Embracing the Joy of Slow Living

How Homeschooling Helps Us Focus on What Really Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like we're constantly racing against the clock. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and social obligations, finding time to breathe can seem impossible. I used to feel this way too, until my family and I made a conscious decision to embrace slow living. One of the most significant decisions we made was choosing to homeschool our children. This choice has transformed our lives in the most beautiful ways, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.

Discovering Slow Living

Slow living is all about taking a step back from the frenetic pace of modern life and savoring the moment. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, depth over superficiality, and relationships over material possessions. For us, homeschooling has been a natural extension of this philosophy.

Why We Chose Homeschooling

I wanted more for my children and our family. I wanted to create an environment where learning was a joy, not a chore. I wanted our family to have the freedom to explore our interests, spend time in nature, travel the world, and truly be present with one another.

The Joys of Homeschooling

Homeschooling has allowed us to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. Here’s a brief snippet of how it has brought joy and peace into our lives:

1. Flexible Schedules

We don’t adhere to a rigid school schedule. Instead, we have the freedom to learn at our own pace. If we want to spend the morning hiking and the afternoon reading books, we can. This flexibility has reduced stress and allowed us to tailor our days to our needs and interests.

2. Deepened Relationships

With more time at home, we’ve grown close as a family. We have meaningful conversations, work on projects together, and enjoy each other’s company. The bond between my children is remarkable, and they’ve become each other’s best friends.

3. Personalized Learning

Homeschooling allows us to focus on my children’s unique strengths and interests. Whether it’s diving deep into a subject they’re passionate about or taking extra time to master a challenging concept, we can customize our approach to suit their individual needs.

4. Life Skills

Beyond academics, homeschooling has given us the opportunity to teach valuable life skills. My children help with cooking, gardening, and household chores, learning responsibility and self-sufficiency. These are lessons they wouldn’t get in a traditional classroom. Even more than that, they’ve been able to become entrepreneurs at such a young age.

5. Connection to Nature

We spend a lot of time outdoors, exploring parks, hiking trails, and in our own backyard. Nature has become our classroom, teaching us about science, geography, and even art. These experiences have fostered a deep appreciation and respect for the world around us.

6. Mindful Living

Homeschooling has encouraged us to live more mindfully. We practice gratitude, engage in creative activities, and take time to reflect on our experiences. This mindful approach has brought a sense of calm and contentment to our lives.

Focusing on What Really Matters

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. For us, slow living and homeschooling have been a way to reclaim our time and focus on what matters most: our family, our passions, and our well-being.

Homeschooling isn’t always easy, and it requires commitment and flexibility. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. By slowing down and embracing this lifestyle, we’ve found joy, peace, and a deeper connection to one another.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life, I encourage you to explore the principles of slow living. Whether it’s through homeschooling, simplifying your schedule, or spending more time in nature, there are many ways to slow down and savor the moments that make life truly special.

The Power of Supporting Your Children’s Passions

As a mother, one of the greatest joys is witnessing the discovery and development of your children's passions. These passions not only fuel their creativity but also shape their character and future. Our journey with Gordon Kingdom has been a testament to the transformative power of supporting our children’s dreams, and I owe a lot of this success to my husband, Lewis Sr.

The Beginning of Gordon Kingdom Beads

It all started with a simple idea. Our children, always full of creativity and imagination, expressed an interest in making and selling handmade bracelets. Initially, I saw this as a fun, educational project that would culminate in a children's entrepreneur fair with our homeschool group. I thought it would be a valuable experience but didn’t foresee it going much further than that.

However, Lewis Sr. had a different vision. He saw the potential in our children's enthusiasm and creativity. He believed that with the right support and encouragement, their small project could grow into something much bigger. It was Lewis who insisted that we fully support their entrepreneurial endeavor, and I’m incredibly grateful for his foresight and unwavering support.

His belief in our children’s potential and his commitment to supporting their passions have been the driving force behind Gordon Kingdom Beads. When I was hesitant to take their business further, it was Lewis who insisted that we give them every opportunity to succeed. He has been there every step of the way, from late-night brainstorming sessions to early morning market setups, always with a smile and an encouraging word.

Lewis's dedication has not only helped our children’s business thrive but has also set an incredible example for them. They’ve seen firsthand what it means to be a supportive and involved parent, and this lesson will stay with them for a lifetime.

The Power of Supporting Your Children’s Passions

Supporting your children’s passions is about more than just nurturing a hobby; it’s about helping them discover who they are and what they’re capable of achieving. It’s about showing them that their dreams are worth pursuing and that they have the full backing of their family.

If you’re a parent, I encourage you to take that leap of faith and support your children’s passions wholeheartedly. It may require time, effort, and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone, but the rewards are immeasurable. Watching our children flourish through Gordon Kingdom Beads has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives, and I couldn’t be prouder of them—or more grateful for Lewis's unwavering support.

Together, we’ve created something beautiful, and we’ve shown our children that with passion, dedication, and family support, anything is possible.

The Joy of Watching My Children Become Entrepreneurs

As a mother, one of the most rewarding experiences is watching your children grow and develop into confident, capable individuals. Over the past year, I've had the incredible joy of seeing my children embark on their entrepreneurial journey. What started as a small, creative project has blossomed into a thriving business, and the skills they’ve acquired along the way are invaluable.

