Ma Maven | The Mom Without A Manual

Summer is a time to step outside and showcase the progress we’ve made during those long, cooped-up months. At my “big” age of 33 and as a mom of 3, I often find myself enjoying the comforts of our home. However, as the warmer months approach, it got me thinking about the true purpose of emerging from our winter shells.

There’s an unspoken belief that our goal should be to present our best selves to the world and those we interact with on and off the interwebs, thanks to social media. But more importantly, the ones who deserve to see the best version of us are our children and the people within our homes. It’s a unique challenge because they witness our journey, which includes the struggles as well as the triumphs.

This summer, I decided to focus on intentionality and structure, especially with my eldest son. I am piecing together a short summer homeschool curriculum to reinforce what he learned in the fifth grade in hopes of preparing him for the next school year. While fun is definitely on the agenda, I want our days to have purpose and direction.

As I was pulling things together for the summer curriculum, I recognized my struggle with feeling grounded enough within myself and thought, “How can I provide proper purpose and direction when I feel like I lack in these areas myself at times?” In years past, I wrote about feeling passionless, consumed by motherhood, and unable to focus on myself without guilt. However, I’ve set my mom guilt aside and have come to understand the importance of striving to be rooted and stable in all aspects of my life—thinking, actions, emotions, and faith. Seeking out stability in these areas will be the guide to my passions since I cannot simply put mothering aside. This stability is crucial for managing our home, finances, emotions, and homeschooling effectively, among other things.

Though terms like routine, curriculum, and structure seem stuffy, they have driven me to think about my own self-care and personal development. I believe it’s essential to prioritize self-care activities and set aside time weekly for something, might I say, “luxurious” yet realistic, like a massage or lunch alone for a busy mom like myself. Daily devotionals and prayer have also become a priority, which, as a woman of faith, can often fall low on the long list of things we have to do. Reinforcing my faith and setting an example for my children is crucial. This fact goes beyond any worksheet I could source from online.

“…but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6

It’s easy to get caught up in social interactions and public appearances, but focusing on personal growth now, while my children are still growing, ensures they witness and benefit from my journey. This experience will hopefully guide them into adulthood, teaching them to manage responsibilities with faith, confidence, and grace.

We spend years studying for our professions; why not dedicate time to improving our everyday lives and well-being this summer? Whether it’s called self-help, self-care, or something else, the goal is to build a better version of myself for my family and me.

By taking small steps daily and focusing on self-improvement, I aim to create a foundation and environment of stability and growth for my family. This journey is not just about being the best version of myself online or in public but being the best for those who matter most—my children and family. As they grow and face their challenges, I hope they carry the lessons and values we cultivate together over the next few months.

Ultimately, the summer is about more than just reinforcing academic knowledge; it’s about nurturing a holistic growth environment. By prioritizing intentionality and structure, I aim to foster a space where my children learn resilience, responsibility, and the importance of self-care. This investment in myself and my family is the most valuable lesson I can impart, ensuring we all thrive together.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my summer journey of intentionality and growth with my family! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you found ways to balance self-care and family responsibilities? What are your strategies for creating a purposeful summer for your kids?

Please share your insights and tips in the comments below. Let’s support each other in our efforts to build better versions of ourselves for our families. Don’t forget to share this post if you found it helpful, and follow my blog for more updates on our journey. Together, we can inspire and uplift one another!