So over my little breakity-break from the bloggity-blog world I did a some mental cleaning. Part of the reason I stepped away (beyond stress at work) was that I knew my head wasn’t in the right place as far as the blog was concerned. I started this here blog just for the plain fun of it – just because I love decorating and love sharing my ideas and love of decor with you. But somewhere along the line my competitive nature took the wheel and I wasn’t happy anymore. I was constantly comparing myself to others and beating myself up for not being as creative, inventive, blah blah blah as others. Crazy, right?!
I only share this with you because I know if I felt this way, many of you out there have to be feeling the same thing. Let me share one of my favorite quotes with you:
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.
- from The Life and Work of Martha Graham
In a nutshell – we all have worth; We all have value; We all have something to contribute to this world that nobody else can ever contribute. That’s true whether it’s with your family, your friends, your career…or yes, even your blog. You don’t have to be “perfect” you just have to be 100% authentically you, and share the fabulousness that God blessed you with with others.
xoxo
39 Suburbanites Said:
Amen sistah!
I am with you sister I just posted the same sentiments last week. You are creative! You have worth! Be blessed my friend.
I think we all need to step away at times and reevaluate. I've sort of taken a maternity break and it's been delightful! Now I'm feeling like stepping it up again. I'd rather post the things I really want to talk about rather than posting just because I feel like I have to.
Welcome back!
I miss you but I completely understand. You are so wonderfully creative and talented - don't ever think you aren't! Your blog, pictures, and ideas are my favorites. Too bad we can't meet up at the local Starbucks and share a cup of coffee....
Hang in there and please remember just how special you are.
So true...your post!! It's about keeping it real, reflecting often, sharing what we love, having attitude checks, and remembering why we started it all in the first place!! Thanks for sharing your heart! :)
You have been very inspirational to me and I have missed your blog...welcome back friend:)
Thank you for the quote you shared. I've created a blog that I haven't shared with ANY of my friends or family and yet I keep adding posts to it which is totally crazy!!! Very few people in my life know how totally obsessed I am with home improvement but I'm going to keep that channel open....
I have struggled with the same feelings and dissatisfaction when comparing myself to other bloggers. Which I do way to much of! Thanks so much for putting the feelings out there - it helps take away the power they have over us.
You are a beacon of light and example for us all for your truth and honesty. I love this post so much.
I heard a great quote today. "You're not finished when you lose, you're finished when you quit." Good for you for taking a break then coming back with a refreshed mind. I missed you.
xo
Kate
I love real posts like this. Thanks for being REAL! I wrote a little post on how to comparing ourselves with others that might help others that read this post and feel/have felt this way. I think as bloggers, many of us have felt that way at one time or another.
http://theclassywoman.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to.html
You are absolutely right I have felt that way since Im the new lady in the land. I start to want to share my ideas, then I see one and then think If I share than that person will think I copied from them. In reality you can google an idea you might have an almost 99% you will find results somewhere. So is there ever an original thought? There arent patents on crafts...so lets all create and be happy.
Ooh, I so love that you posted this and totally get what you mean about your competitive nature stepping in to ruin the fun :-)
There's so much fabulousness out there in Blogland it can be overwhelming as well as inspiring. I'm so glad you're back!
Kristine
xxx
You are so right. I have talked about this a few times on my blog - how I have always been confident in my taste however since blogging I now doubt myself and find myself getting overwhelmed and confused. Blogging is amazing as you meet so many like minded and amazingly talented people but it also opens you up to self doubt. I'm at the stage at the moment where I feel I've lost my ability to decorate as I don't know whether I want coastal style, country style, shabby chic ........ before blogging my style was just mine!
You have great style and your home is lovely. Keep with your own style - advice I should probably take myself!
~Sam
So glad your back. I have missed your posts.
Amen. Be yourself! There are so many different kinds of blogs out there... some very professional and looking to make money from it, others purely personal used as a place to document or vent. It can be whatever you want it to be.
There are things I would love to vent about on my blog, but now that so many people I know "anonymously" read it, I feel I can't. I almost want a "therapy" blog, where I can talk and vent and get feedback from all of you who don't know me in the real world. Ha!
One thing I've found is that our blog sista's are very supportive. They'll help you work through whatever it is.
AnNicole, you are very talented, we are reading because we see that in you, and we value YOU. Thanks for writing and inspiring me. Keep it comin' girl!
