Lessons and Questions from Mothering with Chronic Pain [Episode 239]

We all have hard things in our life that we get to keep learning from again and again. Mine is physical pain and health challenges.

In this week's episode, I'm sharing some practical tips for parenting while in physical pain (which can be applied to mental and emotional health challenges, too), as well as some principles and lessons I've been learning over the last few months.

For me, one of the biggest things this challenge has taught me is to rely more fully on God. I've chosen to look at the pain as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.

Whenever the fear starts to creep in because of pain or the unknown underlying causes, I try to remember who does know. God is all-knowing, and He is the only one with all of the answers. I try to remain focused on the fact that I can trust Him to walk with me through all the ups and downs.

I've also discovered some helpful practices that make mothering easier when I have painful days:

• Play music to match the mood you want in your home.
• Instead of focusing on what is not going well, practice gratitude.
• Remember, in this moment, you are okay. Notice what doesn't hurt right now.
• Instead of worrying about how you will survive this moment, look back and see all that you've endured and overcome.
• State your limitations calmly and thank children for their help.
• Ask, "What would I do to take care of myself if I didn't have kids?" and then do that thing.
• End the day with the Thriving in Motherhood Journal to help keep your brain in helpful thought patterns.

While none of these practices or mindsets eliminate my physical discomfort, they do help me live my life with purpose and joy. They help me create the life I want my family to experience while setting an example for my children about dealing with challenges.

For more real-life examples and discussion about this topic, tune into this week's podcast episode.