• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Simple Homeschool

Never let your schooling interrupt your education.

  • Start
    • Homeschooling 101: What to Teach and When to Teach It
    • 10 ways you’re making your homeschool day harder than it needs to be
    • 10 things every new homeschooler should know
    • How to homeschool: Links to help you get started
    • I want to homeschool, but don’t want the responsibility
    • Audiobook Deal Directory
    • Jamie’s recommendations
  • About
    • Meet Jamie
    • Meet the Contributors
    • Advertise
  • Blog
    • Latest Posts
    • Categories
      • Jamie’s Writing
      • curriculum
      • family time
      • field trips
      • home maintenance & management
      • inspiration
      • methods & philosophies
      • a mom’s education
      • organization
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • Quiz
  • Search
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Start
    • Homeschooling 101: What to Teach and When to Teach It
    • 10 ways you’re making your homeschool day harder than it needs to be
    • 10 things every new homeschooler should know
    • How to homeschool: Links to help you get started
    • I want to homeschool, but don’t want the responsibility
    • Audiobook Deal Directory
    • Jamie’s recommendations
  • About
    • Meet Jamie
    • Meet the Contributors
    • Advertise
  • Blog
    • Latest Posts
    • Categories
      • Jamie’s Writing
      • curriculum
      • family time
      • field trips
      • home maintenance & management
      • inspiration
      • methods & philosophies
      • a mom’s education
      • organization
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • Quiz
  • Search
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Giving thanks

November 27, 2013 //  by Rachel Wolf

Violin lessons
Written by contributor Rachel Wolf of Lusa Organics skin care and Clean

Like you, sometimes I have it all dialed in.

Days when I’m a superstar from dawn until dusk.

From homeschooling to housework, to nurturing my marriage and myself – it’s all happening.

I’m unstoppable!

 

And then the next day… I’m not.

On these days I’m desperate for things to fall into place, but instead they all seem to fall apart.

Last week I had a day like that.

Okay, several.

first snow

Sure, it’s been a rough spell over here.

But the truth is, it isn’t beating me.

Because when life goes haywire, we all stand at a crossroads.

And we’re in charge of choosing the path we take next.

 

We can suffer through and see only the shadows, or we can choose a new focus.

And notice all that is going right.

By simply giving thanks.

Because so often, it isn’t as bad as it seems.

And almost always it could have been a whole lot worse.

gratitude leaves

Thanksgiving has long been a favorite celebration for me.

Because it’s a day to gather with family or friends and focus on all that is good.

We count our blessings.

We give thanks.

And gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we hold.

 

After a hard day, I let go as best I can.

And then I count my blessings.

And I give thanks for the view from my kitchen and the tea in my cup.

For family, friends, and helpful strangers.

For running water, a hot shower, and wool slippers.

kids

For the freedom to homeschool and these two amazing children to share the journey with.

For this life, with all of its messes.

And for a fresh start tomorrow.

I give thanks.

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.”
~ Cicero

What blessings are you holding close this season?

Category: inspiration

About Rachel Wolf

Rachel Wolf woke up recently and realized that she's living the life she has always wanted. Her days are spent with and two spunky unschoolers, running LuSa Organics (her small business), and hanging the laundry out on the line. Rachel writes about her homeschooling, homemaking, and non-violent parenting path on her blog Clean.

Previous Post: « 6 resources that inspire a love of learning
Next Post: Weekend giveaway: $100 holiday package from Sparkle Stories »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. maddalena70

    November 27, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Rachel, you are so right.
    In this season of my life so difficult in some areas I am so thankful to have a work, a house and my great family…. I am so thankful to have a nice husband and two little girls full of life (sometimes too much

  2. Faigie

    November 27, 2013 at 10:44 am

    No matter how many times I hear this concept of looking at the positive when there is negative in our lives, It still hits me as a “Hey I really need to do that more” .

  3. Sharon

    November 25, 2014 at 6:01 pm

    So very true. Beautiful words.. Thank you.
    Sharon’s latest post: “Montessori is an education for independence not just for school, but for life.” Maria Montessori

  4. Kara

    November 25, 2016 at 9:50 am

    This!! ‘We can suffer through and see only shadows, or we can see a new focus.’ Thank you for that! Seeing shadows is a rut I can easily fall into. Right now, in my life, I’m loving that my kids are older and can be helpful during this fun, busy season. I’m thankful for friendships and new community – Thanks for sharing authentically here! It’s so nice to know that I’m not alone in my good days and bad days.
    Kara’s latest post: The Gratitude Project: Week 4

Primary Sidebar

Jamie’s bestselling books:

Take the quiz:

Jamie’s “Quiet” Community:

Copyright © 2025 Simple Homeschool · All Rights Reserved · Disclosure and Privacy Policy · Site by Design by Insight

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies.OKLearn more.