Naming 10 things that are saving your life is a practice that I came to through Instagram; there are several accounts that I follow that do this seasonally as a way of recognizing and appreciating what is important or has brought delight or made life easier during a relatively short stretch of time. A friend and I often play along and share our lists with one another as a way to catch up and learn what has been prominent in our lives recently. 

Last year, one of the podcasters I follow, Kendra Adachi from the Lazy Genius Podcast,  released an episode where she made a list of her all-time Top 10 Life Savers. This got me thinking… Now that I’m over a decade into this homeschooling adventure, what are 10 things that have consistently and repeatedly saved my life? Or brightened my days? Or made this journey easier and more enjoyable? I sat down to think about it and here’s my list. These are in no particular order and I tried not to overthink it!



1. Homeschool mentors - Julie Bogart from Brave Writer, Emily Cook from Build Your Library, Melissa Robb from ENRICHri, Melissa Wiley through Brave Writer and the Brave Writer podcast. 
2. Friendships - local and long distance, people going through the same experiences as me who I can ask for advice, commiserate with, laugh with, and just hang out when I need another adult’s voice!
3. Homeschool groups + Co-ops - these have ebbed and flowed over time but have provided different support and experiences as we needed them. Sometimes that was a place for my kids to meet friends, a source of new inspiration and entertainment, an outlet for energetic kids, a point of virtual connection during times of isolation, and throughout and still a place where I can share my energy and give back to my community.
4. Supplies in all the places - it makes a difference to have scissors everywhere they might be needed! I’ve never regretted multiple staplers, scissors, pencil sharpeners.
5. Games - board games, card games, video games - used as a way to take a break, connect with a child, entertain, have fun, and bring people together.
6. Entertaining but educational shows – Wild Kratts, Magic Schoolbus, Liberty Kids, Crash Course videos, Mr Betts, Horrible Histories, Amazing Race, Jet Lag the Game, Heimler’s AP History; all of these have added depth, laughter, and wonder to our days. 
7. Gummy bears — so many gummy bears! As motivation, encouragement, reward, treat (for both the kids and for the adults).
8. The library - every single week, so many holds! 
9. Field trips and outings - a change of scenery and fun break can make such a big difference.
10. Coffee shops - for my own breaks and reflection time. Often I have tried to set aside weekly time at a coffee shop to reflect and journal and catch my breath. Sometimes in frustration, sometimes with joy, sometimes confused and unsure of what to do next, sometimes ready to share my experiences with others. Getting some breathing room, even if it’s only a mile down the street, can help me clear my head and regain perspective.