I forgot to set my alarm last night.  What woke me up was a noise in the living room.  I opened my eyes and immediately knew something was wrong.  I realized a split-second after that, that I'd forgotten to set my alarm and overslept.  It was too light out.

 

I fumbled for my glasses and looked at the clock.  6:43 AM.  Dang.  The bus will be here in two minutes.  I got up and groggily made my way to the living room where I found my youngest son, happily watching Sponge Bob Square Pants.  I turned to see my two middle children staring, disbelieving at the clock.  They looked at me dumbfounded.

 

"I forgot to set my alarm.  Get ready and I'll drive you to school."

 

"But what about breakfast?" my oldest son asked, worried he would wither away before lunch.

 

"Yes. Eat breakfast, get dressed and I'll drive you to school." 

 

My oldest daughter, I could hear, was in the shower, obviously oblivious to the time.  It was a good 15 minutes later before I got to see the same dumbfounded look on her face when she came out for breakfast, only to see the clock.

 

Three weeks ago, this would have been a major, major stressor in my life.  This morning, it was no big deal.  I knew from experience that if we left by 7:15, I'd have everyone where they belonged, self included, by 8:00.  What made the difference?  Anti-anxiety meds.  I started them just about two weeks ago, and they have changed my life.  I can't believe I waited so long to discuss this with my doctor.

 

At the risk of sounding like a reformed alcholic or Amway salesman...or worse yet, one of those horrid pharmaceutical commercials, if you are experiencing depression, anxiety or anything of the like, do yourself a huge favor and go take care of it.  There is so much more to life than worrying or feeling swallowed up by events you have no control over. 

 

Another plus is on day three of the meds, I looked over at my husband and realized that he's not the enemy. The axe isn't going to fall and he's not going to leave me (which I have feared for nearly two years now).  I was able to see clearly how my stress and fears have been affecting our marriage.  I am happy to report that I continue to feel more and more stabilized and am very content right now.  I wish the same for you too.