to be just so or I get really freaked out.
Take the birthday party I’m planning for the kids. I asked Marc if we should invite certain people. His response: “I don’t think we have to formally invite them. If we see them or speak with them, then we can mention in.” Mention it? Like in passing? I can’t plan for that – there is food to be bought, activities to be set up, loot bags to buy. I can’t prepare “just in case.” I’ve asked Alexandre what kind of cake he wants. He changes his mind every five minutes. It’s driving me insane. Just pick something. These types of informality and indecision do not compute with the way my mind works these days. I Must. Know.
I admit I’ve had a tough summer, with a few issues that completely consumed me and that are only working themselves out now. But this craziness started before then – as I flip through past blogs I can definitely see it while trying to plan summer camp.
My mind is racing with a hundred things a minute that some nights I have a hard time falling and staying asleep, and I’m becoming obsessive-compulsive, checking the door, for example, at least four times to make sure it’s locked because I can’t remember -- today I was already in the car, drove around the corner, then got out and checked the front door again. I’m not kidding. And it’s always locked. And of course I’m short with everyone in the house.
My friend Tara, who always makes a point of telling me she’s around if I need to talk, thinks I need another vacation, perhaps without the kids. And my friend Jessica suggested we go for a spa day. Both fantastic ideas – but both short-term solutions, I’m afraid.
I’m not sure how to “fix” me.
But now that I think about it, Tara and Jess have actually put their finger on it. The thing that’s been missing is me-time. Work, kids, issues have taken over. I haven’t gone for a real run in weeks (and I can no longer blame the sweltering humidity). I haven’t given myself a moment to breathe, a moment to do something for me, a moment to do nothing at all. I’ve lost myself and my mind amongst the chaos of everyday life. I’m drowning in chaos (real and made up) and can’t figure out how to reach the surface.
So what do I do? How do I carve out time when I feel like I have none? Please send along your suggestions and I’ll share them with our readers.
Because I’m sure I’m not the only mom out there stressed out and checking her front door four times.
