Essay on “The Roles of a Single Mother”

Essay on â€Å"The Roles of a Single Mother† Mothers are arguably some of the best multi-taskers in the world today. The sheer amount of responsibilities they need to juggle makes them a combination of nurturer, caregiver, teacher, nurse, cheerleader, disciplinarian and more. I would know—Im a mother, myself. If there is something even more challenging than being a mother, though, it is being a single mother with no parents to help you out. My situation is a little different from other single mothers, however. Aside from the aforementioned roles, I also took on the additional roles of full-time student and part-time worker. Thankfully, Ive learned enough from the University of Hard Knocks with respect to balancing school and family life. Most of my time is devoted to caring for my children. My studies take second place, with work coming in third and the remaining fraction of my time left for the rest. Unfortunately, juggling all of the things Ive mentioned above does not necessarily translate into calmness and ease all the time. In fact, it often leads to role strain. There are times when I actually wish I had help in the form of a helpmate—someone who could look after the kids while I sought that much-needed break. My children are precious to me, yet there are admittedly days when they seem semi-precious. This most often happens when their needs prevent me from keeping up with my homework. Sometimes, my assignments have to take a backseat to more pressing needs like feeding them, cleaning them or helping them with their own assignments. My social life is almost non-existent as a result of this (Szakaly, Role Strain in Caregiving). The good news is that my part-time job doesnt really feel like work. In fact, it feels more like an interesting diversion—a chance to go out and meet new people and help someone out. The benefits work both ways: the people I reach out get their needs met and I get the chance to forget my own problems for a while (Howe, Meeting the Challenge of Being a Single Mom). It is also a great opportunity for me to connect with someone other than my kids and it helps me grow in a fun way. Then there are the rough days when the frustration sets in. During these dark times, I continuously remind myself of my reason for doing this precarious balancing act: to provide a better life for my kids. When they are sleeping, I take the time to ground myself, to pray and to ask God for the strength to do what is right (Szakaly, Role Strain in Caregiving). At first glance, it would seem as if I am the sum of these statuses and nothing more. Most people look at me and see a struggling mother, a part-time worker and a student, and rightly so, for these things are part of my current life. However, I am working hard to be more than just them. I know that God put me on Earth for a reason. Part of my lifes meaning comes from discovering that reason and living it out to the best of my ability. One day, I will not only live out my potential—I will transcend it as well. In closing, I see my status as a single mother as a supreme challenge. It tests my conviction and my courage on a daily basis to the point where I question and doubt myself. Nevertheless, all it takes is a prayer and one look at my sleeping children to get me back on track. As God has showed me time and time again, it is in dying to myself daily and in trusting Him completely that I discover the person that I really am and the life that I am truly meant to live. Works Cited Howe, Michele. Meeting the Challenge of Being a Single Mom. Powertochange.com. Power to Change Ministries, n.d. Web. 26 April 2012. Szakaly, Jennifer. Role Strain in Caregiving. Jenniferszakaly.hubpages.com. Hubpages, n.d. Web. 26 April 2012.

