Finding my passions...
Tina
Well, now that we have all three younger kids (12, 14, and 16) home
from school...the 12 year old has been unschooling for about two
years, the 16 year old for about four months and the 14 year old for
about three weeks...things have taken a new and unfamiliar spin for
me. I'd already been struggling with a strong "urge" to create some
purpose in my life and open myself up to new possibilities. I think
this "feeling" was magnified or enhanced by the removal of our last
one, the 14 year old, from public school. My acessment is that I am
finally deschooling myself.
Even though I have been at home with the youngest for several years,
our years unschooling are only a part of our homeschooling journey,
I don't think I ever quite experienced the "let down" like this due
to the fact that I was still bound by schooly schedules and related
infringements on my time and life. Now, things are different.
There are three kids at home, not just one, and I have more time to
think about what it is we should/could be doing with our
time...specifically myself, but also the kids.
Since the oldest came home in December I've really just kind of
backed off and handed over the reigns to each individual. BUT, this
part is becoming a little confusing for me. Time seems to slip away
VERY quickly during the day. I'm unsure as to how to find MY
passions, be a good example, engage my children and provide a fun
and stimulating life experience for everyone...myself included. How
do I create this "ideal" environment for them when I don't even know
what it is? How do I show them how to be an engaged person in life
when I have not fully engaged myself?
I know that I need to do these things quickly. When I started this
journey with the youngest one I figured we would kind of grow
together. Now that I have older ones at home it seems a bit more
urgent. We are in unfamiliar territory together. Currently, I feel
as though I'm wandering maybe not to aimlessly, but a little more so
than I'm comfortable with. I feel myself on the cusp of a huge
discovery, but I just don't know quite how to unravel the elements.
Does this make sense to anyone?
I just feel like I need to be doing something more, but I don't know
what it is...
Tina
from school...the 12 year old has been unschooling for about two
years, the 16 year old for about four months and the 14 year old for
about three weeks...things have taken a new and unfamiliar spin for
me. I'd already been struggling with a strong "urge" to create some
purpose in my life and open myself up to new possibilities. I think
this "feeling" was magnified or enhanced by the removal of our last
one, the 14 year old, from public school. My acessment is that I am
finally deschooling myself.
Even though I have been at home with the youngest for several years,
our years unschooling are only a part of our homeschooling journey,
I don't think I ever quite experienced the "let down" like this due
to the fact that I was still bound by schooly schedules and related
infringements on my time and life. Now, things are different.
There are three kids at home, not just one, and I have more time to
think about what it is we should/could be doing with our
time...specifically myself, but also the kids.
Since the oldest came home in December I've really just kind of
backed off and handed over the reigns to each individual. BUT, this
part is becoming a little confusing for me. Time seems to slip away
VERY quickly during the day. I'm unsure as to how to find MY
passions, be a good example, engage my children and provide a fun
and stimulating life experience for everyone...myself included. How
do I create this "ideal" environment for them when I don't even know
what it is? How do I show them how to be an engaged person in life
when I have not fully engaged myself?
I know that I need to do these things quickly. When I started this
journey with the youngest one I figured we would kind of grow
together. Now that I have older ones at home it seems a bit more
urgent. We are in unfamiliar territory together. Currently, I feel
as though I'm wandering maybe not to aimlessly, but a little more so
than I'm comfortable with. I feel myself on the cusp of a huge
discovery, but I just don't know quite how to unravel the elements.
Does this make sense to anyone?
I just feel like I need to be doing something more, but I don't know
what it is...
Tina
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
Since the oldest came home in December I've really just kind of
backed off and handed over the reigns to each individual. BUT, this
part is becoming a little confusing for me. Time seems to slip away
VERY quickly during the day.
-=-=-=-=-
Yeah, funny how that happens, isn't it?. And the older *you* get, the
faster it slips!
Can you describe your typical day? Have you checked in on some blogs to
see how others plan theirs?
-=-=-=-
I'm unsure as to how to find MY
passions, be a good example, engage my children and provide a fun
and stimulating life experience for everyone...myself included.
=-=-=-=-=-
Well, you seem to know WHAT you need to do, but are struggling with HOW?
'Cause that's spot on!
Play this game: If money were no object, what would you do for fun? For
a job? Where would you go? How would you spend you time?
What does your list look like?
DELVE!
Really, can you think of not ONE thing more you would
do/go/see/make/create...
Keep listing! <g>
-=-=-=-=-
How do I create this "ideal" environment for them when I don't even
know
what it is?
