Slowing Down

These past few weeks have been fantastic.  We are slowing down and everyone is better for it.  Our activity load is lighter, and we spend a lot more time just being.  This has opened the way for more reading, playing, art and a whole host of other fun enterprises around our home.

It started when Eamon and Aine decided to stop taking violin classes.  Yes, it was their decision.  Yes, they were "allowed" to decide.  Their decision ended the arguments about practice and lessons and has contributed to a much happier household.  We still have the violins, but they have only played them once.  It is okay.  When they decide they want to pursue an instrument, we will follow that lead again.  Right now, we just listen and appreciate music that way.

I struggle with activites for my children.  I want them to be happy and well-rounded individuals.  I forget that activities do not guarantee that.  I also forget that my children need time to just be.  Too often this is forgotten.  Recently I read a post about stopping everything.  I think this is a great approach.  When our days are so busy, no one is happy.  If happiness is what we want, less is truly more.