I’ll just say it: I struggle with friendship, fear, and balancing all the things. It’s so easy to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves, isn’t it?! But even though I still struggle with those things, the pressure and fear I battle with no longer rule over me.
My real-life friend for over 10 years, Misty Bailey, knew all of this when she asked if she could interview me for her Joyfully Homeschooling podcast. And like friends of 10 years do, I said yes, so she called me from her computer, and we got real.
We talked about how some hard knocks softened me and changed the way I homeschool, how I let go of fear somewhere between preschool and high school, why I think I pushed my oldest too hard academically, why I’m more relaxed with my younger, and what that’s meant for standardized testing.
We also discussed how me going back to work full-time for a season changed our friendship, and Misty was so gracious because I was not an amazing friend to her during that (which I talk about in the podcast), but she offered so much grace with the words she spoke in this episode.
Misty (right) and me in 2014!
We also talked about faith and how God fills in the gaps when we fall short.
So maybe this podcast episode isn’t just for homeschool moms. Maybe it’s for everyone who’s trying to stop being afraid, for any mom who struggles with balancing all the things, and for people who find friendship tough.
And since Misty & I have been real-life friends for so long, I just got into the conversation and forgot to pace myself, keep my voice steady, and everything else I ever learned about public speaking, so those of you who don’t know me in real life will get to hear how I naturally talk to friends!
Plus, Misty shares about a 50% off coupon code for one of my products that’s only available to podcast listeners! Click here to listen.
I enjoyed listening to your podcast. I smiled hearing about you falling asleep during grammar class. I can so relate. I home school and work full time out of the house. One time I fell asleep on the couch waiting for my daughter to finish her math problem so I could correct it. I awoke to find my two daughters outside in the back yard. One was chasing the other with a garden hose while the one being chased held an umbrella. They were having a great time. Our joys of homeschooling. Sometimes mom just needs a nap.
Cheryl,
Yes, sometimes mom really does just need a nap 🙂 You’re doing amazing works. Such a sweet memory, too!