“It is something to know what to do with ourselves when we are beset, and the knowledge of this way of the will is so far the secret of a happy life, that it is well worth imparting to the children. Are you cross? Change your thought. Are you tired of trying? Change your thoughts. Are you craving for things you are not to have? Change your thoughts; there is a power within you, your own Will, which will enable you to turn your attention from thoughts that make you unhappy and wrong, to thoughts that make you happy and right. And this is the exceedingly simple way in which the Will acts.” ~Charlotte Mason
I think (hope) that we are finally past this recent bout of illness. Never ending sickness seems to be everywhere this winter, doesn’t it? I’m wiping all of the doorknobs, handles and drawer pulls with germ killing essential oils, and I added a bit to our hand washing soap as well. We are quite ready to be done with all of this!
We are slowly getting back into a rhythm, adding in one thing at a time, including trying to be back in this space more often. I’ve missed sharing here. I’m reading A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflextions on The Gentle Art of Learning, which I started before, but was unable to finish before it had to be returned to the library. I’ve taken it up again, this time with my own copy, which is rapidly becoming dogeared- even though I’m usually quite against that sort of thing. But I kind of bought it for just that purpose.
I’ve sign on for the 2017 in 2017 decluttering challenge and it feels fully soul satisfying and just very right at this moment to be distilling what is most important to us.
And on the subject of taking what feels good and right and letting the rest go, I’ve decided that our birthday sweater tradition needs tweaking. It’s a tradition that we love in many ways, but the last couple of years it hasn’t flowed smoothly as it has in the past. This year I told Iain and Mairi Rose well in advance that I wasn’t even going to try to finish their sweaters on time. I’m not sure what this tradition is going to look like going forward. I’m still thinking it over. It did occur to me that when I started making a sweater for each child on every birthday, I had 3 small boys; one with a birthday in January, a tiny one in February and one in May. Now I have two in January, one in February, one in March and one in May, with this year’s sweaters ranging in sizes from 4 to men’s large, and yet I’m still acting like things are just the same! Including aspects like keeping them a complete surprise, even though with two teens in the house there are now multiple “children” who don’t go to bed until I should be! I say should. That doesn’t mean I do, but I’d like to see a shift there as well.
There are many changes happening in our lives right now. This feels like a period of intense growth. It feels strong.
Much grace to you during the season of changes! I’ve read through that book several times and am constantly pulling it off the shelf for a refresher, or guidance! It’s so nice to have your own copy, so very helpful!
Oh heavens I love this quote… Going to put it in the fridge as a reminder!
And yes we could no longer do the birthday sweaters either. December, February, two Aprils, and a July. Sizes 2 up to men’s medium. For one thing, the July birthday was a tricky one… A sweater during 90 degree temps as a gift…? And then there was the difficulty with sizing (what would still fit properly in October?). And if i started a sweater two months prior to a birthday to give myself time, would it still fit? Not always! There were times I’d be knitting a birthday sweater knowing how ridiculous it was, as they were still happily wearing last year’s. And the balance of Christmas and that December 29 birthday….Well it was all too much!
Needless to say I totally get it. Birthday sewing is a good substitute!
Hugs
“It feels strong”, a change in thoughts indeed. Theses wise words also keep playing in my head, it doesn’t change if you keep doing it exactly the same way. My project today is rearranging the fridge. Who says condiments have to take up precious front and center door space and the need to be eaten leftovers and veggies are banished out of sight? We’ll see how the change up works. Also changing the knit, sewn, mom made gift tradition slightly this year for my two grown kids. That season has changed.
Wishing wellness and peace for your family. Your words are appreciated regardless how often they show up.