The Work Life Homeschool Balance Myth

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This Mommy Jammies Podcast is sponsored by exSTEMsions {exSTEMsions, grows mathematicians, critical thinkers, and problem solvers through an online subscription based problem solving math program} for kids ages 10 and up. Co-owned and developed by two teachers turned homeschooling moms working to balance their own version of life, homeschool, and work. Visit exSTEMsions for a free trial today.

Which brings us to the topic of today’s podcast: The Work, Life, Homeschool Balance Myth.  {If you’re listening online, scroll to the bottom of the post to find the audio player. }

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The Myth of Balance

Balance. What is it anyway? You might be surprised (I know I was) to learn that balance has to do with an equality of passions. As Webster’s 1828 tells us, “As balance signifies equal weight, or equality, it is by custom used for the weight or sum necessary to make two unequal weights or sums equal; that which is necessary to bring them to a balance or equipoise. ”

And now we know why balance is a myth.

There is no way we can ascribe equality to the moving pieces of our lives, especially when we are talking about our children. Why do moms agonize over going back to work, taking time for themselves, or even taking a weekend away with their spouse. I think it’s because as moms, we are always balancing the needs of our family against every other need.

So, you guessed it — there’s always a certain amount of imbalance.

This also means that the other things vying for importance, will become “most important” at certain times and not at others. The struggle is real! And it’s OKAY.

Tips to Keep Things Moving

So, what’s a girl to do? Well, first let’s keep things moving. This means evaluating our priorities. ( Listen to the previous podcasts, Developing a Wholehearted Business Mindset or Recovering from Burnout).

Once we have our priorities outlined, they deserve the attention that systems and processes in your business along with a doable schedule at home can provide.

Some ideas to outline your priorities in this way include:

 

Eyes on the Prize

In the end, it’s helpful to keep our eyes on the prize. Why are we trying to do all.the.things anyway? What’s our goal? Why do we want a business, ministry, or work at home career?

If by your providing additional income to your family helps you to stay home with your children, and that’s one of your goals, remind yourself of that very thing.

This helps you count all the chaos as blessing.

The truth is, yes, we are sometimes checking our phones with kids in tow while dropping our oldest off at Japanese lessons. But, we’re doing this in the middle of the day, around our own schedules, accommodating the needs of our family. That freedom is priceless.

And learning to, not balance anything, but give priority to the things that we’re called to do, is a beautiful thing.

Action Step:

This week, make a list of all of the reasons you are thankful for the chaos that is working at home.

 

Bible Verses to Help You Gain “Balance”-

Matthew 6:33-34 // But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Proverbs 11:2 // A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

Philippians 4:8 // Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Isaiah 41:13  // For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Colossians 3:17  // And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

3 Tips to Develop a Wholehearted Business Mindset

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

3 Tips to Develop a Wholehearted Business Mindset

Developing a mindset begins way before you get to your mind! Listen in as we talk about 3 tips you can use today to develop a wholehearted business mindset. Visit MommyJammiesNight.com to get your free printable mentioned in this podcast.


When you find yourself without direction,  it helps to step back and evaluate your priorities. This starts with establishing your values.

Establishing values begins with a Jesus view of wholeheartedness. Wholeheartedness is first and foremost a heart matter. Where is your heart?

Tip #1

Take time to establish your values. Your values guide your priorities. Seek God’s kingdom in all things.

Tip #2

Live and give grace. Don’t buy into “Girl, wash your face.” Start with “Jesus, wash my heart.”

Tip #3

Put aside grumbling, comparison, and destination confusion. Happiness isn’t a place, it’s internal first. Let Jesus be your peace.

Action Item:

Take 30 minutes to evaluate your values in the four broader areas of your life; spiritual, personal, professional, and health.  Use the free printable as a helpful guide.  _Putting Christ first takes care of everything else

Spiritual– see Matthew 4:4. How’s your spiritual life?

Personal – see Ephesians 4:2 & 3. What do your personal relationships look like right now?

Health –  see 1 Corinthians 6: 19 & 20. In what ways do you need to honor your body?

Professional–  see Psalm 15:1-5. How do you show up in your business?

Worth Reading

Girl, Start Apologizing: Living in Light of the Gospel

Recovering from Burnout | Tips to Turn Things Around

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Recovering from Burnout | Tips from a work at home mom to get back in your business after burnout

 

Recovering from Burnout | Tips from a work at home mom to get back in your business after burnout

Have you ever experienced a fast-track to success only to discover yourself burnt out? That’s where I found myself and this podcast about is how I turned things around.

