Thursday 15 May 2014

{35 at 35 list: Happiness}

I've been giving some thought to my 35 at 35 list, in particular the prompt 'be genuinely happy'.

When I wrote the list, I was in a bad place. My husband had just moved out 2 weeks before and I had a lot to contend with. I was on my own with my 8 month old daughter and my toddler son. I was sad, confused, hurt and scared/excited for what the future may hold.

Two and a half years later and nearing half way to my 35 at 35 list deadline, I thought it was a good time to take stock & reflect on where I was and where I am now.

I think my followers, friends & family would agree that I've come a long way since the start of 2012. 

When I was still living with the kids dad I was in denial. I don't think I was ready to face up to how I was feeling and the situation I found myself in. My health visitor had suggested I might have post-natal depression to which I was told, by the ex, that of course I wasn't clinically depressed. And I agreed with him. But now when I look back, it's clear that something wasn't right. It's only now, that I've come through the other side that I realise just how tough things were and that the thoughts I was having weren't necessarily normal.

I remember when my son was little, my father-in-law would babysit every so often so I could get my hair done. On one of my trips out I actually considered not going back to the house, ever. I was finding parenting very difficult & my son was a difficult baby. It's hard to admit this, but I didn't enjoy his first year & I wish I'd dealt with the situation differently.


Then when my daughter arrived, the ex & I were going through a difficult time. After all the drama that then followed, I pulled myself together...

I hired a life coach, spent over half a year seeing a post-natal depression counsellor & attended focus group sessions. What was I looking for? I'm not sure if I'm honest. I acknowledged that how I was feeling wasn't right and that I needed help. My health visitor was amazing, and I'm glad that I finally had the courage to listen to her.

I used to be anxious going out with the children on my own.

I used to have to go into the other room to cry so that they wouldn't see me upset.

I doubted every decision I made.

I found simple every day things difficult.

I am pleased to say that I am in a much better place now.


Things are getting easier, and I'm enjoying my children so much more than I did when they were babies. My confidence has improved and yes, I think I can now say I'm happy :-)

Don't get me wrong, there are difficult days and tantrums and tears still, but overall things are positive.

I've been reading Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin, and bookmarked this quote:

"While 'happiness' might suggest a final, magical destination, the aim of a happiness project isn't to hit 10 on the 1-to-10 happiness scale and to remain there perpetually; that would be neither realistic or desirable. I sought not to achieve perfect 'happiness', but rather to become happier".


P.S. Thanks to everyone that's been voting for me for the BiBs Family award - this has made me extremely happy and I'm so chuffed to have made it onto the shortlist. If you're yet to vote, I'd love your support. You can vote for me here. Thanks so much!!


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8 comments:

  1. Great post. I know I'm living with a mask of 'oh look I'm happy' ...inside I just want to sleep, sometimes scream. I feel so bitter towards some people... people who pretend to be your friend but only get in touch when they need you to do something for them... families being selfish...work stressful. I can't see a solution or light at the end of the tunnel most days.

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    1. Oh big hugs Annee. I totally felt like I had lost the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's reappeared. I hope the same happens for you xxx

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  2. Brave and honest post. Pleased that you are in a happier place and completely agree about the need to realise we can't be at a 10 on the happiness scale all the time. More happy than sad most of the time sounds like an ok deal to me.

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    1. Thanks Sarah. Yes, happy more than sad is a great deal. I used to cry most days and now not so much at all. There's such a big difference in me! x

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  3. I think u do a fab job. I actually read your posts & think wow how do u fit it all in. I hope that when I am a mummy I can do as good a job as u are :) x

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  4. The vision of you begging him not to leave as you gave birth broke my heart, you've been through a horrible time. I am so glad for you, that you've managed to move past all that and become happier.

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  5. It sounds like you have had an extremely difficult time. I am glad you are now in a better place. That picture of you and your daughter is beautiful x

    http://www.youbabymemummy.com

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  6. Oh my goodness you have been through so much and have come out the other side strong. Well done you for getting the help and support you needed (I saw a councillor to help with trauma after my first birth and it was incredible)-well done you for everything, hugs x

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Beauty with a Conscious

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