Quote From: dchmtxI just read your message. I hope you are checking for replies still.
I feel your exhaustion. I work at a pediatric hospital where everything is urgent and critical. I am so stressed by my coworkers and the demands of perfection. I go home to an ADD/ severe ADHD child that has some learning disabilities. I have 3 hours to fix dinner, eat, clean up, do homework (he's not able to do homework without constant one on one attention at the 3rd grade level because of ADD). Then do any chores, run any last minute errands, baths and ready for the next day. Some nights we have soccer, PTA, family stuff. I am so burned out and exhausted. Oh, I'm a single parent by the way. TV is out of the question. I catch headline news from the radio. Luckily I have an hour commute each way and that is my relaxation and down time. I unwind, leave my stress where it originated (either at home or work). I think of what I have ahead and organize my thoughts and prioritize what needs to be done. I look at rush hour traffic as therapeutic. :)
Then I've tried to simplify my life. Do only necessary errands during the weekends and only plan one or two (if short) activities a day on the weekends. This keeps me from still feeling rushed and stressed and doesn't over stimulate my son. We have managed to find some great down time at home and able to do things with each other. I understand the demands of work taking all your energy and patience where none is left when you walk in your house.
I was just checking the message board while my two are outside playing. I started crying when I read your message. It meant so much to me that someone else understands. Keep your chin up. It sounds like you have a good sense of humor - keep it - you will need it. I completely understand about the stress of co-workers and the demands of perfection. I have one little girl who is completely out of control. The regular classroom teacher looks at me to solve all of her problems, her mother can't control her either. My boss thinks I should devote a lot of time to the girl plus keep up with all my other students. ENOUGH!!! Good luck and don't give up. THanks again for replying.
