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Hi Love,
The backpacks aren’t by the front door yet.
The curriculum is still stacked on the dining room table, waiting for me to sort through it.
Some books still have sticky notes tucked inside them. A few supplies are scattered across the kitchen counter because someone opened the package immediately to see if the markers really were “better than last year’s.”
Every August has this feeling.
A quiet inhale before everything begins again.
My husband and I have found ourselves having the conversations we always seem to have this time of year.
What curriculum are we using?
Which activities still fit?
How will the rhythm of our weeks change now that our oldest is stepping into high school, our middle daughter is beginning middle school, and our youngest is in third grade?
The practical questions came first.
They usually do.
But somewhere in the middle of one conversation, everything shifted.
Instead of asking what we needed to prepare...
We started asking who we hoped to become.
What do we hope our girls feel this year?
What do we hope they remember?
What kind of home do we want to create?
I’ve been thinking about those questions ever since.
Because whether our children leave each morning on a school bus or gather around the kitchen table to learn at home, every family steps into a new season.
There are new expectations.
New friendships.
New unknowns.
And I think we feel them too, even if we’re the ones trying to make everything feel steady.
It’s easy to spend so much time preparing our children that we forget to prepare ourselves.
The lunches get planned.
The calendars get color-coded.
The backpacks get packed.
But our own hearts often arrive out of breath. 💗
I’ve noticed something over the years that has changed the way I think about motherhood.
My girls respond far less to what I say than to the atmosphere I bring into the room.
If I rush, they often rush too.
If I move through the day carrying tension, somehow that tension has a way of finding everyone else.
Simply because nervous systems are beautifully connected.
Oddly enough, that realization didn’t make me feel guilty.
It made me feel hopeful.
Because if atmosphere matters...
I don’t have to control everyone around me.
I can simply begin with myself.
Children don’t need a mother who never gets overwhelmed.
They need a mother who knows how to come back.
Who pauses.
Who repairs.
Who laughs after a hard moment.
Who lets home become a place where everyone gets to be human.
Lately I’ve been wondering if children remember something much deeper than the lessons themselves.
Years from now, I don’t imagine they’ll remember every worksheet or every read-aloud book.
The sound of laughter around the kitchen table.
Reading together on the couch.
The feeling of walking through the front door and knowing they belong.
Maybe that’s what we’re really building.
This week, I’m writing three words in my journal.
Not goals.
Not accomplishments.
Just three words I hope describe the feeling of our home.
A loving compass for the year ahead.
Because whenever life begins to speed up again, I want something simple to return to.
Not another checklist.
Just a question.
Does this choice move us closer to the home we’re trying to build?
I’d love for you to press play and soak in this episode of the Soul Care Mom Podcast
🎙️ Listen Here →What Kind of Home Do I Want to Create This Year?
And I would love to hear the 3 words you’re choosing to help you create an intentional compass for your year.
With Love,
Catherine 🤍✨
💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.
Here’s the question I’m reflecting on:
Does this choice move us closer to the home we’re trying to build?
When life begins to speed up again, which three words will be your compass this new season?
👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!
Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌
“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.
“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.
“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.
“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.
If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖
Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey. You are loved.
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