So I Run...

No one tells you how hard it is to be a mom.

When my boys were younger, being a mom was easier. Little boys, little problems, right?

Hugs and kisses and wiping tears away. That's all that I needed to do.

Now? Not so much. Big boys, bigger problems.

"A mother is only as happy as her unhappiest child". 

So I run.

This past week, I watched my youngest son go through surgery on his leg, the leg he broke 3 months ago. He's had a tough summer and even though he's been such a trooper about it, my heart hurts for him. Spring rugby came to an abrupt end and he's had to sit out of rugby this summer. He was unable to participate in gymnastics camp as well. The first thing he asked his doctor after surgery was when he could play rugby again. I could feel my heart break a little bit more.

Also this past week, I saw my oldest son work through disappointment when he learned he was placed at the end of a very long waiting list to get into a trade union. He's had a tough couple of years and has done a great job getting his life on track. He had his heart set on this goal and did everything he was asked to prepare for this. It's not fair. I feel so bad for him. This too broke my heart. I want to make things easy for him. I wish I could.

Life's not fair. It's a lesson that is hard to learn and I feel that as keenly as my boys do.

As much as I want to make it all go away, I can't. That's what's so hard for me. I'm a fixer. I'm a mom.

So I run.

All we want for our children, as moms, is to see them happy.

When they hurt, we hurt.

When they are little, we can hug them and wipe their tears away.

When they are big, it's not so easy. There's a fine line between being supportive and being smothering.

Part of mothering is teaching your kids how to manage what life throws their way.

I just want to make it all better. Wouldn't that be easier?

So I run.

I think about all this on my runs. When I run, I work through my feelings so that I don't make their problems my problems.

Even though their problems are my problems.

When they hurt, I hurt, but it can't be about me. I have to make it about them.

So I run.

The road, the physical exertion, the sweat all serve a purpose:

• Endorphins for mom, which makes me much more pleasant and agreeable. 
• Time alone to sort things out in my head, which makes me better able to problem solve.
• A physical release, which lets me get rid of all kinds of nervous energy and anxiety. 
• A hard fast run helps me to feel strong.

I had to figure this out for myself. No one tells you how hard it is to be a mom.

So I run.

Do you think running and/or physical activity makes you a better mom? Do you struggle when your kids are hurting? How do you help your older children navigate through life?

I'm linking this post with DebRuns for Wednesday Word. Today's word prompt is physical.

I'm also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Michelle, and Jen for Wild Workout Wednesday.

And with Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel for Coaches Corner.