Taking Some Time Off

I'm at an interesting point in my life: my sons are grown and have left home and now live back in the UK where they were born; my husband is about to be ordained as a Christian Community priest (the Church inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner); and we are moving. And me? Well, aside from adjusting to these dramatic changes, I will turn 50 this year and feel that life is changing - not just for those near and dear to me, but for me as well.

This year was the first year in about 25 years that I haven't taught - either as a homeschooler, teaching my own children or classes for other homeschooled children or teaching high school or middle grades children. Or leading parent education groups. It felt strange at first, a real loss. But as the year progressed, I realized how tired I am, how in need of renewal. I see the need for a complete break.

And so for these next 6 - or maybe a few more - months I am officially taking a sabbatical. Just as a Waldorf teacher is meant to take a sabbatical after graduating his or her eighth grade class, after being with them for eight long years, I too need to step back from my "growing child" - Christopherus. And, just as a 14 year old going into high school continues to need guidance, she is at a different place than she was just a few short years earlier. So it is with Christopherus. In Christopherus' last few years we have taken on a full time employee (who has been joined recently by a part time employee); I have stepped back from consulting work; we no longer have a yahoo group or forum; and we are completing our curriculum. Our company supports two families economically. Big changes and new possibilities!

Christopherus has been in business since 2003 - in the years since then I have written - what? - twenty books plus plays plus enormous great tomes called syllabuses? Plus all the content on the website. And worked with clients over the phone. And held conferences. Oh yes - and taught my children and other children (did anyone mention raising a family and running a household too?!). I think I deserve a rest! And at what better time than during this juncture of so many life changes?

What does this mean practically? Well, one thing is that I will not be doing any writing. For all intents and purposes I will be incommunicado. Instead, dear Leigh (Leigh-in-the-Office as I often call her - hmmm...I like that, it makes her sound like an exotic flower!) will be at the helm, doing what she has been doing anyway for these past couple of years: answering all your inquiries, sending out orders, and generally keeping Christopherus running smoothly. In this regard, you all will notice no change. Where you will notice a change most obviously is in the newsletter and blog. Leigh will take these over while I am having my rest. And of course there will be no new publications during this time.

This is an exciting time - not just for me, but for Christopherus! For it is an opportunity for Leigh - and possibly a few others we have up our sleeves - to find her own voice, her own leadership position within Christopherus. If only I am able to set the agenda for Christopherus then the company surely has no future - if it is to thrive and grow, others must find their roles.

And what will I be doing during this time? A major part of my time will be devoted to finding my place within the Christian Community. I feel called to work within the Church. Work with children in one way or another is one possibility. Or perhaps something completely different. We shall see. I am also looking forward to Just Relaxing a bit - taking a real break from the day to day running of a company (and of looking after teens and also a husband who has been a student). I look forward to a new relationship with my sons and to a new relationship with my husband. How exciting to build a home with him that is not centered on the needs of children!

So, for now, I bid you all good bye. I look forward to my rest and to my life changes - and I also look forward to once again, in time, picking up the reins of Christopherus and seeing what new directions have opened during my absence.

Many blessings to you all on your homeschool journey!

Donna

Comments

[Donna]

Dear All,

We are having problems with our comments box...so if you want to post a comment and cannot, please do return later to do so! Sorry about this!

[Mary]

All the BEST to you!!! The Waldorf Homeschooling Community has been so blessed with your wisdom, your curriculum and newsletters through the years.
Many Thanks and Many Blessings, Mary

[Maria-Elena]

Donna, how exciting a time this is! I wish you and your family only the best.

Much love, Malena

[Kristin]

Congratulations, Donna! You have built something strong and wonderful in Christopherus. I'm so happy to have been "introduced" to you by a dear friend. While we have only gotten to grade 2 thus far, I have found your curriculum materials to be so full of wisdom and guidance. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with the homeschooling world. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in my homeschooling journey and am so happy to hear that Christopherus will continue to be there as well. All the best! ~Kristin

[Cindie]

Wow, what an announcement! I am only on Grade 2 so far, but all of the books we have are a true joy to use. Wishing you the best. Hoping Leigh peace during this transition.

[Emily Daly Ferguson]

just before you go,I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the work you and your family have done.I and my family have benefited enormously from your gentle bridge between Steiner and Us
Thank you
Emily

[sam]

at the other end of the journey, 1st month of homeschooling my 3 young daughters, and writing from Austalia, have a great sabattical and thankyou for what must have been many very late nights and juggles with family - your resources are wonderful XXXX

[Mary Feiler]

Donna, you have been the elemental guiding spirit for our homeschool. You absolutely deserve a rest, in fact you should just work part time from now on! Really, if the only things you accomplished in your life were the things you have already done, then you are way way ahead of most of the world!

I know you have lots left to give, but do rest up fully with no guilt about doing it!

Thank you so much for, well, our school and everything it affects, which is everything.

Love,

Mary

[Liz]

Wow Donna - that's a big change but change is often good. If you are in the UK please do let me know. Forest Row is a bit of a journey (by UK standards) but would love to meet up with you for tea and cake sometime (no business). ;)

[Madrona]

Donna,

How wonderful to read your message.
Many blessings to you and your family.

You continue to inspire with your honoring of the cycles and tending to your self.

Merry meet and merry part....
And merry meet again.

Madrona

[Barbara Benson]

Blessings on your rest, blessings on your journey and blessings on your wonderful contributions to Christopherus!

Love,
Barbara

[Donna]

Thank you all so, so much! It warms my heart to read your wonderfully supportive and gentle words of encouragement and blessing. How honored I am to walk this path with all of you!

[Melanie]

Many blessings to you and your family, as your work has deeply affected my family in the most profound and beautiful ways. I hope that you find deep peace, restful days, and enjoy making many new memories. I will look forward to your return in your own time! Thank you so much for all that you have given!
Melanie

[Kim]

Peace and rest to you, Donna! I have been thinking of you lately and decided to drop by. I had my own major life restructuring two years ago now. Like all pruning, it was wrenching and painful initially but bore fruit I could have foreseen. I wish you all the same. Well, if you manage with less wrenching all the better lol. : )