Have you ever wanted to get away? Did the stress of life, the screaming of children, and the demands of your family ever crush you so much that it was overpowering?
You want to get away, but where do you go? Everyone doesn’t have the option to jump into a vehicle or book a flight in a leisurely direction. Some of us have to stay in the same place with growing pressure on all sides.
In my book, My Brother’s Keeper, the mother, Miranda, runs into her master bathroom whenever she feels the need to cry or she becomes too upset. Her children see that area of the house as a place of quiet and comfort, so they respect her privacy when she retires to her bathroom, and they use the room as a place to vent their own frustrations and woes.
Not all of us have a master bedroom to run into when our spirit begins to crack. At one time, my special room was my walk-in closet. I could have filled that room with my tears in the ten years I lived there.
Can you escape? For some of us, it may not be easy.
I no longer have a walk-in closet that restricts other’s access to me. I had to be more creative when looking for my getaway.
When I become “touched out” from people pulling on my clothes, bouncing on my midsection, or playing tug-of-war with my arms, I start my treadmill and walk until I feel a rush of endorphins. The children know that they cannot get around the equipment, and my husband understands that he is responsible for fulfilling water and snack requests for the children while I exercise.
But what about the time when we need to be completely alone? Where can we go in a house with only one bathroom and an open floor plan?
Thankfully, my new home has a basement. I can throw a load of laundry down the steps and air out my feelings, muffled by the sounds of the dryer. Also, I can make an excuse to run to the vehicle, and lock it around me, but I am often followed out the door by little feet.
In the end, I find a place to cry, or let go of some of my frustration, whether it is running to the basement, or sitting on my bed until I am located by curious eyes. Luckily, my children realize that it takes a lot for me to need my space, and they grant me a few moments to gather myself.
I wrote this blog from a mother’s perspective, but every caregiver needs a safe place to feel their emotions. Sometimes, we all need an area to gather our feelings, and let go of some of them, so we can be the best version of ourselves.
It is essential to take time to decompress. You should not feel guilty because you need a few minutes to unwind or vent your emotions to four empty walls.
There are times when the stress or loneliness in our lives becomes too great, and some people do not have access to a professional to help them. The numbers at the end of this blog can put you in touch with a person who can help you if you are ever too overwhelmed. The calls are free, confidential, and a representative is available at both numbers at every moment.
I hope everyone finds their peace. I wish you happiness and tranquility wherever you go to relax and recharge.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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