My Supports
Emotional Supports
Family: I think the most important ingredient to my support system is my
family. When I encounter a problem, I like to be able to talk it out. I look to
my family to be there as I work through the emotions and determine my course of
action. My family also serves as a practical support. For example, if I needed
someone to watch my infant, I have a slew of aunts, uncles, grandmas, and
grandpas to call. And I always feel confident that my child will be cared for
in my absence.
Practical Supports:
Income: It is important for me to have a stable income as I support my
family. Income is vital to providing the necessities. If I did not have an
income, I would not be able to feed my family or be able to drive them to and
from activities.
Computer: I think another valuable support is the use of the internet. I
remember when there was a time when I had to go to the library to research for
a paper or find information. Now I am able to complete this course with the use
of my computer and the internet. I am able to look for a good recipe for dinner
by surfing the internet. If I have a question about when to start my newborn on
solids, I can look at entire blog of other mothers sharing information.
Physical Support:
Husband: As I think of the heavy things, literally, I think of my husband
as a physical support. I was always taught that a woman can do just as much as
a man. But when moving the couch to another room, I need two capable people,
myself and my husband. So as I think of physical challenges I think of my
husband and the teamwork we use to complete a task.
Why is my support system so important?
As I reflect on challenging
times, I am able to examine the benefits to having supports in my life. This past
November my son was born and I needed to have an emergency C-section. The
recovery time was unexpected and was not part of my plan. I am a very plan
oriented person! I relied on my family for the emotional support as well as the
physical support. The frozen meals that were sent over to the house were a
practical support that made life easier for my husband and I. Each of these
supports made the recovery a little easier. I felt rested and ready to take on
the new challenge of being a MOM! Challenges and obstacles are a part of life.
As I confront any challenge I feel confident that I will overcome any obstacle
with the use of my support system.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I am expecting my first child in August. I related to what you said about your unexpected experience with your C-section (not that I've been through that). But I never expected to be as sick as I was in my first trimester (and still am). It has really impacted my productivity, which was not part of my plan (I'm a serious planner, too). I have really been relying on my support system, just as you said you did. I'm pretty much just getting by as it is, but without my supports I would really be floundering!
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your post. I too am a planner and feel disoriented when things don't go as "planned" however, once you have your child you will see that children don't care about what our plans are. I learned very quickly to not allow unplanned things to discourage me. Being in the military helped me value the ability to "adjust, adapt and move on forward". That is my motto as a parent and wife.