It all began with a simple idea. My children, always brimming with creativity and curiosity, wanted to make and sell handmade bracelets. Initially, I thought it was just a fun pastime, but their enthusiasm quickly turned into a serious venture. They researched materials, experimented with designs, and soon, we had a living room full of beautiful, unique bracelets. Seeing my children take on the challenge of entrepreneurship has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve watched them grow more confident, resourceful, and independent. They’ve developed a strong sense of self and have gained skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Skills They’ve Learned

Running their own business has been an incredible learning experience for my children. Here are some of the essential skills they’ve developed along the way:

1. Creativity and Innovation

From designing new bracelet patterns to coming up with unique marketing ideas, my children’s creativity has flourished. They’ve learned to think outside the box and innovate, skills that are crucial in any entrepreneurial endeavor.

2. Financial Literacy

Managing their business finances has taught them valuable lessons about money. They’ve learned how to budget, price their products, and understand the basics of profit and loss. This practical knowledge is something that will benefit them for a lifetime.

3. Marketing and Sales

They’ve discovered the importance of presenting their products in an appealing way, whether it’s through online listings or local craft fairs. They’ve developed skills in photography, copywriting, and customer service, all of which are essential for successful marketing and sales.

4. Problem-Solving

Entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of challenges. My children have faced issues like supply shortages, production delays, and customer inquiries. Each obstacle has been a learning opportunity, teaching them how to problem-solve and stay resilient.

5. Time Management

Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and their business has taught them the importance of time management. They’ve learned to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and stay organized, skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.

6. Communication

Effective communication has been key to their success. They’ve learned how to interact with customers, negotiate with suppliers, and work together as a team. These communication skills have boosted their confidence and will be invaluable in their future endeavors.

7. Responsibility and Work Ethic

Running a business has instilled a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic in my children. They’ve learned that success requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This experience has shown them the value of setting goals and working diligently to achieve them.

8. Customer Service

Understanding the importance of customer satisfaction, they’ve learned how to handle feedback, address complaints, and ensure their customers are happy. This focus on customer service has taught them empathy, patience, and the importance of building positive relationships.

Encouraging Young Entrepreneurs

If you have children with a spark of entrepreneurial spirit, I encourage you to nurture it. Provide them with the tools and support they need to explore their ideas. Entrepreneurship can be a powerful way for children to learn, grow, and discover their potential.

Watching my children become entrepreneurs has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It’s not just about the business success; it’s about the life skills they’ve gained, the confidence they’ve built, and the passion they’ve discovered. I’m excited to see where their entrepreneurial journey takes them and to continue supporting them every step of the way.

Reflecting on Our First Craft Show: A Journey of Growth and Learning

Completing our first craft show was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and it’s a journey I’ll always cherish. From the excitement of setting up our booth to the lessons learned at the end of the day, this experience has been a profound one for our family. As a mother, it was a beautiful, challenging, and eye-opening adventure.

The Build-Up

The days leading up to the craft show were filled with anticipation and preparation. We meticulously designed and crafted our products, organized our display, and made sure everything was ready for the big day. Despite our best efforts, everything seemed to take much longer than anticipated. Setting up the booth, arranging our products, and getting everything just right was a marathon of patience and perseverance.

Facing the Challenges

As we opened the doors and welcomed our first customers, I noticed that my children were initially quite shy. They hesitated to engage with the visitors, their nerves evident as they tried to navigate their new roles as entrepreneurs. It was a challenging moment for me as a mother. I wanted to step in and handle the sales myself, to protect them from any discomfort and to ensure that every customer left with a positive experience.

However, I knew that this was an important opportunity for them to learn and grow. I had to resist the urge to take over and instead focus on providing them with the support they needed.

Encouragement and Support

Throughout the day, we gave our children lots of encouragement and positive feedback. We praised their efforts, celebrated small victories, and reminded them of how far they had come. Watching them gradually become more comfortable and confident in their roles was incredibly rewarding.

There were moments of frustration and doubt, but we worked through them together. I made sure to stay close, offering gentle guidance and support without overshadowing their efforts. It was essential to let them take the lead and experience the highs and lows of their first craft show.

Lessons Learned

Our first craft show was a rich learning experience for all of us. Here are some of the key lessons we took away:

1. Patience and Persistence

From setting up the booth to engaging with customers, everything took longer than we had anticipated. We learned the value of patience and persistence, understanding that success often comes with time and effort.

2. Embracing Shyness

Seeing our children overcome their shyness was one of the most heartwarming moments. It reminded us that growth happens outside our comfort zones, and every challenge is an opportunity to develop new skills and confidence.

3. The Power of Encouragement

Positive feedback and encouragement can make a world of difference. By focusing on what our children were doing right and celebrating their achievements, we helped them build the confidence they needed to succeed.

4. Letting Go

As a mother, it was difficult to let go and allow my children to handle the sales on their own. But it was an important lesson in trusting their abilities and giving them the space to learn from their experiences.

5. Teamwork and Support

This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and support within our family. We worked together, tackled challenges, and supported each other through the ups and downs. It was a reminder of the strength we have when we unite as a family.

Looking Ahead

Completing our first craft show was a significant milestone for our family. It was a day filled with growth, learning, and shared experiences. While it wasn’t always easy, the journey was incredibly rewarding.

I’m proud of my children for their courage and perseverance, and I’m grateful for the support we’ve given each other throughout this adventure. As we look forward to future craft shows and new opportunities, we carry with us the lessons learned and the joy of having tackled our first big challenge together.

Here’s to many more craft shows, more learning, and more moments of growth. Thank you to everyone who supported us and cheered us on. Your encouragement means the world to us, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.