The Anxiety Cure - 941 Words

Theory Critique: The Anxiety Cure By Dr. Archibald D. Hart _________________ Presented to Assistant Professor Max Mills Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Lynchburg, VA __________________ In Partial Fulfillment Of the requirements for the course PACO 507 Theology and Spirituality in Counseling ________________________ By December 12, 2010 The Anxiety Cure By Dr. Archibald D. Hart Concise Summary: Dr. Archibald Hart brings gives his contribution to the counseling world by giving us the Anxiety Cure. The essence of the book is found in the beginning of the book. Anxiety is now the number one emotional problem of our day (Hart 1999). This book aims to help people cope with worry, stress†¦show more content†¦Meditation causes you to think on God and his Excellencies, which can possibly change your life, all by itself. Personal Reflection: This book has truly brought to light some of the thoughts that I have had for years. Many people that we come in contact with everyday have issues that result in anxiety attacks. Especially as Christians we have to know how to deal with life when it brings panic attacks, stress and worry our way. The way that most people that I know of have dealt with the situation is to fold and be depressed. That has subsequently led to other illnesses and problems because the initial things were never dealt with. This book provides excellent strategies to overcome the problems that one can face. I have personally had one on one interaction with people and I have seen all of these conditions that were mentioned by Dr. Hart. As I converse with them, I can see the nervousness and the unrest in their eyes. There is an uneasiness that warrants therapy and in many cases prayer as well. The main problem in that case, is does that person really want the help. When a person does n ot want the help, you cannot force them to take it. They must, of their own volition accept help. There was one individual that I knew of in the church who was on medication for anxiety and depression. This person had convinced themselves in their mind of their condition. After monthsShow MoreRelatedThe Anxiety Cure Essay1182 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Hart (1999) in his book The Anxiety Cure offers a plan to defeat anxiety by explaining the role of how brain chemistry, psychological responses, and thought process aid in the complications of anxiety disorders. He views modern society as moving at the speed of cheetahs when God designed us to move at the speed of camels. The book gives practical advice to change your way of life without depending on medication and psychotherapy as a life-long process, by developing the emotional tranquilityRead MoreTaking a Look at Teenage Depression1434 Words   |  6 Pagesphysical, social, and emotional. With the knowledge of the previously stated it is clear that undiagnosed depression in teenagers leads to poor success in school life and personal life, thus causing a repetitive and damaging cycle of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; it starts in teenage years but doesn’t end once adolescent years have passed. The main issue, in receiving help to treat teenage depression, starts long before a plan can be discussed. An adolescent’s first issue in placeRead MoreHart on the World of Anxiety775 Words   |  3 Pagesconnecting to the world of anxiety in the field of counseling by stating that anxiety is the number one emotional problem of our day — that anxiety should always be considered and its role and significance on the body (p. v). He postulated this back in 1999 and now fifteen years later this is truer today than back then. Our society is faster paced and demanding than in years past too. Hart (2001) reminds us that researchers have discovered that stress is the major cause to anxiety as it wreaks havoc withRead MorePersuasive Essay On Marijuana918 Words   |  4 Pagesmarijuana so they can make as much profit off of it as they can. So if the customer at the doctors office is cured and doesnt need any more medicine than thats another customer lost. Another big benefit of marijuana is that marijuana can potentially cure cancer. Marijuana slowly kills the cancer cells, so it stops the growth and development of the cells so that cancer doesnt spread and take over everything. Scientists found that active ingredients in marijuana can reduce tumor growth by 50% slowedRead MoreThe Meditation Health Benefits Of The World1102 Words   |  5 Pagesfor religious purposes, however recently individuals have been testing it out for themselves. One does not have to mediate for religious purposes, this phnaoman can be used to lower stress levels, cure anxiety and panic disorders, learn to handle stressful situations better, and help to control anxiety, sharpen one’s mind, improve memory and critical thinking and reverse depression. The Buddhist religion is what shined the light on the process of mediation from the start. Buddha, the head of theRead MoreSymptoms And Treatments Of Manic Depression1005 Words   |  5 Pagesantidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medication, anti-seizers medication. For bipolar depression one common treatment is drug therapy. What types of drugs are used in drug therapy to help treat bipolar depression you may ask? Well the answer is there are many different types of drugs to help treat this illness. Mood stabilizer such as Lithobid also known as Lithium (generic brand) and Lamictal also known as lamotrigine (generic brand), help manage manic depression not cure it. Like all medication althoughRead MoreFemale Hysteria Essay1046 Words   |  5 Pagesafter a divorce. When he unlocked her cell door, her screams and laughter echoed throughout the hallway. The psychiatrist then has her placed in a strait jacket and is escorted to his office for further examination and researc h for a possible, humane cure. While some human beings can have different types of mental disorders, one illness in particular was common for women- hysteria, or â€Å"Female Hysteria.† This mental disorder had brought great devastation in the psyche of human females and had differentRead MoreAmaxophobia: Definition and Symptoms1141 Words   |  5 Pagestypically include extreme anxiety, dread and anything associated with panic such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, inability to articulate words or sentences, dry mouth and shaking.6 A  feeling of uncontrollable anxiety  when you think about or are exposed to walking The feeling that  you must do everything possible  to avoid walking The inability  to function normally  because of your anxiety Often, the knowledge thatRead MoreDepression An Innovative, Drug-Free Essay1084 Words   |  5 PagesDepression: An Innovative, Drug-Free Solution Around the globe, depression impacts an abundance of people. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug also knows as â€Å"magic mushrooms,† has recently been discovered to weaken or even cure depression. Recently in a small study published in the journal â€Å"Lancet Psychiatry,† twelve people were tested using psilocybin and after one week, all reported improvements and two thirds were depression free. Depression is one of the most common mental illnessesRead MoreWhat ´s behind Musician ´s Dystonia?981 Words   |  4 Pagesthe issue. In the case of musicians, the most of the subjects seem to fall under the second category: the repetitive movements of the same muscles would cause The Dystonia, even if there could be a genetic predisposition for it. There is not a clear cure for this problem and only some partial solutions as Neurological re-training or Botox injections seem to alleviate the problem, but not fix it totally. Focal Dystonia is a highly incapacitating disease for musicians, as when the symptoms start: cramps

