Everybody likes to get something for free, right? I would like to give you something for free. This is for everybody, not just those with "school-age" children. I want to give you the freedom to unschool yourself and/or your kids for one day. It might feel overwhelming to some people to imagine taking the leap into unschooling, but for just one day it might seem doable.
Here is what I am thinking. For just one day, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday, let yourself follow your heart. How many times have you wanted to do something but stopped yourself because you "had to" go here or there, or do this or that. How many times have you talked yourself out of doing something because the little voice in your head told you to stop thinking that way, it is childish, or that you "shouldn't" want to do something like that? I wonder how often you are aware of doing this to yourself? So, you get a free pass to listen to those whims and follow those dreams. See where it leads you. A passion from long ago might be reignited.
If you have children, let them do the things that you have always said no to. Let them stay up until they are really tired, let them eat candy before dinner, let them play outside past dark. Go play with them! Follow their passions for the day, and see where it leads you and your family. The most important thing is, savor the look of joy on their faces, and yours! Tell the voices in your head to take the day off! Give them a rest from their job of telling you all of the reasons why you or your child can't or shouldn't do something that you are wanting to do. If you find yourself listening to the voices, see if you can really ask yourself, “Does it really make sense to say no, or do I just say no because I have always done it that way?"
Get in touch with your inner kid for the day. Let yourself off the hook from doing all of those things that "just can't wait." Can the dishes wait until after you play kickball with your kids, or can that phone call wait until after you paint a picture or make a collage?
What is it that you love to do but never give yourself permission to do? Ask yourself that question many times throughout the day. If your child asks to do something and you catch yourself getting ready to answer no, take a deep breath and ask yourself why not? Do I really have a reasonable answer, or is it just easier for me to say no?
Once we become more aware of the many times that we say no to ourselves and to our children, we begin to allow new possibilities into our lives. We begin to ask ourselves why and why not more often. It might feel scary for awhile, but once you get the hang of it, it is freedom! We can have freedom and yet still get things done that need to get done. We start to remember that we always have a choice.
Give it a try for just one day. Listen to your heart, have fun, feel joy and let stress take the day off. Who knows, one day might lead into two days. Give yourself permission to be free to do the things you love, with no strings attached. This is what unschooling looks like. Unschooling means having the freedom to follow the truth that is in your heart and to support those you love in the things that give them joy. No strings attached. Have fun!
If you would like to read more about unschooling and other similar topics, you can visit my website at www.benurtured.com
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