I WILL NEVER, EVER, EVER HOMESCHOOL...EVER

I recall saying this on so many occasions. But if I have learned one thing in life – I should NEVER use the word NEVER!! During this unprecedented time in our country many families are in my same position and wondering what to do this year. State officials and School Board officials drive the choices that parents have and we working moms are in a tough position of which route is best. I am blessed with the ability of choice. Years ago when I said YES to having my own business much of it was about choice and freedom which is playing a big role in the tools in my toolbox to make a decision 17 years later. At the time, I never (there’s that word again) thought it was going to lead to homeschooling a child. But, I have to be flexible. I have to do what I think is right not only for my child but for me. And that may sound awful, but it’s true. In order to be there for our family, to be there for my clients, to build my business I must maintain peace as much as possible along the way.

"We can help our children succeed when we decide from a spirit of peace, not anxiety." -Peggy Ployhar

As much as I say that as I write this, I wasn’t operating out of a spirit of peace in the beginning of this decision journey. I was so anxious and shoving down those nudges/intuitions I have come to rely on and trust in my life. I knew this would not lead to a good decision. So, I had to take a step back which is what I did this past week. I had to get a handle on realistically what our options are, build a basis of pros and cons that I could share with my family and use as a basis for a plan this next school year. As I started down this decision journey, nothing felt right everything was stressful. But I employed the techniques that I use with others and that I teach in my work. I came to a position of peace in the calms and was able to guide and direction and LISTEN to that still small voice again. And here I am at the end of the week ready because we do have a decision – homeschooling 2020/2021. Not a statement I ever thought I would make but it is surrounded with peace. I am a realist (don’t tell my husband) in that I know that not every step along this journey will be peaceful but I will have my foundation of peace to come back to knowing this decision was made the right way. It was funny as I was stressing I remembered the guidance I gave to my nephew just a few short weeks ago about his college choice - he had 17 options with scholarships, etc. in his field and he was driving himself nuts. What I told him was "It's not the last decision it is just the next decision" I am so thankful that I turned off the chatter and got quiet enough to hear that nudge again in my life. Did we make the right decision – who knows really what the right decision is right now – but I do feel like we made the best decision for right now.