A Gracefull Place

That’s what Charlotte Mason said.   And I think that is the best advice ever! ; )

 

We mamas are often soooo busy taking care of everyone else’s needs that we put ourselves on the back burner….and that will lead to burnout faster than anything!   I’m certainly not advocating the more self-centered "let’s find a way to get away from my family", but there is definitely merit in doing a little something to keep you growing.  There is a difference between selfishly just going to do something to get away and doing something that enriches your life.  

 

Some things I do for myself, that also make me a better (read: nicer!) mommy:

[These are not listed in order of importance!]

 

 

Exercise.   Keeping healthy and fit, not necessarily thin.  It is a constant work to not be obsessed with a scale or tape measure.   I started a wonderful exercise program called  T-Tapp a little over a year ago.  I’ve lost inches (67 to date!), but more importantly, I’ve gained more stamina, strength, and endurance.   And clarity of mind.  Anyone knows a homeschooling mama needs all the clarity of mind she can get!!!

 

Blogging!   I love to journal.   But my days of sitting around writing in a pretty hardcover journal are on hold for now!!!   Besides, if I kept it all to myself, maybe I wouldn’t be a blessing to anyone until I was dead and my children published my memoirs!  (I’m really laughing at that!)  Seriously, I’ve been greatly encouraged to read of others’ lives–the ups, the downs, the funnies, the not-so-funnies–just realizing hey!  We’re all normal!  No supermom syndromes here!   I’ve not totally abandoned my hardbound journal, but it’s easier to type in something here and there at odd moments. 

 

 

Knitting.  My stress reliever!  I make mistakes (see previous blog!), I don’t knit fast, and I have too many projects going at a time, but I enjoy it!  

 

 

Going into my room, plugging in the "Christmas lights" that are still on my windows and lighting a candle.   Just the atmosphere makes it so soothing.  I will take some tea with me and often a book I’m reading or my Vintage Homekeeping Skills by Martha Greene (aka Marmee Dear).   It just makes me feel so good!

 

 

Reading books.  Not just any book.  I used to read fiction voraciously!  As reading time became more of a priceless entity, I usually am reading books about–wifing, mommying, farming, gardening, homeschooling, you get the idea-ing….       Sometimes that’s a stress reliever, sometimes…not!   So we’ll just count the ones that are!     Right now I’m reading You Can Farm by Joel Salatin.  Now, we’ve only got 2 1/4 acres, but I’m excited reading this book!   I love my local library and interlibrary loan!

 

 

Flower garden.  Okay, so right now I’m not spending too much time out there–35 degrees, and that’s the warmest it’s been here for a few weeks!  But my front door garden has evolved to a "cottage" garden look, which I love.   My dear daughters provide a lot of sweat to help out!    I would like to add more perennials and learn more about organic pest/weed control.  But hey, those weeds offer a nice object lesson about sin in our lives!

 

 

Walking.  I used to walk daily, but it’s been harder lately.  I have a nicely kept lane I walk, then it leads to a grassy area, then a farm lane back to a woods.  There used to be a nice log that fell right over a fence–just perfect to sit on!   I loved to watch the wildlife and smell the breeze.   Unfortunately the log has gone the way of nature and it not safe to sit upon anymore!   However, last time I was able to get back there, I saw another possibility!   It’s a mile walk back to this spot, and I love to pray and rest and reflect away from the hub-bub of my busy home (always have the cell phone for "just in case" emergencies–which is not "Can I have a piece of candy after lunch?"!)

 

 

Eat chocolate!   Okay, so maybe that doesn’t enrich me….then again, maybe it does!   I do eat dark chocolate!   That counts as a healthy food, right?!   (In moderation…most of the time!)

 

 

Right now, one thing I’m enjoying is getting our master bedroom and bathroom painted.  I’m working on the bathroom now (well, trying to be!).   Finding techniques and colors I like can be challenging, yet fun!   And the technique for the bathroom (a "bagging" technique of sorts) is quite stress relieving.   Slap the bag on the wall, roll it around with all you got, peel off.  Repeat!   Good exercise, too! 

 

 

Spending time with like-minded friends.  I have a few very like-minded friends who are wonderful for bouncing off ideas, sharing insights, looking at each others’ resources and just enjoying our fellowship!   It’s so nice after such a long time of being the only different homeschooler!

 

 

One of my newest things is I joined the Homemaker’s Mentor for homemaking lessons!  To be honest, I’m behind (as usual!), but I am so enjoying it.    Having two lessons a month makes it not too overwhelming.  

 

 

Lately I’ve also restarted Scripture memory.  I used to have the whole book of James memorized!  Our pastor is going through James right now, so I decided to revisit and hopefully rememorize James.  The first part is coming back quickly!   I’m not making this a stress-out venture, I’m just looking it over before going to bed and trying to quote it to myself as I go to sleep.    I also read a book by Ruth Myers, "31 Days of Prayer" before bed, so my last thoughts are of the Lord.   Too often my mind is racing with all that happened that day, all that should have happened that day, and all I think I should make happen the next day!!!  This helps me keep my thoughts centered on Him–and my sleep has been sweeter! 

 

 

I may add to this later, but these are probably the most important things I do to enrich my life, to grow me more into the woman of God I want to be.   

 

 

I’m so grateful for the Charlotte Mason homeschooling way of thinking–I modify it for my family, but I have to say the most important thing I take from it is the permission to "go out to play"–I can’t impart to my children when my heart’s well is dry!   

 

So I fill myself up with Him, with His nature, with activities and learning that makes me all He created me to be.

 

 

Okay, Mommies, time to get out there and "play", whatever that is for you! 

 

 

Trisch

 

 

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at 2:30 pm and is filed under Real Life Learning. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.