It can feel lonely
how to battle loneliness as a homeschooling mom
Friday, May 5, 2023
We are going into our sixth year on our homeschooling journey. That feels amazing and crazy. We were so blessed when we started, to live next door to a family with similar passions, beliefs, and interests. We spoke regularly about homeschooling and parenting methods, and got together for art and science projects. There was never any opinion or idea that I had to keep to myself. Even on the occasions where our ideas or experiences differed, I felt safe, loved, and accepted.
We have since moved across the country, back to my home town, and while we are so happy and loving life here, I’ve struggled to find somebody to fill that space in my heart. I have found myself aching for that connection. I am the only one in our social circle who feels the way I do about most anything. I find myself sitting in this space where I’m simultaneously too much, and somehow just not quite enough. And it has finally started weighing on me enough that I find myself crying many tears of loneliness on a regular basis.
To be honest, I had assumed I didn’t need or want to create new friendships. I’m an introvert with social anxiety, and I just love to be home with my own people. I knew how important it would be for me to make sure the littles weren’t feeling lonely, but I had no idea how important it would be for me to find my own tribe too.
I wish I had tried and true advice for those who might be struggling like I am. I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m lonely too, and longing for a tribe. But during this period of waiting, I’m taking time to heal myself. My mind, my heart, my inner child. And building stronger relationships with my kids and my sweetheart.
I’ve often heard it said that a mom can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. A few years ago, somebody told me something that felt even more true - that we should never be emptying our cups by pouring from them, but rather we should be filling the cups of others through our cup’s overflow. I’m making plans to step just outside of my very small comfort zone to attend workshops and events that will lift me up, fill my cup, and give me opportunities to meet like-minded people.
Please remember that - while the majority of your life is centered around teaching, feeding, raising, and loving your babies - you also deserve to be taught, fed, lifted, and loved.
Watch the video here:
