MYTH BUSTERS EDITION

What are you so afraid of? 

This question has been whirling around my brain for the last few weeks.

A few days ago I posted about asking for and accepting help from others. Check it out here.

Since writing that post, I keep wondering why my automatic response is to just carry the load all by myself.

In 2021 when we opened our new homeschool support program I had a similar experience of internal conflict.

It was hard to do all the things. Run the business, keep the books, share our experience, inspire others, show up for the kids fully, be a supportive and reliable leader, and then go home and be a loving, present, and attentive partner.

But I pushed through. Because- what was the alternative? In the words of the late Tom Petty: “I know what's right. I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin' me around… I'll stand my ground, and I won't back down.”

Here’s how one chat with Mémé changed everything.

Then one afternoon a grandparent approached me and asked so genuinely and warmly, “What can I bring in to help? Tell me what you guys need…”. And just like that it was crystal clear.

People want to help!

Every time I brushed them off with my off-the-cuff “Oh, we are good- thank you so much” I was fraying what was a beautiful yet invisible partnership.

Here’s the truth.

Our program families believe in our mission and want to see us succeed. If they didn’t, they simply would not be here. There are dozens of other programs out there to choose from but they chose us.

I sat with this notion for a few days and in the true nature of a “passionately organized person” sat my butt down and … made a list.

The next morning, I posted the list on our calendar in the program mudroom.

A few weeks later I emailed it in our monthly check-in email to families.

Within a few weeks, we had a steady rotation of volunteers to run the laundry for us, donate community snack supplies and paper goods, donate hand and toe warmers, organize work projects and so much more.

I reflect on this experience often. I remind myself that putting our own awkwardness aside is often way more difficult than just pushing through it and accepting help from those who love and support us. In short- we get in our own way.

After posting the list and seeing its effects on our community, the load was lightened. I felt I had more air to breathe and could stand taller and regain footing as a teacher. What a GIFT!

I will always be grateful for the groups of self-organized parent volunteers and loving families I have had the honor and privilege to work with over the last seven years.

Moral of the story?

You are sowing the seeds within your community. Seeds that will sprout into inspiration and guidance for others to offer outside-the-box programs like yours. Let your community in - fully. Invite them in for tea, sit with them, and graciously accept their generosity and the infinite shape it may take over time.

Thank you for being here, my friend.

You are doing incredible work and you never have to feel like you are alone.

I got you. We’ve got each other.

This is your permission slip to say yes to a helping hand, today.

Xo,

Ade

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