PEP UP

New year , New chances , New feels , Same dreams , Fresh starts :)

#2023

Welcoming August!

The past few months have been very unsettling, and there were a lot of areas that needed attention. There was a lot going around us, and settling back in after our vacation took some time more than we expected. The entire process was overwhelming that got me to stop and reflect on what I wanted, and I learnt a few things during the process .

I learnt it’s not necessary to be present everywhere. Sometimes, it’s best to slow down and reflect on priorities, to see what matters most to me. I adopted a slow living perspective, pacing myself and accepting my choices and not blaming them.

I reduced my screen time /digital life and shifted my energies to do something which I was procrastinating for a long time and that is my counselling sessions. The more I saw my clients the more I realised what I had been missing out all these days.

Another biggest fear that I addressed was driving. I have always felt dependent on other people to take me places, and I needed a driver if I had to go out or to work. I never thought I would be able to drive myself to work or take on driving responsibilities. Even now, I still can’t imagine that I pick Dave up from school and we go for grocery shopping together. Being able to drive has given me new levels of independence and confidence.

In a fast-paced life, it is easy to feel low or demotivated, so take some time to reflect. Think about your priorities and focus your energy on what helps you feel satisfied, confident and independent. Life is a like a painting – it takes a very long time to be satisfied with the work you put in, and at times it may look like nothing, but you just have to trust the process. While it is good to look at the big picture, sometimes you need to stop and appreciate those little moments of joy and satisfaction that you experience, because those priceless moments are what gives color to life. Welcoming the new month with open arms, and being ready to be accepting of whatever happens. So take the time you need to fully enjoy this month.

School is a new place and the transition is difficult. The child is overwhelmed by their feelings and experiences, but cannot articulate it, and their body needs some way to process it. Any acting in or acting out behavior is basically your child’s way of saying that they have a lot of feelings, fears and anxieties in their mind, and don’t know what to do about it.

What can you do to help?
- Reassure them

Tell them that you understand how they feel, and that they're safe. Say "I know it’s hard to go to school everyday, and you’re trying your best even though you are scared”. Talk to them about their routine and assure them that you will bring them home every day. You can say “I’m so proud of you for staying in school without me today” or “look how brave you are, going to school everyday!”

Provide an outlet
Allow them to play. Movement helps them express their fear, so make sure their play involves big movements. If they get aggressive and throw things, let them play a game where they throw and catch, to help channel their feelings.

When you shed their fear, they will no longer show these behaviors. However, if these behaviors become regular for more than a month, please talk to a counselor or child psychologist.

Darling Dave :)

I m still not able to process that you are done with your first term in school. The time has flown in the blink of an eye.

I still remember the anxiety I had when I went in for the school interview and admission process. The fear of whether I m taking the right step for you.

I feared if you were ready to be without us.I feared if you will accommodate to the new environment. I feared if you will be able to communicate your needs and ask for help. I feared how people around you will attend to your need. I feared who will help you calm down during your emotional meltdowns. I feared if you were kind to people around you. I feared whether you will get hurt during your playtime. I feared that you will feel lonely at school. I feared if you will be able to eat your snacks by yourself. I feared and I feared and the list of my fears had no end. I felt all knotted up inside.

But somehow I mustered the courage and strongly decided NOT to pass on my fears to you. And that’s the only preparation I did for both of us before we stepped on this challenging school journey of ours.

Our first day of school , I tried to not hover and managed to resist the urge to stay and hide behind the trees watching you.
I told myself I’d stay until you seemed settled then say a quick goodbye and leave. Well, after only a few minutes you were happy, exploring and having fun with the other kids.
So why was it then such a wrench to say “Mummy is going for a bit now, I’ll see you later” and to turn around with a heavy heart and long face.

And with a blink of an eye! Here we are , finishing up our first term of school. I think I had all these endless fears because somehow I believed you were still fragile.
But I’ve come to see that you are anything but. You have a spirit that refuses to be frightened. You have an enthusiasm that is defiant of the dangers you face. You have an ease and flexibility that inspires even the most cynical parts of me. You are my muse.

I look at your smiling baby picture on the wall, it seems like your newborn days were so long ago. Yet at the same time, ( Rest in carousel and comments)