Cheers...a little break brings clarity. I love your blog! Janell
That post just made my week. Thank you for sharing. As a relatively new blogger I sometimes doubt myself and wonder why I bother. But I do have fun doing it and I have a few friends who seem to enjoy reading so I guess I need to stop worrying why I don't have more readers and just enjoy talking about what I feel passionate about.
Karen@Garden, Home and Party
Beautifully said! I can definitely relate to that.
This is one of my favorite quotes, but I hadn't heard it in a few years. I'm so glad you reminded me of it. And I'm happy that you're back! :-)
Im in the same boat girl!! I havent blogged in months. I have decided to step back and enjoy my family and not get so caught up in trying to keep up. Thanks for keeping it real!
Thank you AnNicole. This post is just what I needed. I started a blog last year thinking it would be a nice addition to my decorating biz and I think my last post was in Feb. I am always over thinking it, I'm not a good writer, so I don't. But, I think I'm going to just do it. Thanks you... and all the girls posted such great things.
~Jen
The Poppy Home
oh i love your blog. i find it delightful and unique. i know you didn't post so we'd all tell you how great you are, but...you are! i've missed your posts, and i'm glad you're back!
The blogging world is something isn't. I don't think anyone knows what it was all about until they get fully immersed in it.
It can be pressure and its not suppose to be. I went thru that mental adjustment too around the end of last year. I wish my header looked better. I wish my blog was more organized, I wish my post would write themselves(ha), and have something clever to say everyday. But I had to just step back and realized I offer what I offer and I've met some wonderful people from around the globe along the way. My blogger world is small compared to so many, but that is ok. I'm not out to win a followers contest.
Thank you for your transparency. That's what its all about.
♥ Joy
Geesh! I know this is not why you posted what you did but I have to agree w the other sistahs..your blog is awesome! And even when you don't have a new post, I could spent all afternoon perusing your archives. Anyhoo, I agree 120% with the MG piece and your assessment. Kepp it real, girl. Hugs- Ann
Hi AnNicole-
As others have stated in the comments before mine - we have all gone through the feelings you wrote about. A break gives you fresh eyes and a new outlook. I love your blog, it is one of the first ones I found when I started looking at blogs. Just do what you love and find passion in so it doesn't feel like work. Just know you are not alone and if you ever need some engouragement, e-mail me. Okay
"We discover the nature of our particualar genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or other peoples models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open" - Shakti Gawain
Easier said than done, but I think we all need to just be ourselves, try to find our passion and unique voice, then go confidently in the directions of our dreams. Life is too short to live any other way.
My best- Diane
There are oodles and schmoodles of blogs out there; decorating and all things home being my favorites. But...I have you on my favorite blog roll because of your sweet spirit, and oh yes..because of your talent.
You keep it real, and there is nothing more appealing.
Keep up the good work...I'm a big fan!
What a refreshing read! It's hard to define what we're doing while being so busy doing it.
Good for you on coming to a wonderful and truthful conclusion!
Donna
Wouldn't it be boring to be perfect? Who needs it!!!
You are so right!
Wow...what perfect timing. I needed to hear this today! I'm brand new in the blog world, and have been doubting myself and comparing to some very established, polished and popular blogs. Thank you for that...I feel better about what I've been doing.
Thank you for that!! It really hit home for me today. Looking forward to hearing more from you:)
Thank you for that!! It really hit home for me today. Looking forward to hearing more from you:)
Thank you - yes there are others out there who feel the same! You are worth so much just for being who you are. Thanks for speaking out.
I'm glad ur back! I think u have the perfect edge, luv your simplicity. I'm miffed that blogging can get so "cut-throat" but I am so happy that u found ur mojo and I look forward to reading more whenever u feel like writing. P.S. I luuuuuv Summer too, I'm a summer baby, I always think thats why?
Amen! Thank you for your honesty and encouragement! Kelly
Been feeling this same way lately! Blogging has taken a back seat to all the other things that need my attention and I'm liking it this way!
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I shared that quote one day on my blog too. I just love it!!! (doesn't hurt that I dance for years and studied Martha Graham.) Anyhoo, I understand about that competitive nature taking over. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I started my blog as a creative outlet, and it's not a competition. Glad to know I'm not the only one. :-)
your post spoke to me - it couldn't be said any better! thanks for sharing for those of us who feel exactly the same way!
i can totally relate to this and i love what you shared with us. a good thing to keep in mind! susan
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