My earliest memories are strange. I was an Army brat, a toddler living in Germany with my mom & dad (and later, my little brother, who was born there). I went to preschool there. I even learned a little bit of the language. I believe my earliest memory is from age 3–being stretched out across the backseat of a blue car as we drove it through the Alps in Switzerland. I think we were on a little getaway with my Aunt & Uncle, visiting from the States. All I remember is laying on my back, looking out the windows, being afraid of the ascent as I bit my thumbnail all the way down.

Another early memory that stands out is compiled from a few occasions that were mostly the same: Now back in the States & no longer a family, my mom supported the 3 of us (her, me, and my little brother) by waitressing. My grandmom, her mom, watched us every day before and after school until dinner. My mom always picked us up around 6:00 pm. And on the days when she was running late, I pretended to be asleep face down on my Nan’s couch. Really, I was hiding and crying. I now recognize this as the dawn of my separation anxiety, with which I still struggle from time to time.

See, my anxiety crept in at such a young age. If someone, especially my mom, was late to pick me up, I assumed the worst–that she was killed in a car accident (typical of children who experience ). I don’t know why car accidents were my go-to fear back then. I guess I didn’t know the world as such as a scary place that other, worse things could happen.

I told my mom recently about my anxiety as a child. I wish I hadn’t, because I think it made her feel guilty for being a working mother, as if she had a choice. And now that I am a mother, I know how hard it is to deal with momma guilt! I told her only because I wanted her insight about whether she had known me as an anxious child from the start, or if my memories have been skewed over the years as my anxiety developed, tainting them with anxiety that didn’t actually exist back then.

All I know for sure is, I would give my left arm to avoid passing down my anxiety to my son, Jax, who is 2 years old. With this as my mission, I googled.

And one of the best articles I found was this: , by Dr. Paul Foxman. I’ve summarized some of his great tips as vows to my son:

1. I vow, first and foremost, to listen to you when you try to iterate your needs. You may not verbally do this, and that’s ok. I will be sure to listen with my eyes, as well as my ears.
2. I vow to teach you self-care and positive self-talk. I vow to teach you by example. I’m working so hard to limit my negativity.
3. I vow to take it easier on myself so that you don’t think perfectionism is the ideal for which to strive. It’s OK to be imperfect. In fact, I want you to know that it’s our flaws that give us our character, and often develop our strength. And that I look forward to your flaws!
4.  I vow to stop trying to be in control 100% of the time. I’ll settle for 80%. Haha, that’s a joke. I vow to joke more, too. I vow to lighten the mood. I’m too serious around you, my dear. I worry too much. And then I worry about worrying too much.
5. Nothing feels better to me, especially when I am anxious, than plopping down on the floor with you and a handful of toys. Play-Doh does wonders for nervous energy–all that kneading is like having a colorful, yummy-smelling stress ball at your fingertips, with the added bonus of amazing you with what I can make! (Sorry that I mostly make snowmen. I’ll learn some new tricks soon, I promise.)
6. Finally, I vow to take all of your future stomach aches seriously, especially any that occur before tests, gym class, and any other thing I used to hate myself as a child.

Those of us who are recovering (or who are still struggling) with a postpartum mood disorder understand the importance of these things for our own healing–relaxing, limiting negative self-talk, practicing self-care, letting go of control sometimes, and allowing our imperfections. We need to remember that they are not only good for our souls, but also good for the littlest souls among us who see and hear everything we do, even when it looks like they’re glued to the tv set or have their nose buried in a book. We are role models for our little ones. We must practice what we preach–be kind to yourself today. The rewards of your efforts are limitless.

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Don’t you just love this?  
Now go over to Jamie’s and read what else she has to say about anxiety in this  Tell her I sent you and give her some comment love, especially on Sunday, Cause it’s her birthday! Oh, Jamie, I’m so glad you were born!  

Comment magic:
Talk to Jaime, talk to me, talk to you:
Tell Jaime what parts of her post touched you.
Tell me: what helps you when you are anxious.
Tell you: which of these vows calls to you? What kind of support will actually help you keep it?

As always, oodles of love to all who read.
Whether you comment or not, Enter the ipad air 2, an upgrade to the original ipad air that features an ultra-thin design, faster apple a8x chip, improved retina display, faster wireless, improved isight camera and touch id.may the joy be with you.