  • Fast track to business success in the Virtual Assistant world
  • Where I’ve been the last five months
  • How I got back in my business

Dealing with Your Business Brain

“If you’re overwhelmed, I know one thing about you. Your head is full of junk!” – Mel Robbins

Action Creates Momentum

 

Advice for Moms Interested in Direct Sales

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

 Lindsey Stomberg and Richele McFarlin talk about Advice for Moms interested in Direct SalesWe understand that moms are looking for ways to earn a living while they stay at home. We also understand that direct sales can be intimidating. Join us, as we discuss ways to make direct sales work for you.

Talking Mom2Mom Links:

How to Choose the Right Direct Sales Business that is Right For You

Talking Mom2Mom
Facebook

Vintage HS Moms – WAHM with Leah Nieman

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

LeahNiemanLet’s Talk About Working from Home
Trial, Triumphs & Truth with

Leah Nieman and Felice Gerwitz, you host!

Leah began a idea with a friend, around 2005 and never guessed her group would grow from 12 to 250 to over 200,000 today! Currclick is known throughout the homeschool world as a place to purchase eBooks from curriculum providers as well as attend classes – which is a new feature that was added a few years ago. Listen as Leah shares tender moments with her children, keys to success and answers questions at the end of the broadcast. Leah can also be found at http://www.LeahNieman.com

If you’ve enjoyed this show check out the The Homeschool Sanity Show! 

Sponsored by Felice Gerwitz – MediaAngels.com

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When Life Crashes In

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

 Lunch with Meredith & FeliceLet’s face it – none of us live perfect lives – at least Meredith Curtis and I (Felice Gerwitz) will admit we don’t! So what do you do when Life Crashes IN? How do you handle stress and what is the first thing you should do? Listen to this broadcast from two women who have experienced life’s stresses and share their tips with you.

Learn how to turn lemons into lemonade – Felice will be hashtaging #lemonadefromlemons

Felice will discuss this topic at length at the MommyJammiesNight.com episode with host, LaToya Edwards.

Handout: 17-WhenLifeCrashesIN_VintageMoms_Meredith&Felice

Friendships, Growth, Challenge, & Accountability

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

 

UHRNFantasticFourFriendships, Growth, Challenge, & Accountability

Friends, yes they are important no matter what your age. Felice Gerwitz shares her mastermind girlfriends in this episode! Maggie Hogan, Kim Kautzer, and Mary Jo Tate share a behind-the-scenes look at life, work, and homeschooling. Three years together in a mastermind group have taught them the value of friendship and accountability. They make a point of meeting annually to share the ups and downs of the past year: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Gain helpful tips on homeschooling through trials, running a home business, and keeping your sanity. Bring your questions — these ladies are ready to answer them!

Currently, these ladies are meeting at an undisclosed location on their 2018 Mastermind retreat. This replay is an enjoyable reminder of friends and friendships still sharing business, work and marketing tips with each other.

Handouts: Vintage-MaggieFeliceKimMaryJo

Felice Gerwitz is a homeschool mother of five and currently schools the youngest two. She is the founder of Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network and Media Angels Publishing.

Maggie Hogan, a veteran homeschool mom, is the creative director at Bright Ideas Press, which publishes award-winning homeschool geography, history, and science curriculum.

Kim Kautzer graduated the youngest of her three children in 2003. She is author and publisher at WriteShop, homeschool writing curriculum for K-high school.

Mary Jo Tate is a professional editor and author of the new book from Apologia Press, Flourish: Balance for Homeschool Moms. You can find her at FlourishatHome. She is a homeschooling mom of four boys, two of whom have graduated.

Dr. Daisy Sutherland – Dr. Mommy

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Dr.DaisyInterviewVintage Homeschool Moms Radio Show

with Special Guest – Daisy Sutherland Balance without Chaos!

 

Can balance be truly achieved?

Dr. Mommy says it can be “Balance for each individual has a different meaning” … can you find yours? Join us for this episode and learn some useful tips – how to deal with OCD as well!

Tips for homeschool and WAHMs to achieving balance! Do you know the signs or signal of unbalance in your lifestyle, home, relationships and schooling? Join Felice Gerwitz and her guest, Dr. Mommy and let’s tackle your questions!

A special offer please check this out.
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