This September marks the start of our third year (2nd grade, 1st grade, and preschool) as a homeschooling family, and I've certainly learned a lot in this time.

Do I know everything? Absolutely not. As I always say "I'm still learning".

But here's what I do know

Without turning this into a typical blog post like "5 Things I Would Tell Myself When I First Started Homeschooling" or "3 Tips for..." (you fill in the blank), which isn't really my thing, I want to share two important lessons I've learned on our homeschooling journey.

1) BE YOURSELF

In a world full of people, there is only one you. So, I shouldn't try to homeschool, blog, or even be like someone else.

Isn't the freedom to pursue our own path a key reason many of us began homeschooling in the first place? It certainly was for us.

2) Never Stop Learning

Try! Learn! Investigate! Discover! READ!

Just this morning, I was talking with my husband about how he inspires me to think higher and learn things that I never thought I would be able to learn. He and our kids are the reason I strive to learn something new every day, and I am so thankful for them.

As for me

These two things have been so important to me these last few years. Not just because I think they are important as a homeschool mama, but because it is so easy to get overwhelmed.

I take care of our children, manage our home, educate our kids, run errands (always with my children in tow), and work a cleaning job to bring in a little extra income. On top of it all, I run our website, which can easily become time-consuming. Some days "overwhelmed" is an understatement for what I feel.

Take our website for example

Society often adds pressure to be like influencers, live like Hollywood, and be anyone other than yourself. I've found this to be true when it comes to building our website and everything it involves. There's a "tried and true" method for gaining followers, getting views and likes, or growing a business. But at what cost?

Am I willing to be like everyone else to gain a following? That might work for some, but I just can't do it. And if I'm being completely honest, I don't want to do it!

Why? Because I'm simply not like everyone else. I've tried, but it doesn't work. I dislike the constant pressure to "perform" and refuse to stress myself out trying. I will simply be who God has called me to be & continue to learn in order to better myself, help my family, and most importantly, please God.

Have I Rambled on too much?

Some might consider this blog to be pointless, and perhaps I've already lost many readers by now. Regardless, for those who are still here, I hope you feel inspired and understand that you have a distinct plan and purpose that only you can fulfill.

Jeremiah 29:11 says

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

You

You matter to God. You matter to your spouse. You matter to your children. You are important.

SO... Be yourself & continue to learn as you go!

You got this mama!

P.S. For more on our story to homeschooling, read "Our Beginning" (linked below).