A couple of things that I’m learning… that maybe you are learning as well, have already been on this path and remember… or wherever you are on this journey. It’s so easy to get caught up buying the latest gadget, whether for the kitchen, the garden, or even just shampoo. The costs of things these days are so incredibly high, and if you’re like me… looking for chemical free items makes it even more expensive.

I’ve had a spending problem for a bit (really since 2020 when you had to order everything online). Jason challenged me to stay off of Amazon for 30 days. The results? It has really really curbed my spending. Amazon is just so convenient. However, it’s given me time to pause between the “I think I need this” and the actual buying process. One thing that I did NOT expect was finding new ways to upcycle old used items. I find myself saying that we don’t need something because I have something at home that will work… a basket, a suitcase, what have you… I’ve quit chasing the new shiny object that will make all of my troubles go away.

I’ve also been off of social media since Ash Wednesday. I was very strict about it throughout Lent, however have softened a little to it (especially on vacation) … I have felt such freedom in staying off of socials. I don’t watch tv either, so I have no idea what’s going on in the political arena, I don’t see commercials showing me the new shiny things, I am in my own sheltered lane.

Now, if you know me, you know I LOVE social media! I got really really good at working the algorithm, I was getting paid by a couple of social media platforms, and I SO enjoyed going live and just being social. God has firmly taken this away from me. I have often wondered and questioned God as to why he would make me so proficient in something that is now useless information. He told me that it wasn’t my platform. That’s not my audience anymore…so here I am… YOU my beloved, are my audience. He has also called me to write a book… so, that is kinda in the works … just kinda.

Last school year, I went a tad overboard buying curriculum for homeschool. I was learning all of these new methods and philosophies and just needed to try them. T and I both struggled. I have decided that I’ve been over thinking it. I went to school for education and was taught how to teach using unit studies. I find peace just in typing that. We can use unit studies to tailor any subject that T wants to learn about. It just makes the most sense for us. ALSO, thanks to buying all sorts of stuff last fall, I have basically everything I need to complete this next year. (And probably the following year!)

I’m listening to this podcast type course from Pam Barnhill and have really learned so much already! Homeschool doesn’t have to be crazy, or hard…. It doesn’t need shiny new things (curriculum), nor big elaborate co ops.. it simply needs you.