What Do You Do?

First off, I want to thank everyone for your overwhelming support of this new venture. I'm so humbled by all your sweet comments and I know that I have been truly blessed with wonderful friends and family. I couldn't make it through life without all of you!

Disclaimer: If I ever tell stories about any of my friends, I will either not mention names, or change the names, or ask their permission first. I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable or exposed.

The other day, a friend called me in tears because she just found out that ANOTHER one of her friends is pregnant. She's been having a difficult time for a while now, and she may be feeling, as many of us do, there is no end. I was very touched when she said "I didn't know who else to call." I wanted to cry with her, because I know the pain she is going through. I searched for just the right things to tell her to make her feel better, but I felt so inadequate. I'm afraid I just babbled.

When I am feeling this way, one of my friends always tells me that it's ok to be upset, angry, frustrated, sad, and even jealous. She listens and validates my feelings and allows me to not feel so guilty for having them. This has been one of the biggest helps to me because I am able to work through those feelings, and then move on.

So here I am, telling YOU, when your best friend, your sister, your sister-in-law, your aunt, your cousin, your coworker, even your mother tells you they are pregnant...

It's OK to be upset
It's OK to be angry
It's OK to be frustrated
It's OK to be jealous
It's OK to cry

Allow yourself to have those feelings, then, recognize and identify each one individually. NOW, it's time to release those feelings so you can go on and deal with the rest of your day or week.

Some suggestions for release:
1. Write in a journal: I find writing to be very therapeutic. Others may prefer drawing, painting, or doing crafts. I write about my thoughts and feelings -uncut and uncensored- Sometimes I even write letters. Just remember, don't send the letters, and you only have to share your writings if you want to.
2. Talk to a close friend, family member, or spouse: They can provide physical support, and sometimes you just need someone who will listen and not judge you.
3. Pray: Go someplace quiet where you can be alone, and pour your heart out to your loving Heavenly Father. Cry all those tears you have been holding in for days, weeks, even months! Even if you're sobbing, He still understands the words you say.
4. Go for a walk: Exercise releases endorphins which make your brain feel happy. Sometimes the best thing to do is to get away, look at the big picture in life, and forget the whole thing.

These are just a few things that I have found bring me comfort when I get overwhelmed by all the baby bellies. What do you do when you find yourself hitting your limits?