My children are my challenge. I have a 20 year old son and a 19 year old daughter. They are both making bad choices and I struggle to keep from falling into a pit of despair and depression. I can honestly say that I did my best, gave 100% as a parent, still it is difficult. Last summer my son wrecked his car on a Saturday afternoon due to staying up all night and who knows what else. Last night my daughter who has an athletic scholarship, had an accident and got a dui. She spent 12 hours in jail. Now she will probably lose her scholarship, not to mention the wake of destruction this will leave in her life.

I want to cry, fall apart, quit, just give up and fall into a pit of depression.  I’ve signed up for Ironman Florida next November and I know that training will help me to keep my mind from mulling over my kids.  I just don’t feel like it. How do you get beyond your own emotions?

Donna,
I am truly sorry to hear about the hard times your children are having!!! As a parent that has to be very hard to see this going on and happening!!!  I am sure that you did your very best as a parent.  Is there a support group in your area or a counselor that might be able to help you sort things out??  I would suggest going to see a counselor to help you sort your feelings and emotions out.  Group support at your local area hospital might be good as well.  Please seek help from a counselor or from a support group.  Either choice will be a good way of starting to get beyond your emotions.  Also as hard as it may be force yourself to keep moving and doing your workouts.  Remember the concept that Scott talked about as the workout as being a mini vacation.  I used this during the time that my father was dying to help me out.  I send out postive thoughts and a word of prayer that the needed support will come your way.  Please keep us posted on this one.  I wish you all the best and hope that you can move to get the support you need to help you with your emotions.

Scooby

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I have reached out for some help from my close friends and have been surrounded by some wonderful support. Time has helped me to sort out my feelings and I’ve mulled over this enough.  Now I am moving forward. I cannot change the past, I cannot change what other people (my kids) do, but I have total control over what I do. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

Donna,
I am so glad to hear that you have reached out to friends.  Also so glad to hear that you are moving forward and accepting the past and present.  Easy to say, but hard to do.  And yes you have total control over your own destiny and future.  Now go for it!!  If you need to reach out to friends again please do it so you can get the support you need.  And we are here for you as well.  Take care of yourself and take good care of yourself. 

Scooby

Which Ironman did you do Donna?