”The Will is, in fact, the instrument by which we appropriate the good … and it is as we seize upon such thought with intention, act upon it with purpose, struggle with resolution, against obstacles, that we attain to character and usefulness in the world.”
— Charlotte Mason, Ourselves: Self Knowledge, pg. 164 164
We have come so far this year and are so near the finish line—and yet, the same struggles and obstacles still linger, threatening to hold us back. Instead of giving in to despair or believing the lie that “we have not done well” or “we have not done enough,” I choose to reframe my mindset with reassurance and renewed hope by keeping these reminders in mind:
- Step away to refresh our body and soul. For years we have taken an extended Spring break and filled our days with creativity, laughter, and unhurried joy, making space for the things that often get crowded out of busy seasons. There may be a few school things to prepare and plan, but I have learned that stepping away from homeschooling and just enjoying our school break often revitalizes our energy and motivation when we are back for the last few weeks of school.
- Set good boundaries. Springtime always brings a renewed vision, which inevitably leads the false impression that we can accomplish much and achieve more for the remaining time we have. So I often need to remain myself: this is not the time to be ambitious, but to maintain sustainable practices and routines in order to avoid burnout towards the end.
- Focus on one keystone habit. In order to keep things simple, my children and I have identified one keystone habit that we all can work on: these days we all get up early and focus on morning lessons, leaving more flexible time for afternoon occupations and outside commitments. We don’t practice it perfectly, but it is rewarding to start the day with a hopeful and uplifting spirit in our small learning community.
- Set short-term goals. What ought to be accomplished in the weeks ahead, so that my Sophomore may be ready to step forward after the summer? My goal for the remaining weeks is not simply to check off boxes before the year ends. Rather, by choosing these sustainable practices, I hope that my students will finish the term with definite progress and a quiet sense of accomplishment, while still looking ahead with eagerness to what is to come.
- Revise our timetable. During our Spring break, my teen and I sat together to make preliminary plans for her upcoming year. With growing commitments beyond the home, she is learning to carry more responsibility in her schedule. So we revised her timetable for this Spring in order to help her transition to those changes next year. My role, truly, is to ensure that she neither sacrifices the quality of her school work nor drifts toward burnout.
- Keep observing and reflecting. Lately, I have spent much time in my recording observations of my daughter’s growth and strengths, and releasing my own fears and despair. In these remaining weeks, my goal is to be faithful with my Logbook—to slow down, to notice, and to reflect—so that we may finish this term with intention and grace.
- Minimal planning for next year. With April being the time for new curriculum launch, it is easy to let the quiet excitement of a new beginning take over my mind. Naturally, I love planning, shopping, and printing things for school. But I also realize how my distractions of the new year can negatively affect our mindset and attitude for the current one. So this time of the year, I have to learn to do minimal planning at this early stage regarding next year’s books and things.
- Remember our calling. When we’re in the thick of homeschooling, so close to the finish line, yet feeling weary and aware of all that’s left undone, it’s easy to slip into regret and harsh self-judgment. I find it very helpful to remember how God first called us to this journey, and how far we have gone, not with pressure to do everything, but with a purpose rooted in faithfulness.
- There will be setbacks. Despite all the progress we have made thus far, there have been weeks, marked by sickness and stress, that make it feel like we have returned to ground zero again. What’s different though, is that this journey has taught us much on how to face challenges without losing heart. How we persevere amidst setbacks with growing self-knowledge. With limited time and energy, how we wisely choose the subjects we are most confident in and capable of, producing our best, though imperfect work.
- Our labor will not be in vain. As I focus on becoming my first graduate’s guidance counselor, I believe that the fruits of summer planning, setting up my logbook, and my role during the high school year will flourish at their own time.
