Word for the Year: Breathe, post 1

BREATHE

For my first blog post, I am going to choose a word for the year. My word for 2019 is BREATHE. I chose this word because I need to remind myself to breathe. I literally hold my breath when I am stressed out. 2019 is a big year for me. This is my second semester in grad school. I am taking 9 hours (more hours than last semester), doing 85 contact hours for one class and trying to manage my family and part time job. (BREATHE) I have a wonderful husband, 3 kids, 3 stepdaughters and 1 step granddaughter. My three kids are in three different schools and have different activities. My oldest will graduate in June. The prospect of my oldest leaving home is terrifying!  (BREATHE)I will be doing my second year in grad school as he starts his first year of college! (BREATHE) I never expected that but you know what they say: God laughs at the plans of mice and men. I don't know who wrote it but I find it to be true.
 As for my other children, I want to still give them quality mom time.  My husband deserves quality time. I love seeing my granddaughter. Every time I see her she is doing something new. I would like to carve out time to help my youngest stepdaughter plan her wedding. (BREATHE) My doctor wants me to exercise everyday. Really ??? She said I need to do it for my health. Personally, I think my health would improve by having a full time housekeeper, a driver and a nap!
 I want to be able to manage all of these important life callings; mother, wife, daughter, student, tutor.
I have some important balls in the air. I can't afford for any of them to fall. They are all too important. Amongst the kids and schoolwork and obligations, I realize I need to find time for myself or I will burn out. I love to read and I have taken up a new hobby. I need to make time for both to keep me sane. I even need to find time to walk to stay healthy. In order to manage all of these things, I must breathe. I must breathe slowly and not become overwhelmed. On the days where the kids are puking and the dog pees on the rug and my car won't start and I have a paper due, I know that I need to BREATHE.
Breathe is a good word to describe my literacy journey as well as my mantra for the year. I used to hate reading. It did not make any sense to me. It was a struggle and it was hard to connect the words to the meanings. "Pat, the cat sat." I was completely uninterested. My third grade teacher saw my struggle and suggested some popular mystery books. She was hoping that if I found something I liked, reading would be less of a challenge and that I would develop fluency. She was right! By taking my time and breathing, I was able to not only read but read proficiently. Reading is now my favorite activity.