I can’t believe how long it has been since I last blogged and to be honest I am feeling a tad guilty about it. Things have been crazy busy here getting back into our routines and finding the time to blog was a bit hard and it didn’t help that every time I sat down to blog I had a mind blank!

I had a bit of a rough time for a couple of weeks and went through what lots of parents do the whole self doubt stage. Is what I am doing the right choice? Am I handling these situations with my children right? I tell you one thing I have learned, Parenting IS Hard!! Just when you think you have mastered a stage in their life, bam another one hits you and you are back to learning something new. So my goal this year is to take control of my life in every single aspect and to live to the fullest!

I was diagnosed last year with celiac disease and gastroparesis; slow emptying of the stomach. I focused so much on removing gluten and wheat from my life that I ignored the gastroparesis diagnoses. I was still getting so sick and not understanding why. Finally this year I have taken control of it and I am learning to “build a network” around me of people who can help navigate me through all this life changing stuff.  Dealing with these situations has taught me that building a team around you is the best thing you can do and not just for your physical needs but for your mental ones too.

I’m the first to admit that I get help with this and I highly recommend this for anyone and that’s my amazing therapist, Annette. We first found her a couple of years ago when we were trying to manage some difficult times in our lives and she was absolutely my saviour in this physical world. I recently commited myself (bad choice of words) to see her once a month to keep me in check with my choices and just have that emotional support and someone who gives me the tools to deal with life situations. I know most people don’t like to admit that they see someone but as I see it, I am proud I do. I live a wonderfully happy life and am so blessed by many things but having someone to help navigate some of my many life questions is so refreshing.

My husband and I also have taken up Yoga once a week. It’s something I have always wanted to do and wanted him to try as he plays hockey and Yoga is such a relaxing way to unwind and stretch and work those muscles you didn’t know you had. It has been so great! We enjoy our nights out just with eachother and come home relaxed and ready to take on the week. We both really do sleep better after those nights.

I have joined a book club! I have always loved to read but of course like anything else have never around the time. I am making this a priority in my life and am reading books I never thought I’d be interested in and better yet, loving them. I get to go out once a month with a great group of women and feel smart for a night.

The kids are happily back into their activities and we are once again embracing the unschooling life style. I had questions and fears and doubts there for a bit with the unschooing choice but my wonderful support network of amazing homeschool moms were there to walk me through it all.  I love learning the differences in my children and watching them navigate through life and embracing the things they enjoy and I hope that I am creating a good example of making sure they do things that they love and learn it to its fullest.

So to sum it all up, Building a Network around in in life is a great way to help you be the best you in this world. Do you all have a network of support for yourselves?

-Lee