My Funk & What I’m Doing About It
Scott is probably reading this and laughing. Stop it, honey.
It’s possible it’s the post-partum crazy, but I also think it’s the “I’m 40 and not getting any younger” thing, too.
With my other babies, well the first four, there was no smart phone. I didn’t have to worry about nursing and being distracted by the glowing screen. I wasn’t much of a TV watcher during those early years with little ones, so I usually spent that time staring at their sweet faces and praying. Or sleeping. Let’s be real. With Luke, I stared at a breast pump so the smart phone was a welcome distraction. It kept me from throwing that yellow machine out the window.
Enter Gianna and a whole lotta 3am screen time to pass the long hours in the middle of the night. Truth be told, every time I pull up that screen, I flinch a little. Okay, a lot. It started back during my labor, when I asked for your prayer intentions, that I was really moved by how powerful, healing and calming it could be to pray for other people, beside myself. Then, Edel happened and I had my “a-ha” moment.
I’m still scrolling through the phone, but I’m finding more and more my heart being pulled to do a quick scan for prayer requests and then turning my heart to God and my eyes to Gianna. It has been so beautiful. It’s important to note that I am not really what you’d call a devout rosary prayer gal. I know, some Catholic I am, right?! I do so love its beauty, but I reserve my rosaries for big prayer times. Scott is the rosary man of the house. Me? I say a few Hail Mary’s and then get down to chatting with God. I’m marking my 3am prayers as some of my most peaceful times of the day.
At Edel, I met Shannon (we had briefly met online, but we finally became real-life friends in July) and I was introduced to all of her beautiful creations. And I have to say, I was inspired. Please excuse my old lady hands here, but y’all. That rosary bracelet. I love it. I love that it’s beautiful and functional. And, I love that no matter how far I stray from my prayer life, Mary keeps pulling me back.
I’m also a huge fan of Shannon’s nursing necklaces. I bought one of them at Edel and it’s starting to come in super handy. Gianna has finally reached that, let’s-slap-mom’s-chest-while-I-eat phase. The necklace is saving me. Too bad they don’t make nursing earrings. HA!
Shannon is gracious enough to offer all you sweet Team Whitaker readers 25% off anything in her shop, Organic Mamas Shop, now until September 12, 2014; the code is TEAMW. That’s lots of percents, y’all. I hope you’ll head over to her place and check out all her gorgeous creations – nursing bracelets, rosaries, earrings, so many things… It’s always my honor to support small businesses, especially those of Catholic artisans. Shannon, you’re a gem and your jewelry is just lovely.
Shannon did send me a bracelet in exchange for my honest review, but HELLO I already adored her stuff when I bought that nursing necklace. Y’all know me, I only share what I love.
Katheryn, I understand about the funk. I turned 40 yesterday, and honestly I didn’t feel like celebrating. We are going through our 2nd period of unemployment in 14 months. I’ve had to pull every single spiritual weapon out of my arsenal, because we’ve never had such a difficult cross to carry in our 16 years of marriage. I’ve never prayed so hard or so much in my life. But a friend gave us a gift card so we went out for dinner last night. So while it’s hard to even smile, I know God doesn’t want me to stay in a funk. It’s really the little things, isn’t it? 🙂
I’m happy to add you to my 3am prayers, Kimberly! Sounds like you have some mighty awesome friends.
Thanks Katheryn. We can’t get enough prayers right now, though I am trying to be mindful of those who are going through far worse than we are. It’s God’s way of giving me the grace to be thankful and offer up what we can for someone else’s suffering!
Must be that time of the year…I’m totally in a funk. It’s been a few
weeks and everything is perfect, just so perfect. Maybe I’m waiting for the shoe to drop? I’m on the screen way too much too and it is incredibly depressing…perhaps
That’s it. I would love to give up Facetube (as Kevin and I gently call it) and turn to Instagram/twitter, but I feel addicted and I’m really hating it right now…to much major tragedy for friends of friends in the last few weeks. Ugh.
I am so stealing your 3 am breast feeding and prayers idea. I love it and it’s been on my heart since you mentioned it months ago. I’m adding Kimberly and her sweet family to the list. Thanks for the should have been (but wasn’t) obvious idea.
Is there a code for 20% off?
YES! Mom brain. I just updated the post, but just in case: TEAMW
25% ya’ll 🙂 5 whole percents more than 20% 😉
I’m so glad you’re loving it Kathryn!! Thanks bunches for your sweet review!!
I used to have a Rosary bracelet that I wore for a few years until it finally broke and fell off. I’ve been wanting a new one because even though I’m a regular Rosary prayer, I need that reminder throughout the day to stay prayerful and since I stare at my hands and computer all day, it’s a good visual cue for me.
I can so relate to this!! Lately I also have been praying more while nursing and rubbing the baby’s back while he goes back to sleep. That bracelet is just what I’ve been eye-ing for a while, such a lovely and physical “all-day” reminder to keep my mind and heart turning back to prayer.
Kathryn – I wanted to say thank you for the prayers you offered for my sister’s healthy baby. She delivered a beautiful 6 lb. 12 oz. baby boy last week, about 2.5 weeks early. Her water broke unexpectedly. He was breach, so she had a quick C-section, but both mother and baby are doing great!
Also, about being in a funk. my husband is in one right now due to continued roller coaster stress from his job. I am going to offer up prayer intentions for others as a suggestion to help him throughout his day. Thank you for the suggestion.
Oh, girl, I feel for you! I think about you when I’m up for my nightly feedings. Joseph slept throught hte night a couple of nights ago, but it was just a practice run. He decided he prefers to get up and nurse, so back to the freakish fatigue. The rosary bracelets are beautiful. I’m in a bit of panic prayer these days as a crazy possibility to buy a farm has come across our radar. But, it involves – yep – another move. Uuugh. Can. I. Do. This. Again??? Pray for us, the opportunity could be amazing, it could be awful. I’m scared and curious all at the same time. Thinking of you!!!!!!