In my heart, not truly open to life (NFP question)

[Perian]

I’m still following, but I must admit the topic is dizzying. I do have more questions, but I fear they would sound like selfish moaning.

For example, today I was particularly mournful for my art. The necessary elements of time, energy, and focus never seem to align. I thrive on my quiet, introspective creativity. It’s one of the ways I heal and meditate, but it’s a major thing I’ve had to give up. This compounds my problem of fearin for more children because one of my only consolations is “One day, this baby will be in school, etc.” Another baby resets the clock on when I can return to my art or a Master’s or anything else that doesn’t bore me to death.

I love staying at home but today was rough. I just wanted to read something engaging or get to work on a piece. But, I can’t. It’s just not in the cards right now. But, this is a prime example of how this is an ongoing spiritual battle to do God’s will and not my own. I’m not even happy with how my life has changed with this first child. How can I do anything but dread the way the next child will chip away at the vestiges of my few remaining pleasures*?

• Pleasures here meaning the things that keep my mental health on life support. I don’t have extraneous things-that-I-just-like-to-do

 

[glendab]

Hello Perian.

I’m still following, but I must admit the topic is dizzying. I do have more questions, but I fear they would sound like selfish moaning.

For example, today I was particularly mournful for my art. The necessary elements of time, energy, and focus never seem to align. I thrive on my quiet, introspective creativity. It’s one of the ways I heal and meditate, but it’s a major thing I’ve had to give up. This compounds my problem of fearin for more children because one of my only consolations is “One day, this baby will be in school, etc.” Another baby resets the clock on when I can return to my art or a Master’s or anything else that doesn’t bore me to death.

I love staying at home but today was rough. I just wanted to read something engaging or get to work on a piece. But, I can’t. It’s just not in the cards right now. But, this is a prime example of how this is an ongoing spiritual battle to do God’s will and not my own. I’m not even happy with how my life has changed with this first child. How can I do anything but dread the way the next child will chip away at the vestiges of my few remaining pleasures*?

• Pleasures here meaning the things that keep my mental health on life support. I don’t have extraneous things-that-I-just-like-to-do

Actually I think it would do you some good to go to the other Forums here such as those concerned with Family Life. People there talk alot about the day to day walk and I’m sure you’d find more than one new mom talking about how she adjusted, etc. It would do you some good to find out you aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed and wondering about being a new mom.

Hope this helps. I’ll pray for you. Remember being a mom is a modeling of Mary, the Mother of God in our lives. Look to her in all things and you won’t go wrong on much.

Glenda

 

[jlc2k2]

Hello Perian.

Actually I think it would do you some good to go to the other Forums here such as those concerned with Family Life. People there talk alot about the day to day walk and I’m sure you’d find more than one new mom talking about how she adjusted, etc. It would do you some good to find out you aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed and wondering about being a new mom.

Hope this helps. I’ll pray for you. Remember being a mom is a modeling of Mary, the Mother of God in our lives. Look to her in all things and you won’t go wrong on much.

Glenda

Glenda - This** is** the Family Life board. Responders turned it into a theological discussion, which is what generally happens when NFP and family planning comes up on this board.

OP -

At this point, I had to go back and remind myself what the original topic was. I would say that the beauty of NFP (and why I still think you are open to life even though you don’t think so) is that it is a month-to-month and even day-to-day decision. You don’t have to decide what your family will look like years in the future or even a year from now. Give it time and you may feel differently or you may not.

I’m also a quiet introspective type. I like to write but haven’t been able to do much even before the kids were born (work and school got in the way). It’s just gotten worse since I had kids. But I do try to carve out some small time for myself. Whether it’s writing or playing video games or what-not. As the kids have gotten a bit older and had more predictable schedules, this has been easier.

See where life takes you and be open to God’s plan and you’ll be alright.

 

[glendab]

Hello!!!

Glenda - This** is** the Family Life board. Responders turned it into a theological discussion, which is what generally happens when NFP and family planning comes up on this board.

OP -

At this point, I had to go back and remind myself what the original topic was. I would say that the beauty of NFP (and why I still think you are open to life even though you don’t think so) is that it is a month-to-month and even day-to-day decision. You don’t have to decide what your family will look like years in the future or even a year from now. Give it time and you may feel differently or you may not.

I’m also a quiet introspective type. I like to write but haven’t been able to do much even before the kids were born (work and school got in the way). It’s just gotten worse since I had kids. But I do try to carve out some small time for myself. Whether it’s writing or playing video games or what-not. As the kids have gotten a bit older and had more predictable schedules, this has been easier.

See where life takes you and be open to God’s plan and you’ll be alright.

OOOOPPPS! DUH. I lost track of where I was. Sorry! Oh well. Everyone got a laugh on me. Glad to brighter you day up with a little laughter.

Glenda

 

[jlc2k2]

Hello!!!

OOOOPPPS! DUH. I lost track of where I was. Sorry! Oh well. Everyone got a laugh on me. Glad to brighter you day up with a little laughter.

Glenda

It’s all good. These discussions can get heavy on the theology and technical details sometimes so it’s easy to forget. Sometimes I think the only reason I remember is because it’s the only board I come to on CAF.