I want to start with where I am right now in my journey of
overcoming overwhelm. I have been
restless. I was waiting all summer for
the “start” of our new school year, so we could change up the routine, get into
a better rhythm, and so I had some grasp on what we were doing every day.
overcoming overwhelm. I have been
restless. I was waiting all summer for
the “start” of our new school year, so we could change up the routine, get into
a better rhythm, and so I had some grasp on what we were doing every day.
Of course, what actually happened was I was not entirely
ready for school to start. Sure, I had my plans laid out in my wonderful planner, but I underestimated the impact
of teaching two instead of one, and having a very rambunctious toddler.
ready for school to start. Sure, I had my plans laid out in my wonderful planner, but I underestimated the impact
of teaching two instead of one, and having a very rambunctious toddler.
I kept adjusting our schedule, but then it seemed like we
were down to the bare bones minimum for what I wanted to accomplish in school,
and we started adding in extracurricular activities outside the home.
were down to the bare bones minimum for what I wanted to accomplish in school,
and we started adding in extracurricular activities outside the home.
Now we are involved with activities outside the house
several days a week, our weekends are booked with church and sports, and there
is no longer margin in any of my days between parenting, homeschooling,
homemaking, blogging, vlogging, and probably some other –ing words I am not
thinking about right now.
several days a week, our weekends are booked with church and sports, and there
is no longer margin in any of my days between parenting, homeschooling,
homemaking, blogging, vlogging, and probably some other –ing words I am not
thinking about right now.
Our life, my life, is full.
I don’t think that is a bad thing, by any means. I also know that there are people that thrive
in that type of go-go-go environment.
in that type of go-go-go environment.
I am not one of those people.
After many years of questioning why I retreated so much when
life got busy, I finally figured out that I was an introvert. I will go more into being an introvert later
in this series I believe, but for the short answer – an introvert does not
necessarily mean a shy person. What it
means is that to energize myself, I need dedicated alone time. That is hard to come by as a mom, and doubly
hard to come by as a mom who homeschools.
life got busy, I finally figured out that I was an introvert. I will go more into being an introvert later
in this series I believe, but for the short answer – an introvert does not
necessarily mean a shy person. What it
means is that to energize myself, I need dedicated alone time. That is hard to come by as a mom, and doubly
hard to come by as a mom who homeschools.
I have made adjustments over the past couple of years in
order to make life work for me, and for our family. But, these rhythms, routines, and choices
need adjusting regularly.
order to make life work for me, and for our family. But, these rhythms, routines, and choices
need adjusting regularly.
I am one to always say “if I can just figure out the RIGHT –
schedule – routine – rhythm – I will be all right.” But I forget that circumstances change, and
because of that my schedule needs an adjustment. Just like seasonally we move from one
wardrobe to the next, our rhythm needs that adjustment as well.
schedule – routine – rhythm – I will be all right.” But I forget that circumstances change, and
because of that my schedule needs an adjustment. Just like seasonally we move from one
wardrobe to the next, our rhythm needs that adjustment as well.
Honestly, it is all trial and error. What may end up working for me may not work
for you, and vice versa. That isn’t a
bad thing by any means! However, I know
that some of the ideas that I am planning on sharing will be useful to
everyone. Granted, I will discuss my
specific changes, but I think that you can take the guidelines I discuss and
apply what works to your own life, and leave the rest behind.
for you, and vice versa. That isn’t a
bad thing by any means! However, I know
that some of the ideas that I am planning on sharing will be useful to
everyone. Granted, I will discuss my
specific changes, but I think that you can take the guidelines I discuss and
apply what works to your own life, and leave the rest behind.
I want to take a moment and place a disclaimer. I am not saying that everyone MUST do what I
am doing. No, not at all. Instead, I want us all to ponder what works
in our lives, and what may need a bit of a tune-up. I know that I am definitely an introspective
person, and so perhaps I spend a large majority of time considering these
ideas; it is time to take dust off my word of the year action and take some
action on the thoughts that have been flowing through my mind for the past two
months.
am doing. No, not at all. Instead, I want us all to ponder what works
in our lives, and what may need a bit of a tune-up. I know that I am definitely an introspective
person, and so perhaps I spend a large majority of time considering these
ideas; it is time to take dust off my word of the year action and take some
action on the thoughts that have been flowing through my mind for the past two
months.
My first thought was to think of why I couldn’t get past
life happening so quickly.
life happening so quickly.
I know that people will either nod their heads in agreement,
or roll their eyes when I say this next statement:
or roll their eyes when I say this next statement:
Life is moving fast, the months are moving fast, this year
is almost over.
is almost over.
