Before bedtime last night, my 7 year old ran into the family room and onto my lap, crying his head off. He does this lately, the crying, when frustration and anger overwhelm him. Tonight, his brother's success at the Star Wars Legos computer game set him off.
"John got to the next level," he groaned. "I DIDN'T, and I NEVER WILL!"
"Is that why your upset?" I asked, stroking his head. "Because he's ahead of you?"
"Yeeaahh," he sobbed.
"You'll catch up," I whispered into his ear, certain of it myself. "Now you have something to look forward to the next time you play. You can look forward to reaching that next level."
That resonated, I could see it in his eyes. After a while he simmered down, either because of what I said or because of the 15-minute DVD that I said yes to, despite the late hour.
It was strange timing. When Ben stumbled in, I was having one of those moments myself. You know, the "poor me's" about my writing "career" and some other "crap." As the months tick by and I haven't accomplished any writing or networking, part of me (the annoying,
wish-you'd-shut-up side) sees only failure.
Caring for my family and the house and myself takes all I have right now. Sometimes I worry, though. Am I falling behind? Am I missing one-time opportunities? Why can't I be more organized, more of a go-getter, just more?
Lately my life feels like a toddler's puzzle that's too hard for me to complete. I can't make these simple yet large pieces fit into their designated places.
So last night, as I reassured Ben, my own words echoed in on me: "You'll catch up, of course you will. You've got things to look forward to."
Ben will get to that next level, and so will I.
Tags: [freelance writing], [parenting]
5 comments:
Yes, I'm sure you'll "catch up" and move in to a bright and beautiful future.
What are your career ambitions? What kind of networking are you looking to do? I'm always interested in hearing about the goals and plans of other moms - especially writer moms. :)
Isn't that interesting? I can't tell you the number of times I offer suggestions or advice to my kids only to wonder who I am giving it to? Them or me? Finally, I'm beginning to apply my good advice to myself, and I find I am getting more accomplished. Who is guiding whom? Is it possible by reaching out to our children, we are opening doors to ourselves?
Absolutely!
Stephanie: I hope to land a few writing jobs, in the parenting, health or humor categories. I nice corporate gig wouldn't hurt either. :) As far as networking goes, I will probably go to one of Media Bistro's events in Boston, and just keep moseying around on the Web.
Keli: I agree, it is interesting! I guess the old adage about learning from our kids might be true after all.
Wow! I love that story. I can relate, I know I should listen to my own advice more often. I know that you are very busy, and this is not really my style, but I felt abliged to continue the Geek Link Train... So, come check out my blog and join up. It is an opportunity for your blog and mine to get more exposure. I enjoy your blog!
Hey there. I came over from a search on "addiction to swaddling" which led me to this post: www.wondermom.org/2005_10_01_archive.html
We just moved my 14 week old son from a co-sleeper to a crib and simultaneously stopped swaddling because he outgrew his swaddler and he's gone from sleeping through the night to being up ever two hours. I'm sure since your baby is now two, it's hard to remember this phase :o)
Anyway, just wanted to write and say I enjoyed this post. I can't believe I've never found you before considering we have quite a few close degrees of blog separation going.
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