Renewal

A few weeks ago, one of the ladies on our IRL homeschool group email loop (did you get all that?) asked the question, "Now that decisions for the next school year is upon us, what changes, if any, are you going to make for the new school year?"

My honest reply?  I'm not even thinking about next year; I'm just trying to make it through this year!

We've been at this homeschooling thing for 8 years now and there are definitely ebbs and flows.  This time last year, I was excitedly looking forward to this year.  I was browsing through curriculum that looked so crisp, new, and exciting compared to what we were doing at the time.  At least last year, though, I was realistic enough to laugh at myself a bit.  I even posted on Twitter something to the effect of, "Isn't it funny how the curriculum that we're so excited about now will be the stuff we're tired of looking at by this time next year?"  And, of course, I said it in 40 characters or less.


So, please -- please -- tell me I'm not the only one who's had a severe case of burnout this year?  And, if I am the only one, I can at least rest assured that you all have experienced it or will experience it at some point in your homeschooling years.  Don't get me wrong; I love homeschooling and wouldn't trade it for anything and, to be honest, all the the burnout hasn't been directly related to our actual home or school.


So, all that being said, is anyone else so excited that spring is here?  We had a gorgeous day last Saturday, in the seventies, and another one yesterday.  It was glorious!  Those two beautiful days, along with the opportunity to clean my house and catch up on school stuff left me finally feeling lighter, more in control (which, of course is all an illusion anyway, since I know Who is really in control), recharged, and more energized than I've felt in a long time.

photo by d sharon pruitt

I've felt so bogged down and over-committed lately, like I just couldn't keep my head above water.  I've felt (and I bet you do, too) that I've done nothing but review posts forever...but, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  My review commitment with the TOS Homeschool Crew is almost over and, while I love doing reviews and will continue to do them, they will be much fewer and far between.  (I heard you, yeah, you, saying "Thank goodness!" and, girlfriend -- unless you're one of my two homeschool dad readers -- I'm right there with you!)


I've felt like our homeschool's theme much of this year has been "let's get through this week."  I've felt like I've spent hardly any time with my kids that hasn't been school-related or driving here and there.  I've felt like we've been burning the candle at both ends.  I've felt disconnected with my friends, both online and in real life.

Then, came those two beautiful days and a chance to catch up and grab a breath of air.  And sunshine.  And, Spring Break is in sight.  And, I have tons more energy because I'm working out and losing weight.  And, I feel good!  I feel optimistic again.


I'm ready to get back some of my personal hobbies, like drawing (there's one drawing, in particular, that I have in mind to do -- I'll post it if I get it done anytime in the near future).  I'm ready to get back to planning and doing fun things in our homeschool.  I'm ready to get back to blogging about fun, exciting stuff...hopefully, that fun exciting stuff that we'll doing in our homeschool.  I'm ready to get back to our nature studies.  I'm ready to reconnect with my family and friends. 

So, what about you?  Has anyone else been in a funk after this seemingly endless winter?  What are you looking forward to doing as the weather improves?  What hobbies do you enjoy that perhaps you've been neglecting?  What kind of posts have you been missing here (because I need some inspiration)?  What questions do you have for us Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers?  I feel like I've been in a hole for awhile and I want to reconnect.  Talk to me.  (Please?)