Story & Lesson Highlights with Heather Khodadadi of Metro Atlanta

Heather Khodadadi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Heather, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is one of the most important characteristics to me. I feel like your word is the only true thing you have that can’t be taken away. I try to instill into my children to be honest. It takes courage to admit when you are wrong, and I make sure to acknowledge their bravery when they do. While having integrity is important within personal relationships, it is crucial when building business rapport. I’m an honest, transparent person when it comes to my business, and I make sure that my audience and customers knows that. I want to be proud of anything that my name is attached to because it is a reflection of me, and I want my name to mean something.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom to four wonderful children and have been homeschooling for eight years. I started sharing my homeschool journey as The Lifeschooler in 2020. What started as a way to help public school parents navigate “Covid Homeschooling” turned into a passion of sharing with parents how a home education can look. I’m an advocate for homeschooling and love the beautiful lifestyle that comes with it. The Lifeschooler has evolved since it’s inception. I have enjoyed every season of The Lifeschooler and am thoroughly excited about the next adventure- Just Write Books.
The mission of Just Write Books is to have engaging writing material that is tailored to each child’s needs. These books will range from beginning writers that need primary one-inch lines to writers who are well established and can write well on wide-ruled lines. Currently, I have five Just Write Books published which are colorful, woodland themed journals created to engage young writers. I’m excited about these books and being able to give something that even reluctant writers will enjoy. I already have the next series of books planned to launch soon.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people can be broken but usually it takes multiple offenses. While there are a lot of things can hinder relationships, I think that lack of empathy tends to be the biggest culprit. Some people can be so wrapped up in their own needs and life that they forget to look at problems that arise from other points of view. No matter what has broken a relationship, the only thing that can mend a relationship is a true apology. Not an “I’m sorry” apology. A heartfelt apology that actually acknowledges the other person and whatever it was that caused the relationship to falter. That along with really listening to the other person and having an open conversation can heal almost any broken relationship.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self it would be that it is okay to be yourself. Its okay to be loud and quirky. Its okay to not follow the latest trend. Stay true to yourself and you will find others that are like you.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I try my hardest to be as real as possible when in the public eye. However, I always fret afterwards that maybe I was “too much” or “not enough”. I’m worried that I’m too loud, too quiet, too weird, too normal, too hard on my kids, not hard enough… There is so much judgement nowadays especially on social media that it can be difficult to just be yourself.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel like teaching and motherhood are both callings. I am fortunate that I am able to do both.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.lifeschooler/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-khodadadi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelifeschooler
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Heather-Khodadadi/author/B0FKTMJXXC