Often, I peruse through the blogs of family, friends and 'blog celebrities' come away feeling completely discouraged and at how much my blog/parenting/homemaking skills/craftiness/overall life PALES in comparison to theirs. I mean, really, how does "Nie Nie" have more time to blog than I do?! She has one more child than I AND she's trying to grow new skin! I'll I'm growing is a bigger waistline (withOUT a fetus inside!) and a few gray hairs. Ashley from "Make It and Love It" has a new baby and STILL manages to make her house FAR cuter than I could ever dream, for crying out loud. And I'm still trying to hang curtains and paint my reading room. Hmph.
But 'celebrities' aside, even all my "normal" friends are so much more creative, artistic and productive than I! I mean, Jana, who moved months after we did, has done so much painting, decoupaging, and wreath/clock/shelf making I get tired just reading about it! Melissa, who has 3 children the same ages as mine AND works from home is always hosting parties and creating new crafts and tutorials! Amy, whose husband is also a resident and who has FIVE young boys, (one of whom demands extra care) is off ice fishing, boat-making, and sewing matching bow ties.....I could go on all night.
Clearly, I know how to pick my friends - they are AWESOME! Still, I must admit that lately, I either avoid reading other peoples' blogs, or I exhaust myself wondering why it is that I fail so miserably as a homemaker; why my windows are always covered with smudgy fingerprints, my list of 'to-do' projects is longer than my arm, and why my home will never even look like a Walmart ad, nevermind Potter Barn.
And then I remember. I am not the friend everyone envies (or fails miserably to live up to). I'm not the one with the perfect figure, the angel children, or the immaculate and beautiful home. I'm the friend who gives her friends a confidence boost; when you learn all about my work-in-progress home and life, you'll feel pretty darn good about yourself. And you know what? If my boring and unkempt little life/blog serves at least that purpose, I'm OK with that.
*ETA: In no way do I mean any of the lovely ladies mentioned in this post any harm or disrespect, or to suggest that they are flaunting their accomplishments. They are wonderful ladies, simply doing their best (which just happens to be leaps and bounds better than my personal best...) These are merely my introspections at coming to grips with never measuring up - and recognizing my own Divine nature and individual worth...
6 comments:
I just have to say I read your blog often. I can often find something to give me a spiritual lift when I am down. I love the things you do with your kids and you can tell they are your world. Your life is devoted to your kids. My cousin told me something that I will never forget. She remembers the times her mom had a clean house but the times she cherishes are the times that her mom took to play with her. Its the small moments of dress up games that our kids will remember the rest of there life. Not the clean house or the freshly painted walls.
I have been having VERY similar feelings lately! How in the world does Brittany manage to teach middle school once a week, run 3-4 miles daily, maintain an immaculate home, coupon to the max, and run a thriving etsy shop, all while being a fulltime mommy? And that's only one example! I can barely keep food on the table every day and make sure we're all wearing clean underwear :-) When I figure out why some people can do so much more, I'll let you know! But I do feel like when we really look at it, those extras don't matter. They are just that, extras. (And they're amazing and wonderful and marvelous, for sure, but they're not essentials). You are teaching your children the gospel, and that's what is so amazing about you! (Not saying these other women aren't teaching their children the gospel, just that that's what is important). I have always admired your mothering ways and how your children know and love the gospel as soon as they can really know anything at all. You are an example to me all the time. And that's why I read your blog! Because I love your love for your family and especially the things you share about your sweet children and how you're learning new lessons from them every day. Thank you for sharing those things so often and I hope you keep sharing those "less exciting" things because they are an inspiration to me. Love you!
Sarah! I just love you. I have so enjoyed reading your blog. And I missed you on your "Week off". :0) Thanks for your kind words. I mostly do my blog for my families because they are over a day's drive away...I'm not trying to portray a brag blog, it's just easier to let my mom and in-laws know what we are up to. :0) I seriously would go crazy if I didn't have a creative outlet of some sort (and my kids still nap.) haha Love ya!
Sarah, I feel that same way when I read your blog. We just have to be happy with who we are and what we can do. I am mostly saying this for myself. Love you and miss you!
Ya know, I think it is totally easy to compare others lives to our own. I know I fall into that trap. And quite frankly, I have done it many times with YOU!! haha! I so admire all you DO! I SO admire WHO you are and how, despite all you have going on in your personal and family life, you are there at a moments notice to offer support, love and encouragement. I, obviously, have been a HUGE recipient of so much of your love, support and encouragement and I will never adaquetly be able to say thanks enough or return the favor enough! And I know that I am not the only one who has been blessed by the wonderful YOU! And those that have been blessed the most by you are your wonderful and adorable children. Through them and also the things you share about them and your family on your blog and in everyday life, all the many wonderful qualities you have shine through! So thank you for being who you are and doing so much for me and my family. Thank you for loving your children and husband unconditionally and being such a fabulous example to me and so many others. Although you may not feel that your life is as glamorous as others you read about, it is truly glamorous to the One whom it matters most to. He sees the hours of loving service and support you give to your family and so many others.
Thank you SO much for blessing my life. I enjoy reading your blog because it really does help me to be a better mom, wife and person. It helps keep me in check of what is important and what kind of mom I want to be - like you! You are fabulous!! Love you!!
Sarah, I wish that you could see my house right now--it would make any housekeeper feel good in comparison! And just know that anytime I post something fun, the house is most likely a disaster and/or I've been up too late. I'm realizing that I can't have it all, but that's okay.
I wish that we lived next door to each other so that we could collaborate and help one another. Supporting our husbands and little ones is more than enough work for one woman!
I agree with others who have mentioned the uplift that your blog (and life) provide. I also look up to you for your amazing meal planning and the way that you notice the special qualities of each of your children.
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