Over the past year, I’ve been somewhat disconnected from homeschooling social media circles due to the challenges of separation and ultimately, divorce. Now that my divorce is finalized and this topic is trending, I feel as though I can finally breathe and get back to “real life,” beginning with what I’m reading at the moment.

Finding Clarity in My Homeschool – A New Normal

As our lives continue to change, I’m gaining some clarity on what I value in homeschooling my 13-year-old and what I want our focus to be moving forward. One key focus is education through travel and experiences.

Because I value getting outside of our every day and seeing as much of the world as possible – as a single homeschooling mom – I’ve had to prioritize where I spend my money.

Thus, I am embracing a minimalist lifestyle.

Books on Minimalism and Mindful Consumption:

The Afro-Minimalist’s Guide to Living with Less by Christine Platt explores how childhood experiences and societal pressures drive us to overconsume, providing insights as I streamline my possessions.

Aja Barber’s, Consumed delves into the environmental impact of fast fashion and challenges readers to rethink their consumption habits.

By reducing what comes into my home and donating unused items, I am clearing out clutter but also creating a more serene and focused environment where my family can thrive.

This intentional approach enriches our homeschooling journey and fosters a sense of adventure and discovery that enhances our overall life experiences and allows me to allocate funds towards enriching educational travel experiences that align with our homeschooling goals.

Financial Literacy and Investing:

Over the last several months I’ve embarked on a financial literacy journey. I’m currently learning all I can about investing. 

Bola Sokunbi’s books from CleverGirl Finance, especially Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money have been crucial to this endeavor. I also have other books by Sokunbi on my bookshelf, including her budget planner created in collaboration with Erin Condren. 

Communication and Writing:

As a freelance writer, I’ve expanded my client base significantly this year, contributing to platforms like BlackDoctor.org and Time4Learning. Navigating LinkedIn for networking has been crucial, especially with the platform’s recent changes.

To enhance my professional communication skills, Jane Praeger’s Make Your Voice Heard cards provide practical tips for effective communication, both in-person and online.

Praeger’s insights have helped me navigate the evolving landscape of digital networking and articulate my ideas with clarity and confidence. Her guidance is invaluable as I continue to build relationships and expand my presence in professional circles, adapting to new challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic work environment.

Writing and Self-Reflection:

Considering writing a book has been a long-term goal of mine.

Writing Your Life Story by Bernard Selling offers insightful exercises that have reshaped how I view my experiences. As I approach 50, I see this book as a pivotal tool in capturing and reflecting on the significant moments and lessons of my life.

It’s guiding me to craft a narrative that not only shares my journey, but also inspires others who may be navigating similar challenges or milestones in their own lives. Writing has become a profound form of self-expression and healing as I embark on this personal and creative endeavor.

Personal Growth and Self-Care

Navigating personal growth post-divorce has led me to Megan Logan’s Self Love Workbook for Women, which provides practical exercises and reflective prompts that have been instrumental in fostering my self-compassion journey. This resource has empowered me to navigate life transitions with resilience and embrace a healthier relationship with myself, laying a strong foundation for personal healing and growth.

Parenting and Education:

Julie Bogart’s Raising Critical Thinkers remains a staple for homeschooling my 13-year-old, providing invaluable strategies to foster independent thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Complementing this, Michelle Icard’s, Fourteen Talks by Age 14 is proving essential as I prepare my child for the transition to adulthood.

This resource provides practical guidance on initiating important conversations about adolescence, peer relationships, and personal growth, ensuring my child is emotionally and socially prepared for the years ahead.

These books together form a holistic approach to education that not only nurtures academic excellence but also supports holistic development during this critical stage of my child’s life.

I’m finding clarity and direction amidst life’s transitions.

These resources are empowering me to embrace minimalism, understand my finances, excel in freelance career, and enhance communication—essential elements of professional development for single homeschooling moms. Beyond that though, they’re providing me with knowledge that I can pass on to my 13-year-old, as he begins to navigate the challenging teen years.

Each book here represents a step toward personal growth and resilience post-divorce. As I continue to evolve, I look forward to exploring new insights and sharing them with you. If these topics resonate with you or if you’re navigating similar paths, let’s connect and grow together. Stay tuned for updates on my journey and future reads!