Last night was a test of my nervous system.
After school, we headed to get the kids’ flu shots, and it turned into one of those dreaded experiences where the child is screaming and pulling away from the nurse, and other nurses are needed to come in and assist. When we finally walked into the waiting room, everyone looked up, curious to see who had been making those screams from the exam room. They gave sympathetic glances, with an undertone of frustration, as their appointments were now 15 minutes late because multiple staff members had been required for one vaccination.
Once post-vaccination lollipops had been distributed, we headed across town for another appointment. While in the waiting room, we climbed over furniture, spilled cards all over the floor, and investigated (and possibly tasted) every artificial plant. My children argued over tiny toy trains, and their voices grew uncomfortably loud, especially in light of the signs that read, “Quiet, please.”
But I made it through a chaotic 2.5 hours without losing my cool. In fact, we even found moments of creativity, laughter, and a little fun.
When we got home, I handed off childcare duties to my husband and took 10 much-needed minutes to step away, breath, and collect myself before the dinner and bedtime whirlwind began.
Looking back on the afternoon, I feel so proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve learned the importance of caring for myself and my nervous system. I truly believe these practices helped me make it through a stressful (and slightly embarrassing) afternoon. I’m grateful to feel moments of overwhelm but not get stuck in them like I used to. I’m even more thankful for the tools that help me return to a place of calm and peace.
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