Overwhelmed

One night in particular comes to mind when I think about planning for the school year ahead. I was researching ways to set a daily schedule, and I ended up on a rabbit trail watching videos of experienced homeschool moms with older kids talking about all the things they do. I became so overwhelmed that my heart began to race, and I started to hyperventilate. "I can't do this. How am I going to fit all of these things into one day? I'm not doing as much as this mom. My kids are going to be behind." Utter panic, and I must confess I'm somewhat embarrassed to think that I even let my emotions get to that point.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Thankfully, I eventually shut it down and prayed.

Afterwards, I decided to watch one more video from a mama that I really liked.

https://youtu.be/Ld0i9BkEHys?si=MjMwjqTp7GKyCmZz

At the end of her video, she began to encourage overwhelmed homeschool mamas, and I just cried. There is no doubt in my mind that God was using her to speak to me in this moment. It never ceases to amaze me how He shows up right when I need Him. I've seen Him do it time and time again all through my life. It is no accident that I randomly found this homeschool mom and her video from a year ago. God's timing is perfect.

With this being said, I want to take a moment to share a couple of things that I have learned while planning our next school year.

1. Don't compare yourself to others

   Social media only shows pieces of a person's life & it's usually the best ones. And even though they seem to have it all together, they may not. So be who God made you to be and do what God is calling you to do.

2. Find your village

   My husband is my absolute biggest supporter. I couldn't do any of this without him, but I also knew that we needed to join a co-op, which I was very nervous about doing. I'm shy, awkward, and always seem to say something stupid. Thankfully, I found a group of like-minded homeschool mamas who welcomed me and my kiddos with open arms. Now, your village might look different than mine does, and that is okay. Support is key.

3. We're all learning

   I don't claim to know everything and want to always stay in a place of learning, continually seeking information that will help us grow.

4. Get a planner/write it down

   I'm not usually one to use a planner; however, I know I need one. I don't intend to timestamp every single thing that we do, but I still need a general plan and place to organize it. If you don't think a planner will work for you, I have seen some moms who just type up their plans or monthly calendar. Do what works best for you and your family.

5. Don't be afraid to change it up

   If something isn't working, then try something else. Homeschool isn't meant to look like public school, and that's the beauty of it.

6. Find your happy place

   Of course, my most favorite place to be is in the presence of the Lord. I also find that in moments when I am feeling overwhelmed, being outside brings me such peace. God speaks to me in nature, and I need that. A couple more of my happy places are reading or listening to a good book, listening to music, such as worship or peaceful Irish folk music, and drinking a good iced latte. Where is your happy place?

I pray my babbling on has encouraged you today, and if you only take away one thing from this, I hope it's that it's okay if you don't have it all together. There will always be new things to learn. Just don't give up!

You got this, Mama!

"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." 1 Peter 5:7 AMP