-==-=-=-
Ask them to make the same list. Call them BOHAGs (Big Old Hairy Ass
Goals). Giggle a bit first, then make the lists!
-=-=-=-=-
How do I show them how to be an engaged person in life
when I have not fully engaged myself?
-=-=-=-
I know, I know. I'm being very simplistic, but BE ENGAGED, DAMN IT! Be
interested. Be interesting! Do! Be!
If money were no object, what would you DOOOOO?????
Unfortunately, money is always an object, so you may not go with your
first choice. But you can work on your second. Angela in Maine figured
out a way to make her first choice work---and she and her family have
never been happier.
Work from there.
-=-=-=-=-
I know that I need to do these things quickly.
-=-=-=-=-
You know, I contradict myself ALL the time! And I think the longer you
delay, the longer you are postponing joy. And I DON'T think you should
do that! BUT---at the same time, what's your hurry? Take time to smell
roses (and manure! <g>). Take some time to llisten to yourselves and
think deeply what you're about and what your dreams are. Just don't
waste time doing THAT! <g>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Currently, I feel
as though I'm wandering maybe not to aimlessly, but a little more so
than I'm comfortable with. I feel myself on the cusp of a huge
discovery, but I just don't know quite how to unravel the elements.
Does this make sense to anyone?
-=-=-
Yes, and maybe you ARE on the verge of some giant new discovery. Would
it piss you off to realize that it *might* not be the cure for cancer?
It may be just the discovery of your own little self? <g>
Chances are: you're more powerful than you ever knew---just sitting
back waiting to be discovered! <g>
-=-=-=-=-
I just feel like I need to be doing something more, but I don't know
what it is...
-=-=-=-
We'll be sitting on the edge of our virtual seats. Let us know! <bwg>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
“Learn as if you were going to live forever.
Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
Since the oldest came home in December I've really just kind of
backed off and handed over the reigns to each individual. BUT, this
part is becoming a little confusing for me. Time seems to slip away
VERY quickly during the day.
-=-=-=-=-
Yeah, funny how that happens, isn't it?. And the older *you* get, the
faster it slips!
Can you describe your typical day? Have you checked in on some blogs to
see how others plan theirs?
-=-=-=-
I'm unsure as to how to find MY
passions, be a good example, engage my children and provide a fun
and stimulating life experience for everyone...myself included.
=-=-=-=-=-
Well, you seem to know WHAT you need to do, but are struggling with HOW?
'Cause that's spot on!
Play this game: If money were no object, what would you do for fun? For
a job? Where would you go? How would you spend you time?
What does your list look like?
DELVE!
Really, can you think of not ONE thing more you would
do/go/see/make/create...
Keep listing! <g>
-=-=-=-=-
How do I create this "ideal" environment for them when I don't even
know
what it is?
-==-=-=-
Ask them to make the same list. Call them BOHAGs (Big Old Hairy Ass
Goals). Giggle a bit first, then make the lists!
-=-=-=-=-
How do I show them how to be an engaged person in life
when I have not fully engaged myself?
-=-=-=-
I know, I know. I'm being very simplistic, but BE ENGAGED, DAMN IT! Be
interested. Be interesting! Do! Be!
If money were no object, what would you DOOOOO?????
Unfortunately, money is always an object, so you may not go with your
first choice. But you can work on your second. Angela in Maine figured
out a way to make her first choice work---and she and her family have
never been happier.
Work from there.
-=-=-=-=-
I know that I need to do these things quickly.
-=-=-=-=-
You know, I contradict myself ALL the time! And I think the longer you
delay, the longer you are postponing joy. And I DON'T think you should
do that! BUT---at the same time, what's your hurry? Take time to smell
roses (and manure! <g>). Take some time to llisten to yourselves and
think deeply what you're about and what your dreams are. Just don't
waste time doing THAT! <g>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Currently, I feel
as though I'm wandering maybe not to aimlessly, but a little more so
than I'm comfortable with. I feel myself on the cusp of a huge
discovery, but I just don't know quite how to unravel the elements.
Does this make sense to anyone?
-=-=-
Yes, and maybe you ARE on the verge of some giant new discovery. Would
it piss you off to realize that it *might* not be the cure for cancer?
It may be just the discovery of your own little self? <g>
Chances are: you're more powerful than you ever knew---just sitting
back waiting to be discovered! <g>
-=-=-=-=-
I just feel like I need to be doing something more, but I don't know
what it is...
