The Moment One Commits: Homeschooling Affirmations

Why is it that as parents, we are so often second guessing ourselves? (What we need are homeschooling affirmations.)

Why is it that as homeschoolers, we wonder if we have made the right decision, if we are doing enough, if we are doing it “right?”

Even if this is our first or fourth or tenth year of homeschooling?

These thoughts inside our heads not only make us feel crazy, but also undermine our enormous efforts to bring the best to our children and families.

For me, indecision is usually a sign of spiritual unrest. I have somehow forgotten that I am not alone, I am never alone.

I have forgotten that I feel called to spend my days with my children. I have forgotten that the arts-infused, Waldorf-inspired curriculum speaks to me because it is healing for us all.

Even after all these years of homeschooling, I can still get stuck in comparison mode. With all of our access to seeing snippets of others’ lives on the internet, it is very easy to make up stories about everyone else doing so well out there while I’m over here in my little corner of the world making a mess of things.

Here are some simple truths to remember:

• We all have good days and bad days, clean sinks and dirty sinks, cooperative children and saucy children.
• We all wonder sometimes why we chose this over that, and think that would be so much easier and what’s wrong with me!
• We all want it ALL, right now.

So much of the comparison, unrest, judgement and lack of confidence is really just taking place inside of my own head!

If I want the chatter to stop, I need to be bold and decisive and commit to the choices I have made. I need to choose again this life I am living and embrace it. And then I need to just get on with it!

Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now!   -Goethe

Homeschooling Affirmations

• I choose homeschooling (for me, it’s a commitment for this school year).
• I choose these imperfect children and young adults who are in my sphere of care/influence.
• I choose this life partner (it’s a package deal).
• I choose to be the best mother, spouse, friend, sister, daughter that I can be and forgive myself when I fall short.

These beautiful words by Goethe say it all.

Until one’s committed
there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation)
there is one elementary truth
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans:
That the moment one definitely commits oneself
then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision
raising in one’s favour all manner
of unforeseen incidents and meetings
and material assistance
which no man could have dreamt
would have come his way.
Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now!

                 – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe