Special Replay: Rediscovering The Joy In Motherhood

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Rediscovering the Joy in MotherhoodRediscovering the Joy in Motherhood with Kathy Lee

On this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with one of my favorite homeschooling moms on the planet. Keri Vasek is the mother of three muddlings and opens up to share her journey of losing her joy (and rediscovering it). You will see in this episode just why I call my show The REAL Kathy Lee and often refer to myself as a hot mess!

In this captivating episode, I am thrilled to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Keri Vasek, a remarkable homeschooling mother whose journey of rediscovering joy resonates deeply with me. As the host of “The REAL Kathy Lee” show, I’ve had the privilege of meeting inspiring individuals, but Keri’s story is a true gem.

Keri, a loving mother of three, candidly shares her personal odyssey, one that many of us can relate to. She speaks candidly about a time when she felt like she had lost her joy, a sentiment that often plagues parents and caregivers amidst the demands of daily life. Her honesty is refreshing, reminding us that it’s okay to embrace our “hot mess” moments.

Throughout the episode, Keri’s resilience and authenticity shine through. Her journey towards rediscovering joy is a testament to the power of self-reflection, perseverance, and the supportive community that homeschooling can provide. As Keri opens up about her experiences, listeners are bound to find inspiration in her words, understanding that even in the midst of chaos and challenges, there is a path back to joy.

So, tune in to this episode of “The REAL Kathy Lee” to witness Keri Vasek’s touching story, and join me in celebrating the beauty of embracing our authentic selves, imperfections, and all.

 

 


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The Joy Of Getting Things Done!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

the Joy of getting things done blog post by Felice GerwitzThe joy of getting things done! I can see very big changes that have taken place in my life. And it took a very simple commitment on my part and sticking to it! You see, I’m married to a procrastinator who is also a perfectionist. On the other hand, I like to get things done the minute I hear about it, or sooner, and I think perfectionism was one of those gifts the Lord skipped in my life. As long as I have been married, I’ve become more like my husband… and he’s become more like me, not always so concerned about perfectionism.

Now factor into the equation ­homeschooling responsibilities, a business or two, and you will find deadlines regularly missed, meals that would never grace the cover of a magazine, and piles of clothes needing to be folded and put away. That, in a nutshell, epitomized my life –but not anymore.

Five things took me from over the top back to doing the things I enjoy!

Five Things That Restored My Joy

My five things are not brain science. They are effective ways to get out of a rut and into a productive flow that makes you and your family feel so much better and happier. And this didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been implementing these steps in the last nine months but finally realized they were working very well!

How can you go from being overworked, overstressed, and overcommitted? For each person, it will be a little different, but the first is the identification of the culprits. There are some things you can change and others you cannot.

For example, one year, as we ended a great year of homeschooling, my husband asked for help. He asked me to start a home inspection business, set up a company, and schedule time for a whole week’s training class in another town. All this time, he still had a construction business that was thriving.

Typically, this is something I thrive on, creating and doing. However, I was planning my second oldest child’s wedding and caring for three children ages ten, seven, and five!

Unchangeable Commitments That Robbed Me of Joy

At times, some commitments are unchangeable. This can be an elderly parent needing your help, a special needs child (or more), or unavoidable health issues. Yet identification goes a long way – it does help you understand why you are tired, depressed, or just out of sorts, and once you have a finger on the problem, it is easier to make changes.

For me, the first thing I realized was this truth about joy:

There are some things I can change and others I can’t, and it was up to me to change my attitude.

I’m great at throwing self-pity parties. It is self-defeating!  I had to realize I was the main reason I was miserable and overworked and needed to change.

This came about as my health began taking a toll – I finally reached a point where I was not feeling great. I occasionally suffer from migraines, but they were coming about more frequently than ever. And, I also realized I was eating antacids at an alarming rate, and they were not helping.

I don’t do doctors or hospitals – and let me say we have a doctor in the family, extended family, and very good friends in the medical profession that I love dearly as friends! So, going to the doctor wasn’t an option for me. I have dabbled in health and wellness since my mother died in 1999. We keep healthy, eat right, and use natural remedies when necessary. So, it has worked well for us.

I realized much of my illness was stress-related. So it was up to me, through prayer, to begin doing what I preach and listen to that still word from the Lord. I realized I needed an attitude check. The Lord has gifted me with the ability to multi-task. I know I’ve heard those studies where it is not practical. But, as I type this, my daughter, with her restricted license, is driving me home from her softball practice. The radio is on, and I’m typing.

Attitude Adjustment = More Joy

So, back to attitude – mine needed a significant overhaul. I needed to realize that I was the cause of my illness and that something needed to change. So, I decided to make the time to do what I enjoyed.

I made a list – and for those who know me, I detest lists – so yes, desperate times require desperate measures. I made a list of all the things I enjoyed.

My list looked like this:

  1. Coffee and relaxation each morning before I began the day time to wake up.
  2. Prayer time daily – before breakfast.
  3. Time to read good books.
  4. Baking
  5. Relaxing baths.
  6. Time with the family – no computer or cell phone nearby.
  7. Vacation time.
  8. Date night with my husband.

The first thing I want to share with you, which I’m sure you’ll understand immediately, is attitude.

A good attitude and one that is Christ-focused is necessary for anything to change for the better. It’s the key joy.

If you aren’t happy, no one else will be happy –if you pretend to be happy but are not on the inside, that is even worse! For some, just saying no isn’t an option, but look at it this way.


About the Author

Meet Felice Gerwitz: A Devoted Homeschool Mom, Author, Publisher, and Podcast Host

A heartfelt enthusiast for education and faith, Felice Gerwitz has embarked on an incredible journey as a homeschooling mom, guided by her unyielding devotion to the Lord. Alongside her incredible husband and five wonderful children, Felice’s life is a testament to the beauty of balancing family, faith, and personal aspirations.

In 1986, Felice embarked on her homeschooling adventure, a path colored with both triumphs and challenges. Through the years, she has amassed a wealth of experience and wisdom that she eagerly shares with the world. As the founder of Media Angels, Inc., Felice has embraced her role as an educator and stepped into the shoes of an author and publisher. Her creative ventures have enriched her family’s learning journey and inspired countless others to seek alternative educational paths.

You can continue reading her story in her very personal story, One More Child, from Media Angels, Inc.

Uncover the Happiness Myth

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The Roadschool Moms tackle the happiness myth in Episode#165. This first episode of the team’s three-part Mythbusters series reveals shocking truths about this superficial state of mind. The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the road. Kimberly Travaglino, co-founder of Fulltime Familiesbroadcasts from their SouthEast Florida Coast. Across the country, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher calls in from west central Indiana. The OTR duo are on a mission to bust up the happiness myth to Roadschool Moms everywhere. Hit the replay to hear more about this revelation that will unsabatoge your homeschool and your life.

Fact

When googled, happiness comes up 567,000,000 times. In addition to the definition of happiness, guides to finding it, secrets to keeping it, and an official happiness index can also be found. If visual happiness is what you’re looking for get your scrolling finger ready as you can find hundreds of thousands of images of smiley faces, sunsets, rainbows, and unicorns to represent. What does this mean? The world is obsessed with focusing on this temporary, external instead of reaching deep inside to find joy from within.

Myth

Happiness isn’t a real emotion. In fact, happiness isn’t even a feeling. Even Websters agrees it is just a state. Happiness comes and goes like the wind. Finding joy, now that is real. Make a joyful noise, no matter what the situation. The more joy you activate in your daily life, the stronger connection you will have to your faith, your family, and the life surrounding each.

More about Roadschool Moms

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 150 podcast replays.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. Kimberly Travaglino, co-founder of Fulltime Families, and Mary Beth Goff, the creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling while traveling full time across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12


 


What’s the Word from Roadschool Moms in 2018?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The Roadschool Moms reveal their word for 2018 in Episode #164. Joy and courage are the focus in the new year for these nomadic mamas. The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the road. Kimberly Travaglino, co-founder of Fulltime Familiesbroadcasts from their SouthEast Florida Coast. Across the country, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher calls in from west central Indiana. The OTR duo are together for the first episode of the year with their annual word reveal . Hit the replay to hear more about making handmade holidays for your family during the Christmas season.

Joy

KT reminds listeners that her word for 2017 {surrender} is one that took her all year to fully immerse herself in. Tune in to find out how complete surrender changed the course of her daily life. She reveals that coming up with her word for 2018 felt like a cliche. Joy. Really?

Courage

MB gives a short recap of her 2017 journey not to find peace, but to receive it. Her revelation suggests that peace is a gift that is ready to be received by anyone who desires it. While looking for the word that would shape her attitude for the new year, MB focused on the word reflect as well as reflection as well as the word brave. From that, she arrived at the word courage. Find out how she intends to be courageous and just how it will affect life in her rolling homeschool.

More about Roadschool Moms

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 150 podcast replays.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. Kimberly Travaglino, co-founder of Fulltime Families, and Mary Beth Goff, the creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling while traveling full time across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

 

We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

KiwiCo has monthly subscriptions of hands-on projects that make learning fun! Their core offering is projects that make learning about STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art, and math — accessible and are designed to spark creativity, tinkering, and learning. Some recent favorite crates are the Slime Lab, Physics Carnival, and Paper Circuits.

Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network is excited to be able to offer you the chance to try them for FREE. To learn more about their projects for kids ages 2 to 16 AND to redeem this exclusive offer, click here to get your first month free today (just pay $4.95 for shipping)


4 Things that Steal Your Joy in Homeschooling

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

4 things that steal your joy in homeschoolingThings that Steal Your Joy in Homeschooling, Episode 2

Hosts:  Lindsey Stomberg & Richele McFarlin

Let’s talk about four things that threaten to steal your joy in homeschooling. Lindsey and Richele will share how overscheduling ourselves, comparing our homeschools, a lack of discipline in our homes, and ridiculous expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and stomp out our joy. Join us as we discuss our experiences and victories so we can encourage you to overcome these joy stealers.

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How to Get Your Joy Back

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

A Homeschooler's Guide to Getting Her Joy Back: Homeschool Sanity Show Podcast

If something has has been stealing your homeschool joy, you’ll learn six steps for getting it back in this episode.

Listen on ITUNES

Links

Psychowith6 on Instagram

Psychowith6.com/save

The Meal Planning Challenge

Mpow Cheetah bluetooth headphones

Feelin’ Good Spotify playlist

homeschoolscopes.tv.

Homeschooling in Real Life on depression

Grammar Galaxy

Have a happy homeschool week!