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I’m Good At Acting Like I’m OK—But I’m Not

In: Motherhood

2 Minute Read

By Christina Abernethy

I notice the lump in my throat getting bigger and I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest.

It seems as though the walls are caving in and I can’t find my way out.

It’s hard to breathe and I can feel my face start to flush.

Anxiety has a way of stopping me dead in my tracks.

Sometimes it creeps up slowly and I feel the internal struggle and the intense emotions it causes.

Fighting back the tears as my two young sons stare at me wide-eyed wondering if I’m OK.

RELATED: It’s OK To Admit You’re Not OK, Mama

And then there are days where it hits fast and with unbearable force.

The weight takes my breath away and I find myself running to the bathroom to catch my breath and splash cold water over my face.

These moments are getting more frequent and more intense as the days go by.

It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re always taking care of everyone else.

And I’m struggling to find the balance between keeping it all together without falling apart and realizing when I need a break.

RELATED: Take That Break Before You Break, Mama

I’m really good at the “I’m OK” act and have been doing it for years.

Truth is my friends, anxiety is real.

It can be debilitating and life alternating if not controlled.

I am working hard to gain that control back.

I know this rollercoaster all too well and I will continue to fight for better days ahead.

Days with less anxiety and fear.

Days with less panic attacks and more time enjoying things I love.

Days with less tears and more laughter and smiles.

RELATED: Check On Your Strong Friend, She’s Faking It

Days filled with more time enjoying the little moments and less time worrying about things that are out of my control.

Life is too short to live with so much weight on our shoulders all the time.

Tonight, I’m throwing in the towel.

I’m praying and asking God to help me carry this weight.

And to give me the strength I need to take care of myself too.

This post originally appeared on Love Hope & Autism

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Christina Abernethy

Christina is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for people impacted by disabilities. She is committed to spreading a message of heightened awareness and acceptance of differences, ultimately inspiring hope. Christina enjoys connecting with others through her blog and Facebook page, Love Hope and Autism. She is also proud to be the coordinator for Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, a movement to build accessible restrooms with powered height adjustable adult-sized changing tables to promote inclusion. She is a two-time best selling co-author, most recently including You Are Not Alone: Stories, Resources and Hope from Autism Moms.

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I’m Good At Acting Like I’m OK—But I’m Not

Anxiety has a way of stopping me dead in my tracks.

RELATED: It’s OK To Admit You’re Not OK, Mama

It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re always taking care of everyone else.

RELATED: Take That Break Before You Break, Mama

RELATED: Check On Your Strong Friend, She’s Faking It

Life is too short to live with so much weight on our shoulders all the time.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Christina Abernethy

I Didn’t Know You Were My Last Baby When I Had You

The Invisible Pain after IVF Stops

The Final Out

These Holy Small Things

The Pressure to Do Everything “Right” Is Crushing Us

Letting You Go Is Still So Hard

Behind Every Smiling Graduate Is a Mother Letting Go

Life Lessons from My Grown Children

As a Medical Mom, I Measure Growth Differently

Hannah Harper Is Every Mom with Babies in Her Arms and a Dream In Her Heart

Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

I’m Good At Acting Like I’m OK—But I’m Not

Anxiety has a way of stopping me dead in my tracks.

It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re always taking care of everyone else.

Life is too short to live with so much weight on our shoulders all the time.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

I Didn’t Know You Were My Last Baby When I Had You

The Invisible Pain after IVF Stops

The Final Out

These Holy Small Things

The Pressure to Do Everything “Right” Is Crushing Us

Letting You Go Is Still So Hard

Behind Every Smiling Graduate Is a Mother Letting Go

Life Lessons from My Grown Children

As a Medical Mom, I Measure Growth Differently

Hannah Harper Is Every Mom with Babies in Her Arms and a Dream In Her Heart

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