About a week or so ago, I received a beautifully encouraging message from one of my friends in our unschooling community who’d listened to my podcast, The Problem with Being Too Nice. You might remember that I made that episode in March last year, at a time when I felt overloaded with various difficulties, including the pandemic lockdown. As I rarely received any feedback about the unschooling work I was doing, I wondered why I was sticking around trying to blog and podcast and write books when I had so many other things to deal with. I just wanted to withdraw, disappear, fall in a heap.
So, recently, a friend, stopped by to ask how I’m feeling more than a year down the track – am I still feeling discouraged? – and to thank me for what I do. And she had a question: am I going to make any more podcasts? My first thought was no, my podcasting days are over. But as I pondered my friend’s words, I started feeling excited. Perhaps I could return to podcasting, after all. I made a few notes, hunted out my dusty mic and then retreated into my studio (bedroom) to record a new episode of my Stories of an Unschooling Family podcast. A few encouraging words can spur us on to do all kinds of unexpected things, can’t they?
So, in episode 189, The Important People in Our Lives, I’m talking about:
- How lack of control makes us feel helpless. Do controlled kids feel helpless? Does control lead to mental health issues?
- If we want a society of responsible adults, do we need to listen to kids, give them freedom, and let them learn how to be responsible for themselves?
- Difficult times, friends, and our unschooling community
- How change can stretch us, and how we learn when we have an interest or a need
- Video gaming and what I’ve learnt since I became a video gamer
- My new children’s novel, The Angels of Wallaby Way!
- Perfectionism, and the fear of criticism, and Marco Polo video messages
- The value of feedback, encouragement, and the most important people in our lives
Show Notes
Blog Post
What I discovered When I Became a Video Gamer
My Unschooling Books
Curious Unschoolers: paperback
Radical Unschool Love: paperback
NEW! The Angels of Wallaby Way
Where You Can Find Me
When I’m not here on my blog, you can find me in our unschooling community:
The Stories of an Unschooling Family community
Photo
As I said in this week’s podcast, I’ve been experimenting with landscape photography. I took this photo at a local river shortly after we’d had some wonderful rain!
Thank you
This episode is for you, Sabelle. You are a beautiful friend!
I loved listening to your most recent episode, Sue! I’m happy you’re sharing your ups and downs of your work- it’s very encouraging and relatable. I’m so excited you’ve published your new children’s book- big congratulations. Sending you lots of love & encouragement, you’re the very best!
Lauren,
It’s so good to see you here on my blog! Thank you for your congratulations for my book. I’m glad I persisted with it and it’s published. Now I can move onto something else. I hope all is well with you and your family. Sending love to you too! ❤️
Dear Sue,
I was so moved to see that you recorded a new episode of your podcast! Thank you so much for doing that. Your voice is a soothing one, filled with love and wisdom and it is a blessing to all who listened to you. So please continue!
I also think it is normal to help when we benefit from something. Most communities ask for a monthly subscription. Yours is free despite its priceless value, filled with lived experience, honest thoughts and very encouraging words. Your fellowship is the best and we should all encourage you!
I started reading your books and they are a wonderful companion and reminder of how to unschool… actually just how to love!
You have become an important person in my family’s life and we are so grateful for you!
Much love and blessings,
Sabelle
Sabelle,
Our unschooling community is only free because kind and generous people like you are supporting it. Thank you so much for doing this. Without you we wouldn’t have a community!
I love doing things for the important people in my life, so it was a huge pleasure making this episode for you. I’ll always think of it as ‘Sabelle’s episode’!
Sabelle, you are great source of encouragement and love for me. Thank you. I am blessed to know you. Sending lots of love to you and your beautiful family. xxx
Hi Sue, so good to hear your voice again! Yes, it`s not easy to keep being optimistic and hopeful in these times, and yes, I also found that easier the first time. Now it looks like never-ending-game.. We need to take care of our mental health and I love hearing your ideas and strategies. Some days its simply hard. Going for walks outside and taking photographs of beautiful world that is still here – that`s wonderful idea.
So excited to hear your new book is being published!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
My due date is soon and I would appreciate your prayers very much. Thank you Sue.
Wishing you all the best and many more beautiful walks!
Luana,
I’m so pleased to hear from you! Oh yes, the pandemic is providing lots of challenges. I agree: it feels like a never-ending game. I do hope you and your family are okay. And yes, I shall continue keeping you in my prayers. I hope everything goes well with your baby’s birth.
Thank you for your book congratulations! If you read it, I hope you enjoy the story.
Take care, Luana. Sending you lots of love. xxx