Sometimes just the act of listing things that fill you up or bring life are just what a weary soul needs. And May can tend to make one weary as we crawl to the finish line of school and sports and crazy schedules. I thought it was time to share a few of the things saving my life right now on my quest to remain grounded in the crazy. These are by no means in any kind of order and some of them may seem trivial to you, but to me they are worth noting and acknowledging.
1 - Staying Home - I am acutely aware of the blessing and privilege that I have had to be able to stay home since becoming a mom over 20 years ago. I never imagined being a homeschool mom but here I am teaching Algebra, relearning how to diagram sentences, reading History and implementing life-skills on the daily. I can't say it's all been sunshine and roses (can next May get here already?!), but I am SO grateful for the opportunity. I have found how to hold space for gratitude while simultaneously being completely over it, lol! I think I've been thinking about it so much because my homeschooling season is coming to a close so soon with Jude tying a bow on this era next year after he completes eighth grade with me. I've caught myself daydreaming about what I want to dedicate my time to after all my kids are either graduated or in public school. Where do I want to work? What does God have next for me? These questions don't bring panic or overwhelm, but excitement about what lays ahead for me.
2 - Block Out Times - Speaking of homeschool...I found myself getting so frustrated at Jude on mornings that I felt like my attention was divided. Whether it was because I had an early morning appointment with a kid or just a ton of things piling up on my to-do-list. I would be scurrying around doing all the things while Jude, the student I was supposed to be teaching, was left with unanswered questions and an inattentive teacher with her mind elsewhere. As I evaluated the situation I decided first of all that I owed Jude an apology. It wasn't his fault that I had to take Alethia to the orthodontist, or Zeke to the DMV or scheduled too many things in my day. Yes, the orthodontist needed to be a priority, the DMV unfortunately has to happen (I think I will celebrate the last time I have to enter the nightmare called the NC DMV due to teen driving protocols), and the things on my to-do list still need to get done, but NOT during school. I decided that I am going to treat school time as an item on my calendar and I'm not allowed to overbook. That's it. Now, life sometimes doesn't work like that, but overall, for what I can control, I say no to all appointments and outside responsibilities until school is done for the day and it has made a world of difference on our school days.
3 - Off The Socials - I gave up social media for Lent this year and have hardly had a desire to go back. Besides the occasional need to look something or someone up or just to check in I haven't signed on. I find it so freeing not to have to know everything and respond to it all. I talk to my people and stay connected through word of mouth (or text) and that has been so great! No, I haven't deleted my accounts but don't get offended if I don't respond back to a message in any timely manner. If you know my number or address you know where to find me.
4 - Six Month Rule - I am a get-rid-of-stuff kind of girl. I periodically go through bins, drawers, cabinets, dressers and baskets throughout the year, which alone has ALWAYS been something that saves me life, but sometimes it's hard to know whether to get rid of something or not. Years ago I heard about this one hack that truly saves my life, with clothes (or smaller items) especially. If I'm going through my closet or a bin, I for sure have some obvious things for the "keep" pile or "get-rid-of-it" pile. But what about those things that you are on the fence about? What I do is grab a trash bag from the kitchen and unashamedly fill it with those questionable items and stick it in my attic for 6 months. During those six months, if I have wondered where the thing went or I actually wanted to wear or use it I'll take it back out and and keep it. And the rest of the stuff in the bag? It no longer gets to take up precious realty in my home and it finds a new home.
5 - Garden Door - All I asked for for Mother's Day was a door for my garden. Josh made me one several years about but it grew weary over time and needed to be replaced. So this year, he got me a new one! He went to the antique store up the road and found me an old door and sized it for the garden and it literally makes me smile EVERY time I look out at it. I love it so much!
6 - Tuesday Miles - Tuesdays have become one of my favorite days. We typically go to my parent's house for school and they live in a great neighborhood for walking/jogging. I don't put any expectations on myself except to just move. Some days I fill my head with the latest podcasts in my feed and other days I will walk or jog in silence, with only my own thoughts keeping me company. I will get anywhere from 3-5 miles in. Then Cai has soccer practice near the greenway in the evening. Instead of just dropping him off I'll stick around and walk or jog some more. Last week I tracked a half marathon between the two and I felt so accomplished. It has been slow going to working my way back up to distance since I was sick in 2020, so this has been a great way to stretch myself. Plus I sleep great on Tuesday nights!
7 - 1825 - Josh and I took over our college ministry a few months ago and I have really loved getting to know these young adults. They are eager to dig deep and not afraid to ask questions. I just remember those years in my own life and the people God placed in my life to help me navigate life as I began adulting and I am so honored to be able to fill that gap for these kids.
8 - Save For Later - A few years ago I started taking advantage of the "save for later" Amazon feature. Actually, I used to just have a paper titled "Want But Not Yet" before Amazon's save for later. Instead of just thinking I need something right when I hear about it I can find it and stick it in the "save for later" cart. Not only does it help me not spend so much money, it is an automatic, ongoing Christmas or birthday list. It specifically makes my "saving my life" list because once I find it and put it on the list I can mentally release it. I don't have to feel like I need to keep it in the front of my mind anymore, especially if it is something I need after we get paid again or budget for it. Once I've put it on that list I know it will just sit there waiting for me if and when the time is appropriate to get it.
