- Having a daily time with God. Check
- Working on my health – eating, drinking, exercise, sleep (haha). Check
- Working on our marriage, being intentional. Check
There are some other things that will help us thrive. I am referring to our social life, which, along with the other things mentioned in the above numbers 1 – 3, will contribute to our emotional well-being.
Whether we are introverts or extroverts, we are not meant to be islands, we need others. But not just any others. Not just neighbors or fellow church goers or even fellow homeschoolers. We need people that will encourage us in our journey. People with whom we can say, “You, too? Me, too!”
The woman or homeschool mom who appears to have achieved perfection in every area of her life (perfect house, perfect husband, perfect children) will not encourage you. She is not real enough to do so – she is portraying a facade. Nobody’s life is perfect.
The woman or homeschool mom who complains all the time will not encourage you either. How can she? She can’t see the good gifts in her life, and believe me, she has some.
You need friends who can be real – open with their struggles, but going forward in hope – someone who encourages you and who you can encourage. Someone who will pray for you, and who you pray for as needs are expressed. Someone who is somewhat on the same page as you regarding your overall goals in life. Or as Anne of Green Gables would say “A kindred spirit”. Avoid those who bring you down.
Where do you find such people? Well if they aren’t at your church, in your neighborhood, or in a local support group, ask God to bring you some. Even one good, understanding, encouraging friend goes a long way. If all else fails, you can find such a person online. There are groups for homeschooling moms of large families, groups of homeschooling moms who have children with special needs, groups of homeschooling moms that use this method or that method of education, etc.
A local friend with whom you can get together with for a play date with your kids or have the whole family over or go for a rare coffee or tea date is ideal. But if you don’t have like-minded, encouraging friends, then communicating with someone online can be helpful.
You are a busy, homeschool mom. You are pouring yourself out for your family. You want to thrive, so that you can be your best in this act of love and service to them. Finding another homeschool mom or a group of like-minded moms who will encourage you on your journey will help you to thrive.