Back

Home Education Families’ Festival | Day 228 of my 2023 Journal

Cecilie Conrad·Aug 16, 2023· 2 minutes

Each time we arrive at a large event, I turn myself backward inside and feel overwhelmed and paralyzed at the same time. It is funny, though. I am a very social person, and I have been excited about going to this big event - yet upon arrival, all I want is to hide in my van. Even when a good handful of my good friends are there, I still feel I just can not enter the situation.

This is how it is. Always is.

Yet this time, a bit more, I think. We had been talking too much about how overwhelmed we are and how tired we are, and we really are - but it never helps to focus on lack, negative aspects, exhaustion. So, I will admit I could have handled it better, been better prepared, and in a better place myself.

The HEFF festival is huge. And truly wonderful. Hundreds of families home-educating children of all ages, a few grandparents, and some young adults who were home-educated as children and teens gather yearly to spend a whole week together.

Every day, there is yoga on, discussions and panels, workshops of all sorts, sports and crafts, and dance, and you name it. Evenings of music, live bands, and DJs all from the community, and everyone dancing, laughing, and hanging out. 



I am writing this nr 228 as the whole thing is over, as I simply was too socially overwhelmed to engage in my writing while the festival was on, and now I have to catch up an entire week of my challenge. It is all right. The first day, my kids were happy and out there, and I was more silent and stayed with myself. Next year, I will make sure to arrive with more energy.

Love and light

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad

Thank you for reading
I would love to hear from you. Listen to your thoughts and reflections - or praise :) It is often emotional to share our life like this, and we get very happy when we get your feedback. So feel free to share a comment below 😋 

 

Unschooling and Parent consulting, conversations, blogposts, and podcasts on family life and learning

Hi, I'm Cecilie Conrad. I'm a trained psychologist, mother of four, radical unschooler and full-time traveller. I have lived with unschooling for over a decade and help other families find their own path – whether it is about homeschooling, unschooling, or the bigger question of how you want to live as a family.

I offer guidance, conversations and talks. I call my work grandmothering – not coaching in the traditional sense, but presence, professional insight and concrete help navigating motherhood and finding your way home to your own values.

Am I the right person to help you? You can book a free discovery call, and we'll talk and figure it out.

Listen to my podcasts

I share my knowledge and curiosity about family life and learning in my two podcasts.

Read my latest blogposts

Discover the life-changing mantra 'Anything is better than the sofa' that became central to our family's philosophy during an epic road trip. Learn h…Read more
A walk through the local market reveals the beauty of street art and its vulnerability to time and change. The experience is enriched by the discover…Read more
A thought-provoking day trip to Portal Maya in Playa del Carmen reveals the complexities of modern tourism. The experience raises questions about eco…Read more
Jetlag and emotional shifts mark our second day in Playa. As we await friends, we explore local markets and street art, challenging first impressions…Read more
In Playa del Carmen, we confront initial reactions to tourism and local flavors. The "Why are we here?" question sparks deep reflection and planning.…Read more
Navigating a 20-hour journey to Playa del Carmen, we confront various fears and challenges, from dietary restrictions to border controls. Despite the…Read more
Transitioning from van life to backpacking, our packing choices reveal hidden fears. As we embark on a seven-month journey, we face the challenge of …Read more
In our sixth year of full-time nomadic living, we've found that the real adventure lies in the people we meet. From Europe to America, friendships ar…Read more
As we transition to a life in backpacks, we're reminded of the power of minimalism. Discover how shedding the non-essentials not only lightens the lo…Read more