It was my son's birthday this weekend. I had a lot of trials with him because of his autism spectrum behavioral challenges. HE WAS B-A-D. He even scratched the cheeks of my 2-year-old in anger with me. I was not happy. I cried. I felt betrayed and disrespected by him.
I don't know how single mothers raise their children alone without someone to trade time with. I really don't know how my mother did it with me; and the fact that I was a girl is no consolation because there are many girls who disobey and dishonor their parent. I am a single mother for 9 months of the year while my hubby travels with work; and his doctoral classes are taking the evenings away. My hubby was traveling this weekend. When he came home on Sunday, he took over. He helped significantly. That was such a relief. He is still helping implement discipline and consequences. And the boy seems to be getting it; I hope.
How has that affected me eating wise? I've overeaten. However, I've also stopped myself. I've talked to myself and have talked myself off the binging-ledge. I hope to keep doing a lot of self talk. Planning my meals have been key. Chewing gum helps me a lot to get the nervous energy of cooking for the family because of my limited time in the evenings. I get overwhelmed because I want to feed them, spend time, and put them to bed so they can rest. It is a tough dynamic. I know I am not alone.
Today, I got a great comment from Paulawannacracker. She talked about Overeater's Anonymous. I had never considered it. One of the things I like is the concept of a support group to air out my issues and hope to get an ear, support, and recommendations from other members. I may attend a meeting once I figure out the requirements for attending a meeting locally; day, time, and location are a factor because of my family and work commitments. And of course, I'll report my experience.
Have you considered a support group for weight loss, overeating, etc?
My therapist keeps recommending OA to me. She has a few clients that it has helped tremendously.
ReplyDeleteA while back, I was going to a support group at a Center for Eating Disorders. I was in the same room with anorexics, bulemics and was shocked to see "thin" people desperately struggling with the same food obsession as me. Eye opening.
YEARS ago..when I was a young 20something, I tried OA and it didn't resonate with me, but as I look back, and how I've matured over the years, I think it could be beneficial.
Can't hurt to try a meeting right?
Rosa,
ReplyDeleteI'm going to my first OA meeting next week. I saw an ad on the bus a year or two ago, so I wrote down and later checked out the website. I remember asking a heavier friend to go with me, but she wasn't into it. I vaguely remember her telling me to go and to take notes for the both of us. Haha. So anyway, when I saw your post on Monday I rechecked the website and saw that they have meetings all over the city. I asked another heavier friend who says she isn't interested so I'm going alone. Thanks for reminding me about the program. I love that it's free and that it has a spiritual component.
And thanks for your comments on my blog, Rosa. I really appreciate the support. You always leave such thoughtful comment on all our blogs.
-A-
So maybe it's time I stop "thinking" about OA and just attend. I'll do a search today for a meeting near me. Althought I don't think I'll tell my family they might think it odd.
ReplyDeleteRosa, I know what it's like to come home, get dinner ont he table, go over homework, deal with child's behavior. I once arrived home, greeted by our landlord, yelling at me that my son cut the chain link fence. I lashed out at my son and I didn't even ask him his side. I let stress get the better of me. I'm glad your husband was there to help you. It's a tough road.
paula
Blogging is great in that I can come here and confess to letting stress get the best of me. It's like going to confession and instead of telling the priest, I'm telling a fellow blogger.
ReplyDeletepaula