Welcome Back!

How was your summer? Was it everything you expected? Was it less than you expected? Whatever your summer held for you and your family, the fall welcomes us back with its usual predictability. This was by far the best summer I have had in quite a while. There were no bells and whistles, I didn’t win the lottery or buy a new car, but what I did do, was rest. That’s right – I rested. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? I mean summers are supposed to be full of excitement, and thrills, summer activities and family holidays – sights, scenes, and sensations, right? Or, not?

I guess the answer to that question will vary depending on the individual. But this individual took a much needed time out. Perhaps I needed it, or perhaps turning 40 has caused me to re-evaluate a few things. I’ve always thrived on busyness – as long as I can remember. It was usually work related, and then evolved to homeschool related busyness – but it’s always been busyness. This summer has caused me to be rather introspective. In my rest, I have become aware of my busyness. I have rediscovered lost interests and passions. Interests and passions that summer, in it’s lazy generosity, has provided me the time to explore. Among them: running, photography, reading for pleasure, and this one surprised me: poetry.

I have discovered, that fulfilling ones role as homeschool mother/teacher is so complex, diverse, exhausting, and at times demanding, that finding time for these simple pleasures becomes rather elusive – to say the least. The running of a school year requires much thought, planning and a reasonable amount of routine. These requirements plus the regular demands of running a household can easily snuff out any viable opportunity to explore ones personal interests, let alone adequate time to properly take care of oneself.

So, what is one to do? The answer is an annual look at balance in ones life. We may not achieve this successfully, but if we become aware (perhaps even for the first time) that balance is a healthy and necessary ingredient to mental health, we may find ourselves revisiting this equation periodically – evaluating as one goes along. So, go easy on yourself – give yourself room to roam; and perhaps along the way, you just may end up discovering a long lost or new founded passion along the way.

May God bless you richly as you pursue a new homeschool year with your family.

Cheryl has been married to her ‘do all’ husband for 13 years. They live in British Columbia, Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Cheryl has been homeschooling their two daughters ages 8 & 10, for 5 years. Her approach to homeschooling is mostly Classical with a dash of Charlotte Mason. She used to be one of those parents who thought they could never homeschool – boy, was she wrong. She enjoys blogging to encourage others that they too can homeschool if the desire is upon their hearts. She homeschool simply because – her kids are worth it. Please visit Cheryl at HomeSchool Journey.