Code Orange "Coping with College" Contest! My entry.

I have three beautiful children Nicholas 24 years old, Phillip 21 years old, and Kandace 16 years old. I’ve been blessed with children who have wonderful personalities and terrific senses of humor. That is especially important in our lives as my two eldest have cerebral palsy and seizure disorders.

It’s always been amazing to me how the guys seem to deal with the everyday stresses of their conditions infinitely better then I do. It was equally amazing to me that when my daughter came along “blessedly being typical in all ways” that even she was able to deal with her brother’s disabilities with a much better acumen then most people. They are all truly wonderful people, and “as is with most parents” I’d like the best for each of them.

As I’m sure you can imagine stress was my middle name for many years. It really did take all my children to show me that there is more to life then just stressing out about everything. More specifically though I had to realize I was in this for the long haul, and not just the short term. That thought made all the difference for me. I accepted that it was okay to delegate some things. It doesn’t make you less or weak to except help when you need it.

I also make sure I have my moral support network in place. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family, and some terrific friends. Having people I can share the good, and the bad things with is essential to de-stressing for me. Some of my very best friends will even tell me when I’m over obsessing on a given issue, and shut-up and let it go already. It’s always helpful to have people like that around.

I am entering this contest on behalf of my youngest child Kandace. As she has grown into a remarkable young person, she has become an unexpected part of my support network. As much as I worry on her behalf I’ve also found she is a person I can deliberate with.

I like to meditate, and tia chi is a marvelously relaxing way to unwind and get in the exercise that is needed. I’ve also been working on eating a proper diet over the last year and half. However, none of those things can replace the right mindset, and a good support network.