-=-=-=-
We'll be sitting on the edge of our virtual seats. Let us know! <bwg>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
“Learn as if you were going to live forever.
Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Tina
> Play this game: If money were no object, what would you do forfun? For a job? Where would you go? How would you spend you time?>
Not having access to the Internet this was ONE thing I could
remember from the posts. The kids and I did it
together...interesting.
> What does your list look like?>My list looked a little something like this:
1. Travel the U.S. and Canada in a small motorhome.
2. Relocate to teh woods of Maine. (Completely off-the-grid)
3. Grow and process all of my own food...only eat organic.
4. Become a paid contributor to magazines...have my own magazine.
5. Become an accomplished photographer.
6. Have a natural foods business that offers product and classes.
7. Learn to paint.
8. Take music lessons.
9. Go to a "Health and Nutrition" place for help like Battle Creek
Lifestyles Clinic.
10. Take a GIRLS ONLY, two-week road trip with my friends.
We took it two steps further by also listing, "What I would like to
know more about" and "What I can do now". This was fun and
inspiring. It was interesting to see what the kids are inspired by
as well. I really think we will benefit from this. Thanks for the
suggestion!
> I know, I know. I'm being very simplistic, but BE ENGAGED, DAMNIT! Be interested. Be interesting! Do! Be!>
I know, I know. I'm being very complicated, but HOW? How do I
engage my children when they are at the age of independence? It's
SO confusing a spot to start. We didn't get to grow together. Yes,
we are growing now, I know it and I see it. I just can't help but
fee inadequate at times.
> BUT---at the same time, what's your hurry? Take time to smellroses (and manure! <g>). Take some time to llisten to yourselves and
think deeply what you're about and what your dreams are. Just don't
waste time doing THAT! <g>
I am SO glad you said this! I feel a sense of urgency due to the
societal time line. Amie is 16. Andrew is 14. What if they want
to go to college? That happens at 18, right? What
about "graduating" from homeschool? You know that routine. I was
allowing these OUTSIDE influences pressure me into worrying about my
children's future. Who says things have to happen at a certain
time? It's all up to us now! FREEDOM!!!
> Yes, and maybe you ARE on the verge of some giant new discovery.Would it piss you off to realize that it *might* not be the cure for
cancer? It may be just the discovery of your own little self? <g>
On the contrary, it would be a tremendous RELIEF! I want nothing to
do with discoveries of that caliber. I'm more interested in myself,
little 'ole me, and my family. What could be greather than that?
Thanks - Tina
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
Cool that you did this!
1. Travel the U.S. and Canada in a small motorhome.
-=-=-=-
Maybe map out the trip. Maybe you can't buy the motorhome right now,
but you could take short trips. Visit unschoolers all over the
continent. I'm in Columbia, SC! <g> I'm expecting Mindy & family, Ren,
Diana & Hayden, Kelli & kids and maybe others travelling this summer!
-=-=-=-
2. Relocate to teh woods of Maine. (Completely off-the-grid)
-=-=-=-
I can't h elp here! <g>
-=-=-=-
3. Grow and process all of my own food...only eat organic.
-=-=-=-
You *can* grow some of your own organic vegies! I have the cutest
garden this year---all organic. Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots,
rhubarb, asparagus, beans, cukes, squash, melons, blueberries,
raspberries, blackberries, many herbs. Even if you're short on space,
you can use containers---all organic. Start small.
--=-=-=-
4. Become a paid contributor to magazines...have my own magazine.
-=-=-=-=
Life Learning and Live Free, Learn Free are always looking for
contributions. And our own Danielle Conger has a new e-zine,
Connections.
-=-=-=-
5. Become an accomplished photographer.
-=-=-
Start taking photos!!!
-=-=-=-
6. Have a natural foods business that offers product and classes.
-=-=-=-
Ask a natural food business that already exists to let you host a
cooking class!
-=-=-=-
7. Learn to paint.
-=-=-=-
PAINT!!!
-==-=-
8. Take music lessons.
-=-=-=-
Get an instrument and PLAY MUSIC!!!
-=-=-=-
9. Go to a "Health and Nutrition" place for help like Battle Creek
Lifestyles Clinic.
--=-=-=-
OK--whatever! <bwg>
-=-=-=-=-
10. Take a GIRLS ONLY, two-week road trip with my friends.
-=-=-=-=-
That *may* have to wait until your kids are old enough, but you could
make plans for such a getaway!
