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What do you do to de-stress after a hectic day?
If you don't intentionally create down time, do you think you need to?
What first prompted you to set aside time for down time?
How much we women of different generations have to learn from each other about stress in our lives (and about many other things too!). I am thankful for the various perspectives that women of generations different from my own constantly offer me. I learn as much from my daughter as from my mother (although often on very different topics!). And here's a P.S. to all Cafe readers -- yes, this e-zine is written by and for women 18-35 years of age, but we have subscribers from 17 to 82. All are welcome! Just realize that the tone and topic is tailored to the 18-35 segment.
Posted by: Linda Post Bushkofsky (Arlington Heights, IL)
Posted: 4/12/2006 2:13:05 PM
Congregation: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
I remember the three stressful years that took me into a deep depression. From the financial set backs (a new payroll company had not withheld enough income tax, $700 short, and a midwinter furnace failure, suprise! another $700)... to financial & family stressors of a daughter in 8th grade, another a senior in high school and a third Graduating College in December, to major life stresses of working for the family small business were the office girl who planned to bring the baby to work after delivery learned that she was carring twins & left the begining of February at the same time our apprentice became a journeyman and left the company. This returned my 76 year old hard of hearing mother to the office phone & reception, and my 77 year old father worked more hours to take up the slack replacing heavy water heaters, serviceing homes with frozen and broken water pipes, climbing under sinks, etc. His long exposure to lead had caused an anemia that was showing once again to be resistant to treatment; the last efforts of an experimental medication had begun to fail. My 25th Wedding Anniversary went by in January unobserved by a husband who never celebrated Valentine's Day because "it was his Birthday", and as a work-a-holic could not find time for participation in family life. I had always found my selfworth at work & by becoming a professional volunteer: Sunday School Teacher, Confirmation, High School Youth Group, & School Chaperone, Girl Scout Leader, Council Event Coordinator & Leader Trainer. Now things became more intense in March when I discovered that my 18 year old Senior High School daughter was pregnant, Dad entered the hospital for the last time in July, and my daughter ended up on solid bedrest with a difficult pregnancy. There were 6 babies born in our family from mid August to mid November along with a couple of other family members hospitalized. I had to drop all my volunteer positions creating an incredible void in my social support network. This relates just one of the three years that put me on medication. What do people do? those without faith in the love of God & his purpose in our lives, even through our adversities.
My mother & I have been able to spending fun time together now that the business has closed ... I have a wonderful 8 year old Granddaughter ... I have received counseling that has helped me find wholeness in fewer distractions ...
It is certain that times change ... there is always a new challenge ahead ... & that God will be just one step ahead of me with his enchouragement ... "I have made plans for you" ... "I go before you" ... "I am with you always"
Posted by: Alice Natvig (Madison, WI)
Posted: 4/10/2006 5:03:41 PM
Congregation: Bethel Lutheran Church
Lutheran Woman Today, the magazine of Women of the ELCA, often addresses issues around stress and caring for family members. In fact, the magazine's 9-month 2006-2007 Bible study, Hope in God in Times of Suffering, tells us how to make sense of suffering and will likely offer articles dealing with those issues. Subscriptions are only 12 dollars a year. You can see upcoming issue themes here: http://www.lutheranwomantoday.org/bible/biblestudyfall0607.html
Posted by: Beth
Posted: 4/10/2006 9:49:15 AM
Along with Carol, I too was disappointed when different age groups were not included in the article on stress. Many of us have stress from caring for grandchildren, disabled adult children, etc. etc. Of course, I did not realize this magazine was for younger women so guess that was my mistake!
Posted by: Deloris
Posted: 4/8/2006 6:53:09 PM
I just read Carol's comment posted yesterday. My heart goes out to you. I took care of my parents for several years and now they are gone. The only time I seemed to have any rest was during worship. Although churches always want volunteers, I made no committments for Sunday morning. How wonderful worship is when it is thoughtfully planned. How grateful I am for the grace that came with that hour each week. That time, rereading Jan Karon's Mitford series, praying whenever I needed to and friends were my destressors. I am praying for Carol, her parents and caretakers. Sally
Posted by: Sally Kolesar (Pine Grove Mills, PA)
Posted: 4/6/2006 7:13:27 PM
Congregation: St. Paul Lutheran
I am glad you wrote an article about how stressed we all are.
I know this e-magazine is geared towards women younger than me, but I am disappointed that you did not adress the stress of taking care of parents.
I have been doing this for a number of years, one parent has Alzheimers, and have realized that I have no life outside of work and home.
Finding time to exercise, read or knit is almost impossible for me these days.
Finding balance is almost impossible.
Carol
Posted by: Carol
Posted: 4/5/2006 6:59:14 AM
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