Here we are, the last week of summer. I felt, for most of the season, like it was going at a snail's pace. Now it seems we may not have the time we need to fit it all in, but in a way - that's how it is meant to be. To have a summer so packed to the gills with goodness that it runs right over into Fall.
I'm thinking ahead to our Fall rhythm. In the past I have tried to shoe-horn myself into strident schedules and ultra-organization, but it always ends up falling apart, leaving me feeling disenchanted and, honestly, a bit of a loser. This year I am trying to be more mindful of my own gifts as a Mom and an educator - and use my strengths, as opposed to trying to imitate those of others. The truth is, I can do this. I can homeschool 3 kids and deal lovingly and intentionally with the 3 others. I can find a rhythm for our family that meets the needs of everyone. But if I try to be a Mom and Wife and Teacher that I'm not, well...it will fall flat.
Each Mother and family is different, and everyone has their own unique way of making this all work. Some need a strictly and thoroughly cleaned house every day. Some thrive in a "school at home" environment. While those homes do inspire and impress me, that isn't me. It's not my kids, and it's not our life. While I love a fresh, clean home as much as the next Mama, mine will always be a bit more chaotic - simply because that is more my personality.
I try to keep all of this in mind while writing up our daily schedule and chore charts, knowing that a lot of space is just necessary for us. Great, big gaps in our days for freedom. Work, and lots of it, yes, but also quiet and space. For all of us. To me, the most important part of our days are not necessarily the things that are written in, but those things that aren't.
So while my charts may look nearly empty to others, for me they are full. Full of time for a little girl to knit on the couch. Full of room for spur of the moment adventures in the woods. Full of space for the rabbit trails of learning that can teach us so much, for trips to the library on a whim and for opening our home and lives to the people around us. When I let go of being just like everyone else, and use my own gifts to the best of my ability - I know it will all work out just fine.
What does your fall rhythm look like?
{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now. You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you. We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.
I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~
Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.
Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!
Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!
Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}
Grab the graphic here:
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I wrote about something very similar this week. Starting school and new routines brings refreshment and rest. I prefer a less structured day as well. That's one of the many perks of home educating. You can do what works best for you!
ReplyDeleteMy first link was incorrect, but I can't see how to remove it. Feel free to take it off if you can. The 2nd link is the correct one. Enjoy the last bit of summer!
We are just starting our homeschool journey, although little man is only 5, but I have no preconceived notion that I can be everything on his learning journey. I will do my best, offer what I can and seek out others to help along the way. You have some amazing gifts Lydia, and you will be just fine :)
ReplyDeleteOur Fall routine will focus on giving more responsibilities to our 4th and 6th graders. We also, after doing some reading on executive functioning, are going to focus on helping both kids with gaining skills and enhancing their strengths in this area. I am also looking, on a personal level, to be a better steward with my time, our family's money, and with our other resources. I think your perspective going into this new academic season is very healthy. Instead of focusing on unreasonable expectations, you are setting realistic goals. I find your perspective to be very inspirational, as I have a tendency to set my bar too high so that I am never, ever able to reach my goals. Good luck this fall and I look forward to reading about your progress!
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