Business Ethics John Q free essay sample

The movie, John Q, tells the story of a man who is put to the test to save his ten-year old son. John Q Archibald is the father of Michael, a young, athletic, seemingly healthy boy. During Michael’s baseball game one afternoon however, he suddenly collapses due to heart failure. After being rushed the Emergency Room the Archibald’s are informed of the worst. Dr. Raymond Turner approaches John and his wife, Denise, with the news that Michael’s only chance to live is if he receives a heart transplant. Unfortunately, the Archibald’s insurance would not cover the procedure; nor would their incomes. A short while later the family is hit with more devastating news that Michael would be released from the hospital without care due to unpaid medical bills. John does all he can do to save his son as he holds everyone in the hospital hostage until his son is placed on the list. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Ethics John Q or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He is in a race against time as Michael’s conditions to worsen. The ethical issues presented in this movie spider webbed from the topic of health care. The topics discussed relating to the textbook include: the morality of human acts, human rights, certain and true conscience, the right to petition, and man’s rights and duties towards himself. While John’s attempt to take others’ lives was unethical, he did so to save the life of someone he deeply loved. As a factory worker, John’s benefits did not include insurance that was sufficient enough to pay for the surgery. However, when the hospital was made aware of this, they should have made the ethical decision to prioritize a child’s life above money. When the hospital found out the Archibald’s would not be able to afford the procedure, they refused them care. When Michael was refused care, the family began to panic as they already struggled financially. At this point John had the right to express the pain he was experiencing due to his helpless, dying son. He, in turn, petitioned against the hospital administration for being unwilling to aid in Michael’s failing heart. The hospital showed acts of injustice when they discharged Michael from the hospital. In the beginning, John and Denise did all of the right things. They sold their car, house hold items and nearly ended up homeless. It still wasn’t enough. The community did all they could to help but the doctors would not budge. As John continued to fail in his quest, the frustration became more than he could handle. But did his actions display a malicious, unethical form of behavior? Being a highly thought of, generous, church-going family, John Q Archibald acted out of love. His ethics came through in the form of aspiration as he went to desperate lengths to save someone he loved so dearly. John acted ethically as he got to know many of his hostage victims, as well. An expecting couple feared for their lives as well as that of their unborn child; in return, John released them unharmed. A young woman who is in a physically abusive relationship was another innocent patient in the hospital when John attacked. After learning of her situation, John and the hostages team up to save her and deliver the payback her boyfriend deserves. John becomes more desperate with every failed attempt to save his son when he decides all he can do is offer his own life. He does so by offering to donate his own heart so Michael can live on. Moments before pulling the trigger of the pistol placed inside his mouth he decides there must be another way. In the end Michael receives the heart transplant to save his life. He resumes his active lifestyle while all of the hostages are safely released. John ends up in jail but is assured by his son, â€Å"It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. † When looking at every one of John’s actions individually, they appear to be the definition of unethical. But when you look at them each as a part of the big picture, he did it all for the greater good; the life of his son. If any parent was put in that situation I’m sure they would react the same. A parent is supposed to protect a child no matter what and do anything and everything possible to protect them. That is instinct and certainly applies to ethical motives in society. Although I had seen this movie several times when I was much younger, I had a much different perspective watching it for this project and with all of the health care changes since that movie was released. I see both pros and cons to the most recent health care plan and when applied to the situation in this movie, it proves exactly what it was implemented to prevent. Watching this movie, it was emotionally taxing to watch a child suffer due to financial insufficiencies. The parents gave up all they had to save their son and that should be more than enough for any medical institution. I also support what John did to save his son. In fact, I believe it would be unethical for a parent to stand by while their child endures an undeserved death. A parent should be wired by instinct to act in survival mode and that is precisely what John Q did. This was a great movie and explained more to me about health care ethics than a text book could ever teacher.

