Dear Moms Dealing with Narcolepsy,
Just because all the other moms do it, doesn’t mean you have to.
Too often, moms feel like they have to be given permission.
For what?
To debunk the hamster wheel of mommy culture and just be you.
If you don’t believe me, then listen to the voice of Rachel on her blog, Sleepy American. Rachel is a relatively new mom who lives with not one – not two – not even three or four – but five chronic illnesses or disabilities.
The Mighty shares Rachel’s blog as she writes to empower other moms who live with an illness or disability and encourages them to claim their own superhero status:
“I have several chronic illnesses: narcolepsy with cataplexy, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and chronic hepatic adenomas. Each illness has shaped who I have become today… Motherhood is tough in and of itself. We, however, are superheroes!”
Cycles of Enthusiasm
When the moment strikes, many moms may declare, “Today, I am going to be the best mommy ever!” But for some people like Rachel, motherhood is complicated by health challenges. Does that really mean other moms like Rachel, who live with a complex health status, can’t be the “best mommy ever,” too?
Not all moms are “regular people” as described by Rachel. “What regular person can truly understand chronic pain and extreme narcolepsy and how we deal with chronic illness? Not many; this won’t stop them from making their marginalized opinions known.”
When individuals pass judgement, the negativity stings.
Insert Sarcasm
Let’s talk about some different “types” of moms.
- The “here and now” mom may claim:
Today, I am going to live in the moment. I am going to put my phone down, get off Facebook, and really spend some quality time with my child.
- The “change the habits” mom may assert:
I am going to skip the supercenter and shop at one of those fancy whole foodie organic stores – stop buying all those crappy processed snack foods and nourish my child’s body with fresh goodies. Maybe even print a nutrition chart — or even better, the food pyramid. I could even frame it and add to it my gallery wall I’m planning for the awkward wall space in my kitchen.
(Score one for the multi-tasking mommy!)
- The “inner peace with a side order of Pinterest” mom may proclaim:
I’m going to start meditating or try to find a yoga class so I can get in touch with my inner chi and center myself so I stop yelling at my kids. My kids are angels and don’t deserve to be screamed at as much as I do.
I probably should make one of those “calming” bottles with the glitter glue and water in an old bottle. It would be the trifecta of peace and goodwill: less shouting at my kids, keep my blood pressure under control, and save the Earth all in one Pinterest project. I’m a genius!
- The “refocused” mom may assert:
I’m going to change the atmosphere of my home into a more positive vibe. I know I have at least 20 or 30 different positive reinforcement charts in my “Good Parenting” board on my Pinterest account. I just bought a whole bunch of stickers on clearance at Target; they are all different colors too, so I can coordinate one color for each kid so each child gets individual attention and feels extra special.
You get where I’m going with this, don’t you?
Punchline
Nothing worthwhile comes easily, and motherhood is no exception. With all the possibilities to judge or criticize, moms need to support each other and empower one another. Spread the good vibes. Share the new feels. Recognize the same heart.
