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letemgobarefoot

I write about unschooling, living a self-directed life & parenting peacefully.✌🏻#Changingthescript on unhealthy dynamics. Inner work required.🧎🏻‍♀️

What? Did another birthday slide into existence ye

What? Did another birthday slide into existence yesterday? 49. Forty-freaking-nine! How? Seriously. This time thing is sorcery. I imagine we all feel dumbfounded and humbled by the passing of the days, years, then decades.

As I look back over the time I have walked this earth I am abundantly grateful for so many things...people, pets, opportunities, experiences, perfectly fitting pants, lip balm, coffee, and laughter. So much laughter.

Here, on this page, I talk about heavy, deep, and sometimes hard stuff. The “serious Missy” is present more than the goofy one. But behind each post or picture is a woman who makes bad jokes, shares ridiculous memes and gifs and has woken herself up from laughing in her sleep. (Did I just start talking about myself in the third person?😅). Anyway, point is, laughter truly is the best medicine.

My birthday wish for all you parents and educators out there is to keep laughter in the forefront—make it the rule, not the exception. Life is tough. It’s hard and frustrating and unpredictable. But laughter is the universal language that connects us in amazing ways we are still uncovering. Don’t take yourself too seriously all the time.

Thank you for being here and walking hand in hand with me on this journey to #changethescript and to raise resilient, emotionally whole children. And if you have some funny things to share, hit me up. 😂 (also..don’t care if that emoji ages me).

Peace, love, light, and an abundance of silliness. 🥳

There is no right or wrong way in our creative pur

There is no right or wrong way in our creative pursuits, only what feels right to the creator.

In November of 2018 we stood in line at our local Apple store and bought an iPad for the first time. I’m not one to jump on the latest gadgets, but my son had been researching and watching videos about the newest drop and convinced us it was time to invest. Within several months of us all passing it around and playing with the features, my daughter learned about an app called Procreate. It was a $10 app so I knew it must have some serious features and potential. We downloaded it and she took off on a deep, immersive, intentional learning journey.

Over the years, she has dabbled with a variety of character creations and experimented with her style. This is a recent creation she gave me permission to share. Her process is as unique to her as my writing process is unique to me. We find what works for us, and we act. Sometimes we love what we create and sometimes we don’t. Personally, I love all her creations. Not just because I’m her mother, but because I can see the dedication, the inspiration, the trial and error, and because it is so amazing to me to see a tangible representation of an idea. I am in awe of this beautiful drawing. 🤩🎨. #selfdirected #selftaught #teenartist #procreate

Just decided...right this minute...to create a ser

Just decided...right this minute...to create a series where I share the parents’ creative pursuits!

If you want to play, tag me in any of your posts where you share what you have created or what you are creating. Our children need to see our joyful pursuits, too! When we are “in our element” the vibe is infectious and the energy is welcoming and inspiring.

Find your vibe and share! It can be anything from song writing to coding, gardening to mechanics.

Can’t wait to see what you are creating!💫

When momma plays. (Mixed media: acrylic flower on

When momma plays.
(Mixed media: acrylic flower on canvas with newsprint collage)

Do you do things that you love and that bring you joy?

What if time was not an issue? What creative endeavor would you devote your time to? Don’t tell me you’re “not creative”. That’s a lie you believed some time ago. Humans are born creators.💯

Whatever it is you do, or would love to do, I hope you find the time to honor the creative process and find your flow—-where time stands still and there’s an ease that brings you an abundance of joy.
#maketimeforart #create #borntocreate #selfdirected

Our children will love a lot of things in their fo

Our children will love a lot of things in their formative years. Some interests will fade, others will strengthen. It is not up to us which way this unfolds, but we can help facilitate their “loves” by being present, bearing witness, and helping them access them as much as possible. 🧡#trust #interests

I used to get wound pretty tight. When plans didn’t turn out as expected or when people weren’t doing the things I thought they “should” be going, I would find myself getting so angry and frustrated. Even though I’ve always been a playful person, I could be equally a hardass (on myself as well as others).

Over the years, the intense parts of me have been softened by mindful awareness. I own my feelings..I don’t let them own me.

I have found that saying small words or phrases to myself to be super powerful in shifting my mindset.

Do you do this? Do you find it helpful?

Here’s to small words offering big impacts.

Hope have a wonderful, fully present, aware day! #awareness

Grateful to be a witness (and caring guide) to thi

Grateful to be a witness (and caring guide) to this wonderful human’s search for truths and taking responsibility for his goals.

We are only a few months away from wrapping up what has been dubbed the K-12 years. And while it is significant in the way transitions typically are, it is more of a reminder that learning isn’t rigid, about checking boxes, nor does it magically stop after graduation.

Our family set out on this path (foregoing traditional schooling) because we wanted to live lives outside of arbitrary timelines and deadlines. We wanted immersive learning-the kind that resembles deep flow states where time doesn’t exist. We wanted to respect the body’s need for rest, sleep, movement, and nature and we sought to engage with material, interests, others, and the world all the time, not just during “school hours”.

If you are new to #unschooling or #selfdirectededucation know that it is a beautiful, expansive, viable option. It might not be for everyone and that’s perfectly understandable.

I think what we can all agree on though, is that children who stay connected to their curiosity, find their strengths, are supported in their interests, and are surrounded by people who want the best for them will be educated in ways no curriculum can touch. And that is a goal worth setting. ✨💫 #goals #teens

Happy Valentine’s Day, world! As you offer love

Happy Valentine’s Day, world! As you offer love to others, don’t forget to offer love to yourself.

We are all growing and evolving, regardless of our age, circumstances, or upbringing.

Stagnation = death, life = growth.

I personally love growing with people who want to impact this world by raising children who are emotionally healthy, aware, and joyful.

Sending all the (gooey, chocolate) hearts your way. 😘❤️

Families who play together, stay together! I argu

Families who play together, stay together!

I argue that Play is a NEED--because it is a vitally important part of children's development which leads to pro-social behaviors and builds foundational skills that last a lifetime.

Adults need play and playfulness too.

Did you know that the opposite of play isn't work, but depression?

What are some ways your kids play and how do you encourage/support play in your home? #playfulparenting #play

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