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| Writing a post or leaving a comment is like sending a letter in the mail. |
This week I had a visitor who left this comment:
"Thank you for sharing what is real in your life. We all have beautiful moments and life is worth living and yet there is pain, some have more than others. Honesty is such a great trait and knowing that can open doors to so many. I have a friend being terrorized by her ex husband through the legal system...."he who has the most money...wins" is a true statement. He is wealthy and has the power. She needs to read your post. Glad I found you. I'm tired of what I call "photoshop" blogs. Nothing wrong with photoshop, BUT a perfect view of lives is NOT what I want. Your blog is real!"Before this comment I felt my posts were getting too depressing, and sooner or later I was going to drive all my readers and friends away. But this comment inspired me to continue to keep it real. With that said I don't want anyone to think my life is only one trial after another. There are joys and abundance of blessings, but I've found it easier to connect with others who know I'm not perfect and neither is my life.
In fact some of my closest blogging friends have shared, either on their blogs or personally, some of their struggles, and this information is so precious to me. It's like receiving a letter in the mail. I've been given the opportunity to read their thoughts and feelings, pray for them, think about their needs before mine, and connects us on a spiritual level. It validates them, and who doesn't want to be validated?
- reading many of your posts (current and past, NOBH links, and trying to keep up with comments)
- catching up with other responsibilities (homeschool, cleaning, job hunting, and my other blogs)
- doing research (writing, marketing, and design, including studying HTML code)
- working with my sister on a new project (more info here)
- studying a free online course to become a CNA
- discussed with my mother and her nurses an issue that needed to be addressed
One helpful bit of advice this week is how I'm getting closer to organizing my daily activities. These notebooks are gems I'm learning to utilize instead of planners.
I use the one on the left, and am finding it something I can't live without. Every night I sit down and write the date and a scripture for the next day at the top. On the left column I make a list of "to do's" for cleaning and homeschool. On the right I put a couple of work or blog related items that need to get done. I try to leave space for notes, contacts, and new information. The next morning I'm set for the day and feel more focused.{If you click on the notebooks it will take you to Amazon.com, and yes I'm an affiliate so you will be helping me make a small percentage of the sale if you purchase one of them. Thank you!}
I use another notebook for my Bible Study and prayer time. My prayer list is on the left, and I'm constantly taking notes and writing scripture references on the right.
At the end of the week I pull out the pages of both notebooks one at a time and transfer important information to pages in my Home Management Notebook. Now I have everything in one location, and it's easily accessible. One thing I don't have is a big binder taking up space on my newly cleaned off desk, table, and/or a counter.
Do you prefer to read posts that "keep it real"? Do you have a "letter" you would like me to read? Leave a comment, because I love getting mail.
By the way, I link up.
I am so a " share the good light-hearted stuff" kind of gal that I have felt the need to address the " keeping it real" issue more than once (usually in response to a comment IRL or via email to me about my blog). But, I began my blog with the expressed purpose of sharing homeschool adventures.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate all perspectives from the blog world. I have inspired time and time again by bloggers who share their faith, their struggles, and their joys. Keep blogging from your heart and I am sure it will touch the right people.
I love your adventures Laurie. They inspire me to spend more time with my son after homeschool is done for the day. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI prefer to read posts that keep it real too so that is what i try to do. I find it a little overwhelming at times to read about some of these 'perfect happy' lives and it can make you feel a little inferior...so i thank you for your honesty and thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI try to remember everyone has a "little secret". But also, I have worked for years to not let myself fall into the trap of feeling less than others. Being honest about the dishes I left in the kitchen sink last night is humbling and freeing. It's like saying to myself, "See, I'm just like everyone else, and I'm not going to put anyone on a pedestal, especially myself."
DeleteI absolutely love reading your blog, I can relate to you. There are other blogs that I read, and while they're "pretty" and "glossy", they're not real and I feel I can't actually relate to that person. I strive to have a good balance, but I find it can be hard. It's our natural inclination to want people to think the best of us, but that's not life. It's not anybody's life. Thanks for reminding me to keep it real.
ReplyDeleteMy father came from an uppity family that kept all the dirty little family secrets private. My mother on the other hand was honest to a fault and never found it difficult to lay it all out there. It was very confusing as a child, but as much as I loved my dad I didn't respect him as much. He had all kinds of secrets, and I felt sorry for him.
DeleteThank you for your comment. It can be difficult at times to say what you mean and keep it real, but it is freeing. God bless you, Tiffany!
You won't drive me away Lynda. Keeping your post real is such a great thing cause life is not always so Rosey. I probably need to do it more. I haven't been around much to comment recently but I still read your posts:) And and pray for you daily
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers, Anna-Marie. You are on my prayer list, and I think you are very good at keeping it real. You and your family are very precious and I really enjoy reading about your adventures. I live vicariously through you, my friend. =)
DeleteI do think it is good to keep in real. I go along for a time feeling up and motivated and then I have a down moments that I will blog about. I really enjoy reading your posts and I do like it real. I am impressed with your organizational tools; thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you for all you do.
I'm so disorganized at times it's scary. If something works for me, even if it is for a short time, I have to share it. I know I'm not the only one trying to "organize", and I appreciate when others share their ideas. They have helped me, so I try to give back.
DeleteYou're a such a blessing to me, and I appreciate each and every one of your comments. Congratulations on winning my giveaway! I can't wait to get started on your new design.
Keep it real!
ReplyDeleteLynda, I always find that reading your blog touches my heart and speaks to my spirit. Really, there are enough fluff blogs out there (and my posts often fall into that category!). I encourage you to keep doing as you feel called to do. There's a reason for it. Blessings!
ReplyDelete