How do you feel about getting older and not having children to spend the holidays with?

 I grew up in a family with three women. My mother was my grandmother, who passed away when I was just 13 years old. Then came my mom’s sister and her husband, whom I have never met but I do know they have had at least five kids together. All of them are adults now. As far as the children I have, I feel like I am starting over, because I have no other parents or siblings anymore. In fact, I can think of two that I know of that no longer have kids, which is nice to know, but it doesn’t make me want to stop having kids. So I guess what I’m saying is, it’s okay if you don’t want kids, it’s not a reason to stop having them. It’s also okay to say no to anyone but your own children. It’s all about balance. If there is one thing you can remember from being younger, it’s this: You need people to stay close, to keep you going when things get tough, and to share their life experiences with you. When people leave you, you lose yourself. But when they come back, you gain a whole new perspective on life and become stronger together. This goes for both men and women, and I believe it applies to all ages. I just don’t know how much the last couple generations experienced these things. They didn’t grow up with more options than us, so maybe they didn’t realize just how much they were missing out on, nor did they realize just how big of an impact those relationships would have on them when they got older. I hope that we will see more of these older couples in our age group growing closer, even though we do not have kids yet. I hope we will see more of these older mothers who are still doing great things in retirement, and I hope that the baby boomers, who are getting older, will be able to enjoy some time alone.

So what do you do when you are not having any kids? Well, I am sorry but I really don’t think you can blame yourself for not feeling ready for parenthood. What you want to do is take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way. Don’t forget about finding happiness in the little moments, whether it’s a date night with friends, hanging out with the grandchildren, or spending quality time alone. There is nothing wrong with enjoying some of your favorite activities and letting yourself be happy and carefree, whether it’s taking a long walk, reading, baking, making dinner, cooking something special for someone, or having some fun with a pet. Whatever you do, remember that it is okay if you don’t feel ready for parenthood. Just take it day by day, step by step, and don’t worry so much about getting back into shape. Think about why you did not have children. Maybe you could find ways to fill the void, even if it means staying close to your own children. Remember that no matter how many kids you have, they are always around for support, and that is what keeps families together. So go ahead and have some fun and let yourself feel your best!

I hope that writing this helped you! Let me know if you liked it here, and please check out my Instagram profile (link). You can also follow me on Twitter @Somajoodie or visit my website. Thank you again for reading! ~Sommy

Let’s talk about mental health! Mental illness is a serious issue right now; according to the World Health Organization, one million people suffer from some form of mental illness every year. People tend to avoid talking about it, for fear of judgment or rejection. Many don’t seek help until it becomes too late, which can lead to self-harm or suicide. However, there are resources available to help you cope with your mental health issues. Here are some important ones:

1. Reach Out: Talking to a therapist can provide valuable information and advice on managing your mental health. They can give you tips on managing stress, reducing symptoms such as anxiety or depression, improving sleep, and seeking professional help if needed.

2. Take Care of Your Body: Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you feel better mentally. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can have negative effects on mental health. Make sure to get 7–8 hours of sleep per night and try to avoid using electronic devices before bedtime. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or tai chi to wind down and calm your mind.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment and focusing on your breath and body sensations can help calm your mind and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. By practicing mindfulness practices, you can learn new skills such as concentration, focus, mindfulness, and time awareness.

5. Be Patient: If you have been struggling with your mental health, it can be difficult for you to see progress quickly. It takes time to recognize triggers and overcome feelings of low self-worth. However, it is important to stay focused and patient with your treatment plan. Don’t forget that you deserve to feel happy and satisfied with your life.