I know, the sky is falling, all that jazz. This year has seemed particularly fast to
me. I realized that part of that reason
was because we have been so busy, and not taking enough breaks to decompress. But, I also feel like everywhere I look the
*next* thing is always on the horizon.
me. I realized that part of that reason
was because we have been so busy, and not taking enough breaks to decompress. But, I also feel like everywhere I look the
*next* thing is always on the horizon.
4th of July weekend, the back to school stuff is
out; as soon as the middle of August rolls around, we start to see Halloween
candy and costumes on the shelves, the week before Halloween the Christmas
stuff will start to peek out behind the leftover costumes. Commercially, we are always onto the next
holiday, before the last one is even finished.
out; as soon as the middle of August rolls around, we start to see Halloween
candy and costumes on the shelves, the week before Halloween the Christmas
stuff will start to peek out behind the leftover costumes. Commercially, we are always onto the next
holiday, before the last one is even finished.
I have noticed this more and more as I blog longer. All of the “experts” are saying you need to
have your content ready super early, that is what people want. But, is it really? Instead, it makes me feel overwhelmed, and
unprepared. So in addition to the
overwhelm that I have with my life in general, I have to add the additional
overwhelm of all the *stuff* I should be doing right.this.minute.
have your content ready super early, that is what people want. But, is it really? Instead, it makes me feel overwhelmed, and
unprepared. So in addition to the
overwhelm that I have with my life in general, I have to add the additional
overwhelm of all the *stuff* I should be doing right.this.minute.
See, totally stressed out and overwhelmed! My first stop is going to be a re-assessment
of priorities. Stay tuned for that post
tomorrow!
of priorities. Stay tuned for that post
tomorrow!
Do you feel like life
is moving too fast? What do you think
the root cause of it is?
is moving too fast? What do you think
the root cause of it is?
Jess says
November 11, 2016 at 5:12 amYou must be amazing at time management! I can't even imagine adding parenting and homeschooling to my current routine of work and blogging (though I would love to homeschool my kids in the future!)
CourtneyLynne says
November 10, 2016 at 9:08 pmOmg I don't know how you home schooling mamas do it!!! That is one tough job. Hats off to you for doing it!
Kit Stanwood says
November 10, 2016 at 5:19 pmHaha I'm totally an introvert too and agree that I'm not shy but I like to have alone time to recharge and then I can socialize again. Too much and it drives me annoyed haha
Stacey D says
November 10, 2016 at 4:57 amGreat post! I find the balance is fluid – during the year there are those times where there is so much going on it seems as if there is not time enough to breathe. And then with we readjust and bring back the balance. Only to start the cycle all over again.
Living the Sweet Wife says
November 10, 2016 at 2:20 amI agree, this year has gone so fast. I keep thinking that my son is still one, but he's 2 now. I keep thinking that he was only born last year. Trying to make the most of every moment!
Megan Salerno says
November 10, 2016 at 1:32 amI agree, I always say that everything will be fine once I develop a routine, but then something gums up the works and it gets overwhelming again. Life happens and you just have to find what works for you!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
November 10, 2016 at 1:31 amI always feel like life is moving way too fast. I feel like there is never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.
Kiwi says
November 9, 2016 at 8:53 pmLife is really speeding up! Is it already Thanksgiving and Christmas time and the new year around the corner?? It just moved to quickly!
Louise Bishop says
November 9, 2016 at 7:51 pmI homeschooled my entire life and now homeschool my children. It's very overwhelming but worth it!
Brittany Muddamalle says
November 9, 2016 at 6:27 pmWe just started homeschooling this year too! I've loved parts of it but it's so much work! It was much more than I expected.
Sarah says
November 9, 2016 at 1:54 pmSometimes to beat overwhelm we just have to slow down for a little while and re-center ourselves. Love this!
Amanda Steelman says
November 9, 2016 at 12:50 pmWow you have a lot on your plate. Being overwhelmed always leaves me full of anxiety and I often end up doing nothing for a couple of days which leads to being more overwhelmed!
Tabitha says
November 9, 2016 at 4:02 amHomeschooling is a lot to take on! I commend you for doing it! Life is moving too fast! I can't believe it's already November!
Taylor Mobley says
November 9, 2016 at 3:17 amI applaud you for doing home schooling. I just could never do it. I plan on continuing working once I have kids so I will put them in school. But i looks like you totally have it all figured out!
Robin Rue says
November 9, 2016 at 2:12 amThe home schooling thing definitely has me giving you a pat on the back. I don't know how I would work from home and do that at the same time.
krystal says
November 9, 2016 at 1:30 amI do feel as if we are constantly just spinning out content without being prepared! It is sometimes nice to plan ahead though. I'm ready for a fresh start in the new year.
