January 2020 made some pretty big promises to me. My divorce was finalized, my savings looked great, and my babysitting business was running without any flaws. My son was accepted into preschool in the fall so my plan was to begin working outside the home a month after he began school. It was going to be a smooth transition.
Well, let’s all sit back and laugh at that.
We all know what happened next. I went from a work-at-home mom to panic-at-home mom overnight.
My savings was placed at the forefront instead of being tucked away, my business stopped overnight, and I began to panic. How am I going to pay the bills? How am I going to get groceries? How am I not going to get behind? But one thing remained, my son was the focus. Do what I can for him, and everything else will fall into place. Keeping a positive mindset was my biggest struggle and overcoming anxiety was hard.
Here are a few ways that helped in Phase 1 of COVID mayhem in my life:
Give yourself some grace in the wait.
I know, truly it sucks. But remember this time and the memories you’ll be making with your children. It’s ok for them to see emotions from you, but also they’re going to remember the extra time that had with you. They’ll remember the good.
Strategize your savings
Use your money wisely, budget budget budget the fool out of it. Make it stretch.
Social media is by far the best place to look for jobs.
I had the best luck posting on social media that I was looking for a job. I have found that word of mouth is best, and your friends know you! They’ll keep an eye out for a job they think will be a good fit too.
Apply for jobs even when you think you don’t qualify.
You’d be surprised by the number of places that will offer you a job without training. Many businesses will offer training afterward or shadowing who you’re replacing.
Ask for help
If you’re in a place that you cannot pay a bill, don’t be afraid to call and say “because of Covid19 and being out of work, I need some grace with this bill” and most times, without issue, they’ll fully understand and work with you.
But even after all of this, which was helping on the outside, didn’t calm what I was feeling on the inside. My anxiety still continued to consume me, it was the stomach crunching, overwhelming fear or something is going to crash. In came Phase 2.
Phase 2 was seeing a doctor.
My anxiety has hit a new level, one that I can’t manage myself. I had tried everything, everything except for anxiety medication. Sometimes everything is just too overwhelming and a little help is needed. Needing medication isn’t a weakness, it’s saying I can’t do this on my own- and being brave enough to ask for help. The doctor asked how I was and I just broke down in tears. This. Is. Overwhelming… even when you’re doing everything right like above… it’s still overwhelming.
After a week the medication began to kick in and I could breathe again. Getting that under control seemed to help with the rest. My world was flipped upside down, everything changed in the blink of an eye. But with planning, resting, focusing on the big picture, and medication- I handled it well.
If this is something you’re dealing with, look into what helps you. Make a list and start being active. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be afraid to ask professionals for help.
Hang in there mama, you’re doing great.
