August has come and gone (almost), and I have only written here once this month. That’s how crazy August always is for me. We celebrate four birthdays in six weeks, have all the back-to-school homeschool prep, send a child back to college and another to a new public high school, all the sports registrations coupled with practices, and we try to find our balance with a new schedule that requires vigilance, intention, and energy. And when you add to this busy mix multiple stressors with car issues, a wreck, finances, and health, I am simply looking to keep my head above water!
I have been able to find some space yesterday and today to decompress a bit. I have had to limit my phone usage this past week too, limit the voices, the news, the interactions. It became all too much for my brain + emotions to process and respond to. For the past six weeks, I lost my daily routine with Pilates and going weekly to the chiropractor, but picked both of those practices back up again yesterday. My body is so stiff and in need of care. I made an appointment for a haircut. I will call and set up a dental cleaning. Self-care for my body always goes out the door when life becomes stressful. I reduced my sugar and caffeine intake this past week and am trying to drink a lot more water. I am guarding my sleep as best I can.
The summer transition to the rigor of the school schedule is challenging. It just is. If all of it feels tiring to you and your children, then just know that is normal. It’s easy in the pain of transition to question whether or not you have made the right decisions or if you are doing too much or if any of it is sustainable. The first week isn’t the time to make those decisions. It takes at least four weeks to find your way. Be gentle with yourself and your children and the community that you are living in. Most people are trying their best, and everyone is already starting the year from a tired place from all the events happening in the world. Stay focused, work your plan, ask for help. Evaluate everything a month from now.
May you know the kindness of Jesus towards you as you lead and love. May you take deep breaths, enjoy the beauty as you drive the rounds, and know that your kids’ assignments are not an emergency. You will find your way as an effective manager of all the things, but keep the nurturing heart of a mother as you go to get there. Preaching to myself.
Love,
Aimee
Oh gosh yes. My kids assignments feel like emergencies. How did you know? Everything feels too fast and too busy, after all the at home time and then summer. I am worn out.
Encouraging words, thank you.
Our family is in a different stage now also, we all live together...transitioning to a piece of property and then fixing houses for us as grandparents, and our son and his family. We are enjoying going to soccer games and having school schedules. We haven't lived closed to them for 14 years, so it's exciting and a time of adjustment for all. We're so thankful we can do this now.