In the past two weeks, our family has had so many significant changes as a result of the nationwide healthcare epidemic. We have made some hard, but much needed decisions in regards to our family dynamic. The COVID-19 virus has affected our lives significantly. As of April 7th, I quit my job as a Nurse Practitioner and my husband and I have decided that I pursue the stay-at-home route. It was not an easy decision, but now that I have been home for two weeks I have learned that it was the right decision for our family. I am sensitive to the fact that many families cannot make this choice due to financial and other obligations, but our family decided that we will do whatever it takes (living below our means) to make this transition happen.
You guys, the first week started out ROUGH! I was constantly thinking about if I made the right or wrong decision regarding my career and I couldn’t sleep well at night, my mind kept replaying the “what if’s”. I realized that I couldn’t live my life this way.
I immediately implemented a few things:
- First, my husband and I reviewed our family budget and discussed areas that we can cut back and save. We actually have built our savings account during this time. Partially because everything is shut down but mostly because we are choosing to cook in and save.
- After that, I saw a therapist! Yes, I know that sounds so basic, but she has helped me do some much-needed self-reflection and self-evaluation. She has also given me some tips on how to manage my anxiety and redefine what success means to me. My therapist and I meet once every two weeks and I do not miss appointments.
- Next, we created a family structure and routine. Becoming a full-time teacher overnight due to COVID-19 has been both frustrating AND enlightening. I am NOT an educator by profession but what I have learned is that I AM an EDUCATOR in my home. In the past, due to constantly working and being involved in every community activity, I rarely had time to fully focus on educating and empowering my children. During this time, I have been able to slow down and focus on what matters most: my family. I set up a very BASIC homeschool routine and teach my children daily. I can’t wait to share photos with you of our daily schedule and homeschool materials that I purchased from Dollar Tree and Amazon. There have been many frustrations but there has been even more relationship building and love. My boys are like whole new kids! For this I am grateful. It has taught me that the very things I wished for while working are the things that God has granted me now.
Lastly, we implemented a family bible study and we are training the boys on having godly characteristics. This has taught us as parents to live up to what we train them to be. They are actually watching our actions versus listening to our words. We want to make The Gospel attractive by the way we model our lives as parents.
I will say being home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with my family has been fun and challenging, but it has taught me to love deeper and redefine what success means to me. This time has also allowed me to SLOW DOWN, breathe, and focus on what matters most when the world is crazy. I am so excited about my new blog venture and I hope you will join me as I share my family life with you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Make sure you come back next week to read about my top Mother’s Day must haves. Stay Healthy!