-=-=-=-
I know, I know. I'm being very complicated, but HOW? How do I
engage my children when they are at the age of independence? It's
SO confusing a spot to start. We didn't get to grow together. Yes,
we are growing now, I know it and I see it. I just can't help but
fee inadequate at times.
-=-==-
Sorry. I don't pay attention to names or ages of kids. Teens? Preteens?
That's when they're MOST involved in things. Just follow them! What do
they like? We can brainstorm from there!
-=-=-=-
think deeply what you're about and what your dreams are. Just don't
waste time doing THAT! <g>
I am SO glad you said this! I feel a sense of urgency due to the
societal time line. Amie is 16. Andrew is 14.
-=-=-=-
OK, 16 & 14! <g>
Forget society! Let them discover what makes them tick. What makes them
soar. What makes them weak in the knees!
-=-==-
What if they want to go to college? That happens at 18, right?
-=-=-
Puleeze! <g> That happens at 15 and 18 and 21 and 28 and 35 and 46! Get
over the societal timeline!
-=-=-=-
What about "graduating" from homeschool? You know that routine. I
was
allowing these OUTSIDE influences pressure me into worrying about my
children's future. Who says things have to happen at a certain
time? It's all up to us now! FREEDOM!!!
-=-=--
Good! <g>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"The hardest problem for the brain is not learning, but forgetting. No
matter how hard we try, we can't deliberately forget something we have
learned, and that is catastrophic if we learn that we can't learn."
~Frank Smith
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
Cool that you did this!
> What does your list look like?>My list looked a little something like this:
1. Travel the U.S. and Canada in a small motorhome.
-=-=-=-
Maybe map out the trip. Maybe you can't buy the motorhome right now,
but you could take short trips. Visit unschoolers all over the
continent. I'm in Columbia, SC! <g> I'm expecting Mindy & family, Ren,
Diana & Hayden, Kelli & kids and maybe others travelling this summer!
-=-=-=-
2. Relocate to teh woods of Maine. (Completely off-the-grid)
-=-=-=-
I can't h elp here! <g>
-=-=-=-
3. Grow and process all of my own food...only eat organic.
-=-=-=-
You *can* grow some of your own organic vegies! I have the cutest
garden this year---all organic. Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots,
rhubarb, asparagus, beans, cukes, squash, melons, blueberries,
raspberries, blackberries, many herbs. Even if you're short on space,
you can use containers---all organic. Start small.
--=-=-=-
4. Become a paid contributor to magazines...have my own magazine.
-=-=-=-=
Life Learning and Live Free, Learn Free are always looking for
contributions. And our own Danielle Conger has a new e-zine,
Connections.
-=-=-=-
5. Become an accomplished photographer.
-=-=-
Start taking photos!!!
-=-=-=-
6. Have a natural foods business that offers product and classes.
-=-=-=-
Ask a natural food business that already exists to let you host a
cooking class!
-=-=-=-
7. Learn to paint.
-=-=-=-
PAINT!!!
-==-=-
8. Take music lessons.
-=-=-=-
Get an instrument and PLAY MUSIC!!!
-=-=-=-
9. Go to a "Health and Nutrition" place for help like Battle Creek
Lifestyles Clinic.
--=-=-=-
OK--whatever! <bwg>
-=-=-=-=-
10. Take a GIRLS ONLY, two-week road trip with my friends.
-=-=-=-=-
That *may* have to wait until your kids are old enough, but you could
make plans for such a getaway!
-=-=-=-
I know, I know. I'm being very complicated, but HOW? How do I
engage my children when they are at the age of independence? It's
SO confusing a spot to start. We didn't get to grow together. Yes,
we are growing now, I know it and I see it. I just can't help but
fee inadequate at times.
-=-==-
Sorry. I don't pay attention to names or ages of kids. Teens? Preteens?
That's when they're MOST involved in things. Just follow them! What do
they like? We can brainstorm from there!
-=-=-=-
> BUT---at the same time, what's your hurry? Take time to smellroses (and manure! <g>). Take some time to llisten to yourselves and
think deeply what you're about and what your dreams are. Just don't
waste time doing THAT! <g>
I am SO glad you said this! I feel a sense of urgency due to the
societal time line. Amie is 16. Andrew is 14.
-=-=-=-
OK, 16 & 14! <g>
Forget society! Let them discover what makes them tick. What makes them
soar. What makes them weak in the knees!
-=-==-
What if they want to go to college? That happens at 18, right?
-=-=-
Puleeze! <g> That happens at 15 and 18 and 21 and 28 and 35 and 46! Get
over the societal timeline!
