Sunday 3 November 2013

Celebrating one year of no school!


One year ago we took the plunge!






Visit blogadda.com to discover Indian blogs Its difficult to believe that it has been a whole year since we pulled  R out of school ! The time has flown by. 
So much has happened in this time. Many of the changes are subtle and have happened below the surface so are felt only by ourselves. Many changes though, are obvious and are pointed out by friends and family all the time.

Ive had times when Ive doubted what we are doing and Ive had times where Ive felt overwhelming reassurance that it is the right thing to do.
Making a decision which goes against the norm is always difficult but when it is the lives of your children that are bearing the impact of your decision it is even more important to feel sure about your choice.
One year on and despite the wobbly moments and the doubts and fears that have arose at times, I feel very strongly that the decision we made was the right one for us.


It was not only my decision but R's too and the opportunity to return to school has always been there for her. However, she is happy to stay at home and does not forsee herself returning to school any time in the near future.
It has been pointed out to me many times over the last year that R has changed. In a good way. She is no longer so shy or fearful in new situations. She is more sure of herself and is willing to speak up or even take the lead in conversations, even with completely new people! She knows her own mind. Has strong likes and dislikes and takes responsibilty for her own actions and decisions. She is self motivated and able to take initiative.

We have maintained our relationship with R's old school. Two afternoons a week I volunteer in the library and my girls get to use the library facilities. Spending time in the school helps us to maintain and build on existing friendships and keep ourselves informed about the mainstream education system. It also, very importantly gives my girls the chance to make a fully informed choice about how they get their education. They can see for themselves how school works and choose whether it is something they want to be a part of or not. 
R's younger sister K has been at home since April and and although having the two siblings at home together full time can be challenging ( for me and for them!) it is working out well and we all feel that it is the best choice for now.
Staying home allows my girls to have more time to pursue their interests which  are many and varied and we have all learnt an awful lot from pursuing these interests together as a family. 
During the years R spent in school she suffered from several health problems caused by stress. She is now stress free and problem free. 
When I look at our achievements in the past year there are many, and I could certainly name them one by one and maybe give grades like at school, but probably the best way to measure our success is by looking at our health and happiness as a family. 
Im proud to say that as a family we have grown together. Our relationships have improved. We have experienced self healing on many levels. We are happy, healthy and optimistic about the future. We have clear visions of what we intend to achieve and are all willing to work together to achieve these goals, learning together as we go.


We are grateful for all the lessons we have learned and  appreciate all the support we have received. We are thankful for the precious time we have spent doing the things we love with the people we love and intend to continue dedicating our time to doing those things which enrich our lives and the lives of others.

So to end here are some inspirational quotes for everyone who has shared our journey so far....thankyou xx

'To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.' Buddha

'What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of you life for it' Author unknown

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” 
― Bob Dylan
“I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you. ” 
―Oprah Wimfrey
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!” 
― Dr Seuss.. 'Oh, the places you'll go!'

3 comments:

  1. It takes guts to follow your hearts in face of all odds.Congratulations on the belief of your thoughts.Wish you all the best of luck in your pursuits.God bless & Cheers :-) Newton

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  2. Thank you Newton. Blessings to you and your family too. Happy Diwali!

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  3. Lovely little angels. very pretty.

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