Living Montessori Now

Montessori Inspiration for Parents and Teachers

Finding and Keeping Focus

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In the blogosphere, information overload is a part of everyday life. There’s so much going on that I find it essential to know and keep focus on what my blogging is all about.

I felt called to blog, and my real reward is knowing I’m helping families and teachers through encouragement, information, and ideas. I’d love to be able to make a living from home through my affiliate sales and from my books when they’re published. But blogging really is a reward in itself.

Blogging Inspiration and Gratitude

I’m extremely grateful for all the wonderful online friends I’ve made, helpful information I’ve discovered, and parents and teachers I’ve been able to help and encourage. My blogging experience has been made even better by an online friend and homeschooler who always works to keep the blogging focus where it really belongs – at least for me. That person is Michelle from Some Girl’s Website.

Here are just a few ways Michelle has helped me:

  • She’s VERY sweet and encouraging.
  • She has a continued focus on her concept of fraddling, which I love. From Michelle’s blog: “Fraddle def. – The act or an instance of doing something for or with someone because you love them. Fraddling – Showing love to someone by doing something they like for or with them.”
  • She gave me my first blogging award (Outstanding Blogger Award).
  • She invited me to be her first guest on the awesome monthly Blog Talk Radio show Will Blog for Kids.
  • She sent inspirational tweets from the Relevant (“Real. Intentional. Blogging.”) Conference, condensing the messages given there and allowing me to benefit from home.
  • She has inspirational posts regularly and has a great Thought-Provoking Thursdays link-up.
  • She’s truly focused on making a difference.

Fraddling through My Blogs

I hope to always follow the spirit of fraddling, encouraging others through both my blogs. On this blog, I encourage mainly in the areas of Montessori education, homeschooling, and parenting.

My other blog (Raising Figure Skaters) is designed for families of athletes and everyone else. Having raised competitive skaters, I know how difficult it is for families of athletes to keep priorities in place while surrounded by an emphasis on winning and success. Of course, that can happen in any area of life.

I especially felt called to use Raising Figure Skaters to focus on character (and motivation/dedication to build character), gratitude, and making a difference. I create weekly word-art freebies based on inspirational and motivational quotes and write related posts on inspirational and motivational topics as well as on making a difference. I have a page on that blog devoted mainly to links about making a difference.

Life as an Occasion

I created a word-art freebie and wrote a post at Raising Figure Skaters about what I hope life can feel like for each of us. It’s called “Your Life is an Occasion.”

Michelle has helped me stay focused on rising to the occasion of my life and, hopefully, on making a positive difference in your life as well. Michelle, I can’t thank you enough!

Bloggers are linking up at Homeschool Village today. We’re each writing about a blogger who has made a difference in our life. Follow this link to read about other homeschool bloggers’ inspirations.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen says

    I’m going to be a grandma in May and I think your site offers a lot of new (to me anyway) ideas about parenting in this culture. I will pass it on to my daughter, too. Thanks for commenting on my blog. blessings on your day!

  2. Elizabeth says

    What a great post! I’m becoming more familiar with the Montessori Method, and as a former public school teacher, I have to say that I love it! So inspirational! Love this site!

  5. Michelle says

    What a great post! I love Some Girl’s Website and love the concept of ‘Fraddling’. Looking forward to checking out your other blog too!

  6. SomeGirl says

    OMGosh!!! I’m blown away by your kindness, Deb!!! You have been SUCH an encourager to me in SO many ways!!! Thank you!!! I really do appreciate you!!! With MUCH love, Michelle

    (((((HUGS))))))

  7. Kerri says

    Love this post as well and will be going to Michelle’s blog too! So true about overload! Thanks! Kerri

    • Deb Chitwood says

      Thanks so much, Lisa! I like that the quote is so light and yet has such depth – and it works with any religion. I really think it’s a nice way to approach life.

  9. melanie says

    Wow, this is such a fabulous post, Deb! I love “fraddling”! I’m going to go check out Michelle’s blog, and your other blog as well. 🙂

    • Deb Chitwood says

      Thanks for your kind words, Melanie! “Fraddling” is an awesome concept, isn’t it?! Be sure to check out Michelle’s blog – and I’d love it if you check out my other blog, too!