BACK TO SCHOOL

Happy September Ladies!

Can you believe it’s September already? I can’t! Seems like just yesterday, we were in January kicking off the new year and here we are already, a new school year among us and all of the great Fall and Winter holidays right around the corner!

Usually when you think of September, not only do thoughts of my birthday fill your mind (LOL!!) but also, you think of back to school and all of the excitement that it brings.

This year is extra exciting because it is the beginning of change for me and my family. You already know that back to school means the beginning of homeschooling for me and my daughter, Mali. However, we have another big milestone this year as well. My son, Zachary, begins high school this year!

The busyness of back to school has already started! Homework assignments, projects, extra-curricular activities, driving 2 different kids to 2 different locations at the same time…you know the routine!

Or it may be that YOU are starting school this fall. If so, it means evenings with lots of reading, studying, completing assignments etc.

So whether you are the parent of a back to schooler or attending school yourself, I think we can all agree....School can burn a sister out!

So ladies, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you on one simple thing....don’t let the hustle and bustle of the back to school season, burn you out! In the midst of the chaos, keep yourself healthy by taking some time for yourself!

I realize that this is a task that may seem impossible for many of us but it’s a must if we are going to keep ourselves well. Don’t neglect yourselves and lose your well-being.

Be sure to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes...in fact schedule the time in your day planners. This is one area that I am committed to this school year! In fact, little does Mali know...we are adding a daily workout to our school day to make sure that I get it in. *Smile*

Next, be sure to take at least 15-20 minutes a day to do something just for you. Polish your toes, read a magazine, work on a crossword puzzle, play a game on Facebook or read your favorite blog from the Kitchen Table....whatever you enjoy doing, just do it!

Here’s a biggie—Make sure that you get your rest. This one has been hard for me lately. I recently started working different hours so that I can have more hours during the day to homeschool Mali and to allow myself to be more actively involved in Zachary’s school year. The sacrifice has been less sleep! I have to repeat...it’s been hard but I’ve been able to work it out so that I can get the rest that my body needs to function properly. When I was sleep deprived, I was cranky, forgetful and I kept a headache....not good. It was then that I made a mental note to remind all you of the importance of getting your REST. We can’t be all that we need to be to our husbands, children, loved ones and friends if we are always tired! So ladies, GO TO BED! If it means not doing that last pile of laundry or not responding to an email until another day, so be it.

Last but most importantly....include God in your day. While preparing for homeschooling, I became totally overwhelmed with finding the right curriculums, lesson plans, schedules etc. It totally consumed my day (and nights). On top of all of that, I began to stress over how to keep Zach on track his first year of high school and getting him to and from his extra-curricular activities that he wants to do this year. These things along with making sure the house stayed clean, dinner is cooked and other general household chores made me officially stressed. Then one night while laying in bed and mentally writing yet another to-do-list, the Lord spoke to me so clearly...”Cast your cares on Me”. I was so consumed with trying to figure out how to be the perfect mom that I forgot to turn to the one who could help me get it all done. It was at that moment that I determined that I was surrendering it ALL to Him. The curriculum decisions, our daily schedule, the kids...all of it...I gave it to Him and said, “Lord, Show me what to do, when to do it and how to do it!” Instantly, the stress was lifted off of me and I was able to think more clearly. Now, every morning, I give my day to the Lord and as a result, I have restored my sanity. *Smile*

I hope that it’s a wonderful school year for everyone and I pray much success to all of you this year!



Be blessed Sisters!
Sasha

I will be back on Monday, September 27th, hope to see you then!


Tuesday's Blog: Ponnie has a special "God's Timing" please stop by.