When Less Is More

For the last two years while owning Soar, my own home has acted as our warehouse. We still have bathtubs, crowns, and maracas in our garage from last June’s recital. We are storing round tables that were used at the music recital. And now, in my bedroom is December’s music recital’s center pieces. Yes, I was one of those crazy people buying Christmas décor in August at Hobby Lobby. It’s the perfect time to get all the stock I need at 40% off!

 However, my home is FULL! We’ve started the cleaning out process. I have to ask myself “When was the last time it was used?” and “Am I sure I will use it again?” The piles are being sorted into throw away, sell, give away, and keep. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has been through this.

 As I’m going through this, I’ve started thinking about our Soar families. Can I give some loving advice? Some of you have your schedules as full as my house! You’re rushing like crazy trying to fulfill your “to do” lists. Please don’t let lessons at Soar become a hardship for you. We have lots to offer, but you don’t need to be in every part of it (unless it fits for your family.)

 When choosing what to be a part of at Soar, ask yourself some questions:

1. What is mine or my child’s passion? It is perfectly fine if this passion changes through time.

2. Does this class fit in our time schedule and are we financially able to do it? This is essential in staying happy with us and us not being a burden. Every year, a few people drop when the costume fees or music recital fee come due. This is why we give you your entire bill up front, so you know what you are getting into.

 There are also some things that need to come before Soar. These things even come before Soar in my own life:

1. God. I say often that we are not here to take the role of your time with God and going to church.

2. Your family. Families are so often going in a million different directions. Make sure you have time for family time.

3. Your child’s education. You need to consider how your child is going to get homework done if they are at Soar for multiple hours on multiple evenings per week.

 If those things are in line for your family, then we can serve as an extra blessing. Sometimes, simplicity is best. It ends up helping us because now your child has had time to practice their instrument during the week. They have had time to review their dances or practice their art work.

 Now, let me put a disclaimer in – We do have some families that can manage multiple enrollments several times per week easily. The children are relaxed, prepared, and happy. (I’m not sure how y’all do it. Lol)

 This post is not to discourage you from participating at Soar. It is to help you balance things, so that we serve as a blessing to you. Hopefully, when we can choose the important things to keep (in our homes and in our schedules), then we can be more effective in what we are doing!