Last Lecture free essay sample

LectureLast Lecture Don’t judge a book by its cover. You hear that expression all the time. However, it couldn’t be applied greater than the book titled, â€Å"The Last Lecture† by Randy Pausch. When I first looked at the book, I expected to encounter a story filled with nothing but sadness. However, after reading this National Bestseller, I found that I had discovered a tale of life. â€Å"The Last Lecture† documents the life of Randy Pausch in the form of short stories that exemplified the kind of man he lived as. Pausch’s ability to share those stories on paper with the world was quite impressive. His story-telling ability was perhaps the most positive aspect of the book. Each â€Å"mini-lesson† consisted of an attention grabbing opening, much like we are required to do in this book review (hopefully I have succeeded). For example, â€Å"Weve placed a lot of emphasis in this country on the idea of peoples rights. We will write a custom essay sample on Last Lecture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Thats how it should be, but it makes no sense to talk about rights without also talking about responsibilities†. Having a sentence that is quite plain and simple but at the same time extremely thought provoking helped to pull me into every chapter. After an attention grabbing opening, Pausch continued to draw us in with tales of humor and light mischief. Although some of his stories deviated off topic, every detail enhanced the end result of the lesson learned. Ultimately, Mr. Pausch chose to write and present his â€Å"last lecture† for his children. The book was extremely positive despite the fact that the man writing it knew that he had very little time left to live. At the end of each short story, Pausch summed up the series of events that it consisted of and left us with a lesson learned in couple sentences. Those couple sentence at the end of each chapter proved to hold much more value than their length, however. Pausch left us with this at the end of one story, â€Å" No job is beneath you. You ought to be thrilled you got a job in the mailroom. And when you get there, heres what you do: Be really great at sorting mail† It is no mystery from the very beginning that Randy Pausch is dying of cancer. As a matter of fact, he tells us right away that he has only months to live. The author does not probe for emotional appeal with his diagnosis. Cancer is noted only when the author is concerned for the future of his family. I cannot recall a time in the book when he feels sorry for himself. His impending death is the reason for his writing of a last lecture, and I find it quite amazing how at peace he is with this. The beginning of the story consists mostly of Pausch’s professional life. He is a remarkable man in every respect, but his academic ability must be noted. Randy Pausch chose to become a university professor even though many other options awaited him. At one point in the story a man asked him what the key was to success. Pausch countered by asking the man to call him on his office phone at 10:30 Friday night and then he would reveal his answer. Ha! I love it. We learn a lot about Randy’s life through short-stories in the first part of the book. The story then progresses to where Randy meets his future wife, Jai. The two go through a unique experience before committing to each other. And their marriage almost only lasts one day! But I will allow you to read to find out the details. The remainder of the story focuses on Pausch’s love for his wife and children, including the happiness, sadness, successes, and trying times that they have and are currently facing. There are simply too many short stories to share in this book review; you’ll have to read yourself. But let me assure you, you’ll laugh, cry, and come away a better person if you do. If you asked me what Randy Pausch is trying to convey in his last lecture, I would simply say that success is not about the number of days that you live on this earth, it is about the quality of each day. It is also not about the number of breaths you take, but the number of breaths that take your breath away. Pardon the cliche. Randy Pausch demonstrates an amazing understanding of how to be happy in life. I would recommend this book to readers of age 16 and older, just because personally I feel that before 16 years old I would not have appreciated the book’s content. It is an amazing tale of a man that overcame death: not physically, but spiritually. I will leave you with these words from Randy Pausch, â€Å"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand†