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How to Get Your Spark Back as a Homeschool Mom: Insights from Rachel Marie Martin

Feeling burnt out as a Charlotte Mason homeschool mom? Balancing the roles of educator, caregiver, and homemaker can leave us feeling depleted, causing us to lose that inner spark that once made us feel fully alive. The great news? That spark isn’t gone—it’s simply hidden beneath the layers of daily homeschool demands.

On a recent episode of The Feast Life podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Marie Martin, author of Get Your Spark Back: How to Find Happiness and Reignite Your Life. Her journey to rediscover her joy resonated deeply, especially for those of us committed to a Charlotte Mason approach. If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself amidst the homeschool grind, this post is for you.

Rediscovering Joy and Purpose as a Charlotte Mason Homeschool Mom

Rachel shared how she reached a point where she didn’t recognize herself. As a mom of eleven children, she devoted herself entirely to her family. But after navigating a major life transition, she realized she felt “fine” on the outside but disconnected from her inner self.

This feeling may resonate with Charlotte Mason homeschool moms who balance lesson plans, nature walks, narration, and countless daily tasks. Rachel’s story reminds us that while our spark may feel buried, it’s never truly lost. We just need to take intentional steps to uncover it.

5 Simple Ways to Reignite Your Spark as a Homeschool Mom

Here are five powerful insights Rachel shared to help Charlotte Mason homeschool moms find joy and purpose again:

1. Take the First Step – However Small
   Rachel’s journey began with the simple acknowledgment that her spark felt missing. This small, courageous first step is transformative. She then committed to one tiny goal: putting on her running shoes every day. For Charlotte Mason homeschool moms, that first step might be setting aside five minutes for quiet reading or rediscovering a personal hobby.
2. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt
   Many homeschool moms, especially those using the Charlotte Mason method, feel pressured to devote all their time to their children’s development. Yet when we care for ourselves, we model the importance of self-care. Rachel emphasizes that “me-time” is essential—even just a few moments to walk, journal, or reflect. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a foundation for a thriving homeschool.
3. Embrace Consistency Over Perfection
   Homeschooling, especially the Charlotte Mason way, often comes with high standards. But as Rachel reminds us, it’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up consistently. These regular, small efforts—whether for a nature walk or quiet reflection—make a meaningful impact over time.
4. Use Positive Language and Self-Affirmation
   Self-talk shapes our homeschool journey. Rachel encourages us to embrace positive language. If you’re educating your children with Charlotte Mason principles, you are a teacher; if you go for even a short nature walk, you’re nurturing yourself. Embrace these roles fully to transform your mindset.
5. Find Your Support Network
   Homeschooling can feel isolating, but connecting with like-minded Charlotte Mason moms brings support and understanding. Rachel’s advice? Find your tribe, whether through a local Charlotte Mason group or virtual community. Surrounding yourself with those who understand your approach provides encouragement in tough times.

Why Reigniting Your Spark Matters in a Charlotte Mason Homeschool

Rediscovering your spark doesn’t just impact you—it transforms your homeschool. When Charlotte Mason homeschool moms live with joy, curiosity, and purpose, we pass that vibrant energy to our children. They see a mom who values herself, approaches life with wonder, and embraces the joy of learning. That’s a beautiful legacy to pass down.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, remember: start small. Reconnect with your interests, take a nature walk, or spend a few minutes reading a favorite book. Your spark is still there, waiting to be uncovered.

About our Guest:

Rachel believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, thrive and find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net and author of both Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures. Her articles have been translated into over 25 languages, her site reaches millions of visitors per month and she has a robust, engaged Facebook community. 

Her content has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Today Show, Star Tribune, Tiny Buddha, iVillage, Stuff New Zealand,  John Tesh, PopSugar, Motherly, Parents, What to Expect, Independent Journal Review, Dr. Greene, Power of Positivity, Her View From Home, CafeMom, and many more. She speaks worldwide encouraging moms and entrepreneurs to live each day with purpose and drive. Beyond that, she’s a mom to seven, and calls Nashville, Tennessee, her home. 

Connect with Rachel:

• Website: http://findingjoy.net 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FindingJoyBlog 
• Book: ‘Get Your Spark Back’ available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and independent bookstores.

Discover More Insights on The Feast Life Podcast

If this resonates, I highly recommend reading Get Your Spark Back: How to Find Happiness and Reignite Your Life by Rachel Marie Martin. It’s available on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

Don’t miss our full conversation on The Feast Life podcast, where Rachel shares more tips to help Charlotte Mason homeschool moms reconnect with their joy and find their spark—one small step at a time.

What small step will you take today to reclaim your spark? Share in the comments below—we’d love to cheer you on!