As a child raised in a Catholic school, I frequently participated in confession, a practice where we shared our transgressions with the priest. I still vividly remember the anxiety I felt over receiving three marks for performing unauthorized cartwheels during gym class, which led to an arduous term paper on hockey—a sport I still struggle to comprehend. The relief I experienced when reassured that God had forgiven my delightful yet sinful cartwheels was profound.
There’s something undeniably therapeutic about confession—whether to a coworker, friend, or partner. It allows us to release burdens and, ideally, gain forgiveness or reassurance that we’re not alone in our struggles.
Today, I must confess: I am an excessively worried mother.
I’m not just talking about the typical concerns parents have, such as the dangers of playing in the street or the risks of running with scissors. My worries are on another level entirely. For instance, I often fret about whether I may have exposed my daughter to harmful toxins during my pregnancy and how that might impact her intelligence. What if she misses out on her dream college due to excessive fluoride in the water? Despite her current success in advanced classes, I can’t shake the fear that one decision—like drinking caffeine that one time—could derail her future.
While many people brush off the conflicting dietary advice we receive, I can’t help but worry that I’ll make the wrong choices, leading to potential health issues for my child. Is it safe to eat eggs? Did I hear recently that bread is back on the menu? What about the health benefits of wine? My mind races as I contemplate the consequences of my decisions, fearing that a simple oversight could result in an autoimmune disorder due to my choice of lettuce.
Last spring, after my 12-year-old daughter had finished basketball season in excellent shape, I questioned my husband about whether she looked too thin. He reassured me that she was fine, attributing her physique to her rigorous workout routine. Yet, I couldn’t quell my worry. In an effort to add some “meat” to her bones, I bought her a large bag of Starburst, only to subsequently obsess over the ingredients and health implications of that choice.
The truth is, I want to break free from this endless cycle of worry. It’s important to note that we worriers have more on our minds than just parenting concerns; we also think about the stock market, global warming, terrorism, politics, and aging parents. Occasionally, I indulge in more outlandish worries, contemplating scenarios like Armageddon or the Illuminati.
I likely have enough anxiety stored up to last a lifetime, so to my fellow worriers, consider taking a break—I’ve got enough for all of us. While I know I may never completely relinquish my worries, I recognize that letting some of them go is vital for my mental well-being.
Throughout my life, I have tried various strategies to manage my anxiety: medication, yoga, meditation, prayer, and exercise (though my commitment to the latter has been inconsistent). Yet, I still find myself engulfed by worry. If individuals like me do not find ways to manage our anxiety, it can rob us of our joy. I often look back on moments I should have cherished, only to realize that I spent them fretting about trivial matters, like whether we applied enough sunscreen during a beach outing.
Despite my worries, I take comfort in knowing that from the moment our children are born, when we spend sleepless nights ensuring they’re still breathing, to the days they leave for college, we are united with countless other mothers who share our concerns.
To my fellow chronic worriers, please raise your hands so I know I’m not alone in this. For now, I’ll attempt to unwind with a glass of wine—though first, I’ll need to quickly ponder the sulfates in it.
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In summary, while the worries of motherhood can be overwhelming, it’s essential to find ways to release some of that anxiety for a healthier perspective. Together, we can navigate this challenging but rewarding journey.
Keyphrase: managing parenting anxiety
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