I’ve worked for some amazing people over the years. But you know what no one has ever said to me? “You look tired. Take the next two weeks off and just forget about us!” Oh—you’ve never heard that either?!
That example shows why you must be a priority on your To Do list. So, don’t spend the last days of Summer slaving away in the office. Use this month to renew yourself, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in the Fall. But do more than sleep in. Build an inner retreat, a true sanctuary that you can visit again and again. That’s what we’ll be talking about in the August series, Create an Oasis.
Saira Siddiqui is the voice of “Confessions of a Muslim Mom,” and she homeschools her three children, 10-year-old twins, and a 6-year-old. Does juggling three active children sound challenging? That’s not even the tough part.
Her biggest problem was managing the interests of kids on opposite ends of the educational spectrum. “Each of my kids is completely different,” she observed. “One child tends to be more analytical and precise. This child tends to be more excited about computations, riddles and problem-solving. I have another child who I call my “liberal arts” child. This child likes reading, writing, and art.”
After struggling with a traditional homeschooling model, Saira had a light bulb moment. “Traditional” just didn’t work for the Siddiqui family. So, she listened to her instincts about what made her children eager to learn. Then she created a new framework so they could pursue and expand their natural strengths.
All that frustration taught Saira a valuable lesson about trusting her inner authority. She says, “I wish someone had told me to block out the outside voices that come when you become a parent—and pay more attention to the children and what their needs are.”
You may not be a homeschooling mom, but you probably have something in common with Saira. Have you ever been turned around by someone bubbling over with ideas about how to work through a problem? There’s just one hang-up—they’re not standing in your shoes.
Like the Siddiqui family, the answers for a peaceful life may be right in front of you. However, you might need to hit the mute button to hear your inner, wise self.
Are you exhausted trying to mimic your parents’ traditions even though you’re juggling complexities they never faced, like a full-time job and a blended family? Your gut is saying that it’s time to throw out the Instagram version of life and change traditions.
Are you dragging through the work week? Your body is whispering that you must take a break before you get sick.
And do you feel uneasy whenever that well-meaning person pushes you to follow their advice? Then turn down the static with a cheerful reply of, “We’re working through it.”
You can start creating your oasis today. Step one? Just listen.