-=-=-=-
What about "graduating" from homeschool? You know that routine. I
was
allowing these OUTSIDE influences pressure me into worrying about my
children's future. Who says things have to happen at a certain
time? It's all up to us now! FREEDOM!!!
-=-=--
Good! <g>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"The hardest problem for the brain is not learning, but forgetting. No
matter how hard we try, we can't deliberately forget something we have
learned, and that is catastrophic if we learn that we can't learn."
~Frank Smith
Tina
Kelly
I deleted it out of this post, but I am saving your whole response
to my list of what I would do if...
In addition to that list the kids and I also made a list of things
we were interested in learning more about AND what we can do now to
work toward our dreams and interests. So, I do plan to start adding
those things into my life right away. It's challenging...why does
time have to slip away so darned quickly in a day?
Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration. I've actually
started a "Kelly Lovejoy Quotes" file in my Microsoft Word program
along with my other "Unshcoolish Quotes" to refer to when I need a
little fine tuning of my focus.
I am SO HAPPY to have this resource and will be forever grateful for
the gift of exchanging information with like minded people.
Unschooling is the absolute best thing I have ever discovered in my
entire life experience.
Tina
I deleted it out of this post, but I am saving your whole response
to my list of what I would do if...
In addition to that list the kids and I also made a list of things
we were interested in learning more about AND what we can do now to
work toward our dreams and interests. So, I do plan to start adding
those things into my life right away. It's challenging...why does
time have to slip away so darned quickly in a day?
Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration. I've actually
started a "Kelly Lovejoy Quotes" file in my Microsoft Word program
along with my other "Unshcoolish Quotes" to refer to when I need a
little fine tuning of my focus.
I am SO HAPPY to have this resource and will be forever grateful for
the gift of exchanging information with like minded people.
Unschooling is the absolute best thing I have ever discovered in my
entire life experience.
Tina
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
I deleted it out of this post, but I am saving your whole response
to my list of what I would do if...
In addition to that list the kids and I also made a list of things
we were interested in learning more about AND what we can do now to
work toward our dreams and interests. So, I do plan to start adding
those things into my life right away. It's challenging...why does
time have to slip away so darned quickly in a day?
-=-=-=-=-
I KNOW! There aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, and
weeks in the year for me or my boys to do all we want to do! Such is an
unschooling life! <g>
-=-=-=-
Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration. I've actually
started a "Kelly Lovejoy Quotes" file in my Microsoft Word program
along with my other "Unshcoolish Quotes" to refer to when I need a
little fine tuning of my focus.
-=-=-=
Wow! I had my own "Book of Joyce" as well as "Books of Anne and Sandra
and Pam(s) and Deb(s) and Mary"---all full of insoiration quotes from
years on the different lists and message board.
-=-=-=-
I am SO HAPPY to have this resource and will be forever grateful for
the gift of exchanging information with like minded people.
Unschooling is the absolute best thing I have ever discovered in my
entire life experience.
--=-=-=-=-
Me too! Life changing!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"The hardest problem for the brain is not learning, but forgetting. No
matter how hard we try, we can't deliberately forget something we have
learned, and that is catastrophic if we learn that we can't learn."
~Frank Smith
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
I deleted it out of this post, but I am saving your whole response
to my list of what I would do if...
In addition to that list the kids and I also made a list of things
we were interested in learning more about AND what we can do now to
work toward our dreams and interests. So, I do plan to start adding
those things into my life right away. It's challenging...why does
time have to slip away so darned quickly in a day?
-=-=-=-=-
I KNOW! There aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, and
weeks in the year for me or my boys to do all we want to do! Such is an
unschooling life! <g>
-=-=-=-
Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration. I've actually
started a "Kelly Lovejoy Quotes" file in my Microsoft Word program
along with my other "Unshcoolish Quotes" to refer to when I need a
little fine tuning of my focus.
-=-=-=
Wow! I had my own "Book of Joyce" as well as "Books of Anne and Sandra
and Pam(s) and Deb(s) and Mary"---all full of insoiration quotes from
years on the different lists and message board.
-=-=-=-
I am SO HAPPY to have this resource and will be forever grateful for
the gift of exchanging information with like minded people.
Unschooling is the absolute best thing I have ever discovered in my
entire life experience.
--=-=-=-=-
Me too! Life changing!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"The hardest problem for the brain is not learning, but forgetting. No
matter how hard we try, we can't deliberately forget something we have
learned, and that is catastrophic if we learn that we can't learn."
~Frank Smith