July began with a couple days off and then things moved forward in earnest. I knew August would be busy but I wasn’t fully prepared for the haze of busyness that July has been.
I have to look at my calendar to help recall what’s actually happened this month because it’s been such a blur.
Something Loved
I attended another work conference (my second in just two months), this time with a number of the teachers I work with. It was a refresher on the education philosophy our school is built on (the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason) as well as practical experience in how to apply it.
It was such a pleasure both for the content itself and for the time to spend with members of the staff that I don’t frequently get to see. I came home feeling uplifted and energized for how to support the teachers at the hybrid school I work for as well as how to implement changes in my own homeschooling.
It was beautiful to be reminded that we are part of larger homeschooling community who have chosen to do things in a specific way and why. It feels so countercultural at times and it helps to know we aren’t alone.
Something that Sustained Me
This month has had it’s share of disappointments as well as long hours of work for both my husband and me. But carving out small amounts of time to spend with friends has helped us keep going. Having dinner and playing a board game even if the trip we had planned had to be cancelled/rescheduled. Getting lunch with a friend even if it feels like I “don’t have the time.” Taking a morning walk with a friend. Having a extra long conversation and a hug in the church foyer even if means our families have to wait for us for a few minutes.
Something Carrying Forward
I’ve started to go to bed earlier. I kind of hate it. I feel like I’m missing out on life a little bit. For the past week (and the next week), I’ve been picking my daughter up from her summer theater intensive. She’s there for about twelve hours and it’s a half hour away. I’m spending a lot of time in the car. She has so much to tell us about her day but also by the time we get home, I need to start getting ready for bed and winding down to sleep. It hasn’t been easy to attempt.
But I’ve hit an impasse in my health in several areas so getting more sleep feels like it could help. I know I probably won’t be able to stick to it perfectly, but I want to try to give myself a chance to try this and hope it will work where other things haven’t been enough.
Something To Make Space for
I need to make space for nothing. Time to do nothing. Moments to think. Time where I have nowhere I have to go and nothing that must be done in that moment. It’s rare for me. I’ve fought for margin my whole life and I keep thinking it will get easier. But it doesn’t. We live in a world that doesn’t honor rest. We monetize margin and leverage white space. Doing less feels like failing the people in my life who need me or like punishing myself. I still don’t know what this is supposed to look like. But I know my mind and body need it. Even in busy seasons. Especially in busy seasons.
I link up with a group of faithful writers monthly (when I remember to actually post) through My Joyful Life: Share 4 Somethings, as we reflect on the past month.
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