Krystel Seijo says
November 9, 2016 at 12:13 amI feel like the older I get the faster time goes and the more important it is to set goals and have an action plan. Well said!
Amanda Love says
November 8, 2016 at 4:52 pmIt's good to take a step back when there's so much on your plate. It doesn't mean you're giving up, you're just giving yourself time to create a routine that works for you.
Logan Cantrell says
November 8, 2016 at 4:04 pmThis post came at a great time for me! My son started school for the first time and I thought it would give me a break but instead it added to our chaos. haha I also just had a baby 5 days ago and we are moving this week! Things are so overwhelming, but I know it will pass. I hope you are feeling better about your busyness as well!
Flamingos & Pineapples says
November 8, 2016 at 2:51 pmSo funny my SO and I were discussing homeschooling the other day, I would not have the patience for that, but way to go! I'm sure scheduling really helps to make your day go smoothly and sometimes you do just have to pause and decompress. Blogging can overwhelm me at times, since I work and do my blogging as an extra job/hobby.
Charlotte TheMummyToolbox says
November 8, 2016 at 10:51 amsometimes it's hard to get things started when you have so much going on! I have my introverted moments which makes things a little harder but taking time for you definitely helps!
Reesa Lewandowski says
November 8, 2016 at 3:49 amI am so overwhelmed lately by work and motherhood. I so need me alone time. It's hard as an introvert to have to be so on all the time.
Carolyn @ Fennell Seeds says
November 8, 2016 at 3:44 amI am an introvert too and that is one reason why I couldn't imagine homeschooling. I like my alone time and need it to be a good mom. Hopefully you can fit some alone time into your new schedule.
galatealily says
November 8, 2016 at 3:03 amI like this 31 day recap of all your fun adventures! Thanks for sharing, babe!
Karlie Alms says
November 8, 2016 at 2:53 amI'm right there with ya. I feel like life is flying by and sometimes I'm just happy to keep up. I think it often stems from a sense of urgency that has somehow become the norm – at least in my life. My goal for 2017 (because it will be here before we know it) is to take some time to appreciate the calm before the storm.
Kimberly Stroh says
November 8, 2016 at 2:36 amI love reading about your trials and successes with home schooling. It really is an option that we are thinking about for my Son's future. Busy times will make you stronger, Mama!
Michelle says
November 8, 2016 at 1:48 amI think you are so, so wise to realize what works for your family. Everyone has to determine their priorities and have the courage to stick to them. Be proud of yourself!!! 🙂
Kecia says
November 8, 2016 at 1:28 amI am the same way! A busy schedule may be fun when it starts, but a few weeks in and I need some mental rest. I have to retreat and get some "me time" or I get very anxiety and feel overwhelmed.
Housewife Eclectic says
November 7, 2016 at 11:55 pmLife totally moves way to fast and you have to just take one day at a time and then you look up and it's almost Christmas! Ahhhh
Karen Morse says
November 7, 2016 at 10:35 pmGirl, life moves waaaaay too fast! I mean, I can.not.believe that its already a week into November! Its insane, but trying to do day by day!
Terri Steffes says
November 7, 2016 at 9:56 pmYes, but when I feel that way, I know it is time to reassess where I am and what I am doing. Usually it means I am trying to do too much in too little time.
Angela Tolsma says
November 7, 2016 at 7:57 pmAs an adult who was home-schooled and has come out of that experience not very supportive of homeschooling. I think the best thing you can do is to take some time for yourself. Get yourself make on a good path. I believe that if my mother had had more self care and love throughout my childhood my education path could have been massively different. So I can't stress if enough that if you choose to make your children's education dependent on you, ensure that you are actually up for it. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and getting help
Heather says
November 7, 2016 at 8:20 pmI'm sorry you didn't have a positive experience with homeschooling! We absolutely love it, I hope that it didn't come off that we don't love that part of our day 🙂 I think that my main problem is all the "extra" that I expect we are doing as well as the essential. As someone who wants my kids to have the best of everything, I definitely spend a lot of time making sure that I am planning and following their interests accordingly. It is a much more labor intensive way of schooling rather than just following a set curriculum.
And honestly, if I took a bit of a blogging break, that would probably be helpful 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Danielle Hernandez says
November 7, 2016 at 6:07 pmI seriously commend you in homeschooling! I want more time with my kids, but not THAT much time. I am definitely guilty of dropping them off at day care with a smile on my face.
Amanda Farmer says
October 2, 2016 at 6:15 pmHomeschooling can be definitely overwhelming. I did it for our last two from start to finish! When my son was in kindergarten, I strapped my infant daughter in a snuggly so that my hands were free and off we went. I wouldn't trade one day of it!