I know I say this a lot, and really, I say it to remind myself. As parents and homeschoolers, we tend to be a self-sacrificing bunch. We don't like to slow down, especially if an educational or social opportunity appears. Decembers seem to be the worst. End of the year activities, get-togethers with family and friends, and general holiday preparations all combine to create a perfect storm for burnout. As much as I enjoy this time of year, I know I need to be cautious, especially since my asthma can be stress induced, and my worst attack ever happened in early January of 1995 as the holidays were winding down.
Of course, even with extra caution, I couldn't predict how stressful this December would be. With one sick cat that required several hundred dollars' worth of vet care, releasing a book, and several family issues, I've struggled to keep well this month. As a result, I haven't done nearly as much as I would have this year. No cards were sent. I missed my favorite homeschooling caroling party due to illness. The tree is not up yet. Any decorating was done by my husband and children. I only started baking cookies over the past few days. And I'm trying to be OK with all of this. I have said before that I'm no Wonder Woman. It's important to know my limits so that I can be there when my family needs me the most.
My wish for my readers is that you take time for yourselves this season. Whether you celebrate several holidays or simply welcome in the new year, remember to honor yourself and respect your limitations. You are worth so much to your family and yourself. Try not to overdo it.
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7 comments:
And the world won't come to an end because those things weren't done, or were done imperfectly. Be kind to yourself!
Delegate, delegate, delegat :-) When we were homeschooling December became its own curriculum: baking - math and chemistry, fractions, scaling up and down, language arts - letter writing/spelling, geography - finding our wide flung family on a map and addressing cards, student skills - logistics and organizing!
I wish you a warm, restful and healthy holiday!
Remember "No woman is required to build the world by destroying herself." Rabbi Sofer 19th Century. I know - easier said than done, but you've accomplished a lot - 3 children and a book! Time to sit back and enjoy your life.
Love, Linda
After trying to homeschool during the Christmas season for six years, I finally gave up even thinking I would try to homeschool from the week of Thanksgiving until the day after New Year's (or thereabouts depending on my husband's days off). I am at peace with it.
What gets done, gets done. What does not, does not. I have been saying for the last week that I will take a day off just for me and read books or whatever. Has not happened yet, but maybe in two more days...?
May you be well, you and all your family, including the furry ones.
Wise words to LIVE by. Altho we do need the Martha doers of the world, Mary did indeed choose the better part. Hope you get to experience some of the Christmas peace this season. Love, Mom
PS Got to order more of your books!
I hope you are feeling much better! I ended up with a sinus infection that whipped me for a few days. My grand plans to take a couple of days to sit and watch movie after movie hasn't happened yet. Maybe next week. At least I got started on some baking this week, but only because the kids had two parties to attend. LOL
Thank you everyone! I'm trying to rest. :o)
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