Folding laundry, I start worrying about my child again
Even as I fold the towels, I keep wondering whether my child had a good day. I notice how, as my worries grow, caring for my child and my own day can get…
Scenes
- Folding laundry, thinking of my child again — As I fold a towel, I wonder whether my child had a good day. The worry follows me even while I fold laundry.
- My mind keeps going back to check — When worry comes up, you want to check that your child is doing well. Even after you check, another worry may soon follow.
- Worry can bring on more worry — When thoughts of your child come up, it's easy to fill in what you don't yet know. Worry can make those thoughts feel like facts.
- Put the thought into one line — If worry comes up while folding laundry tonight, try writing one line: “The thought I'm having right now is…” Then see whether the thought and the facts feel distinct.
- My day, alongside thoughts of my child — Some nights, you can't set your worries down for a moment. Even then, the brief time you spend folding one piece of laundry is part of your day.
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- When dinner with my coworkers ends, I think of the path my parents chose for me.
- When I close the door after work, I can’t think of anyone to reach out to.
- When a notification comes in, my shoulders tense up first.
- On payday, I want to ask how you are first
- When I think of my child’s report card, I end up grading myself too.
- After hearing about my friend, my own day feels small.
- Even in the salon mirror, the silence between me and my husband follows me.
- In the family chat, it’s always Mom who speaks