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What did I do during my break? I wish I could report that I spent my time creating. I did not. But I did do some inventorying. I took many more items to the thrift store than I purchased (with a few more car loads to go). I discovered that I own more books, frames, chairs, and lanterns than I need. I even took an inventory of my life asking myself if I was happy with how I was spending my time, talents, and energy. I questioned my purpose for decorating and for blogging.We live in a world where we are merely a click away from viewing the lives of countless strangers. This can be so very inspiring but more often than not it can make us question ourselves. Should I be putting up beadboard or board and batten? I just finished painting my cabinets black but now everyone is painting theirs gray, does that mean I'm out of style? The light, coastal look is in but I live far from any coast, what shall I do? Is my home beautiful? Am I pretty? Is my family as wonderful as those I read about? Am I creative? Do I have anything special to offer?
Why do we do this to ourselves?!? There is a wonderful quote that states, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I believe this to be so very true! But more than robbing our joy, comparison can also rob us of our uniqueness. We are each placed here on earth for a purpose. Just as our outward appearance is individual and without equal, so is what we have to contribute to the world. Why do we spend so much of our energy and time trying to be like the crowd when what makes us amazing is our individuality. Think about it. Every year there is a new fashion or style unleashed to the masses simply because the masses have become just that, a mass.
I have answered my question about my purpose for blogging. I do it because I enjoy it. Blogging inspires me to use and improve my talents to bless myself and my family. Hopefully somewhere along my path I inspire others as well. Please forgive me for getting on a soapbox about the hazards of comparison. You have likely already figured this out, but I needed the reminder. That is my purpose for posting this message today. I need to remind myself that I am unique. I need to make it my business to explore that uniqueness. I hope that you'll join me in my journey. I implore you, dear readers, to take a little break of your own. Find out what makes your situation, your home, your family, and who you are as a person so remarkable.
Embrace your distinctiveness and even your peculiarities! Remember that you truly are extraordinary----even if you think you are not. You do have something to offer this world that no one else can. That is why you are here.
Now, Go and Be Exceptional!
60 comments:
You are right!
Love those stacked vintage suitcases.
-Danielle
There does seem to be a lot of copy catting on blogs! And keeping up with the Jones' as well. I am glad that you wrote that post. And I am SO glad you are back. Your unique style, and individualism is very refreshing! Lori L
Thank you friends! I am so happy to be back.
Just what I needed today. Please keep it coming!
wow. if ever i needed to hear this, today was the day! i blog sporadically these days and with reason...reading blogs, i've come to discover, has made me feel inferior somehow. i'm constantly second guessing myself... and my choices. it's time i start decorating for ME and not what i think someone else will love. thanks for the reminder!!
Thank you. It's nice to have you back.
I don't think I've ever commented before but I've enjoyed learning from you for a while.
So a great big THANK YOU from me to you.
I find myself quite serious and going over things in my mind today as I have a new situation unfolding in my life. Your words were good to hear.
I've been wondering where you were! So glad to see you're back! It's good to pause & take inventory in all areas of our life.
Have a wonderful week!
Smiles,
Carol
Glad you're back! I've missed your blog.
You just wrote my story..... I haven't blogged since May. I had to devote my energy to the people that matter the MOST: the ones who live in this house with me! I've finally gotten where I'm feeling creative again and have completed some projects. Still don't know if I will blog them or not... Thanks for this post.
I so needed to hear that today. Thanks!
Donna
I think you summed up probably how pretty much every blogger has felt every now and again. Great post! Thanks! Welcome back! You are back, aren't you? :)
So so true! Thank you for the post, I shared it on my blog so others can come read it on your blog. Very refreshing. I love your blog and am glad you are back with more inspirational posts! Thanks, good reminder to start the week off.
Very great insight. It's easy to be distracted with so many projects and demands. Looking forward to more words of wisdom.
Oh sweet sister, thank you. Bloggie Breaks are good sometimes, but good to see you back.
Loved this! Thank you for the perspective! I have missed you, but am so glad you took the time out that you needed! You are so right about blogging and comparing! Thank you for reminding us what is really important!
Welcome back Joy! I was SO tickled to see your new post after your long absence! You've shared some great thought-provoking ideas today that I'll have to dwell on. While you were gone our missionary returned home, and our first grandbaby arrived. LIFE IS GOOD!
I am so glad to see you BACK!!, and completely in your Amen corner on how you expressed your feelings.. I have had "struggles" keeping up with blogging, the latest trends, etc.. and I finally said to myself.. who cares?? I blog for the joy of it and if someone else is blessed by it too that's wonderful, but I do it for me. God made each and everyone of us unique, including our decorating!! Celebrate your uniqueness!! It is in that, that you do inspire so many others to step out of the box!!
What a BLESSING you are!!
~Kelly Maria
Amen sister! I couldn't have said it better. It's a great reminder of what can be the worst thing to come from blogging. I have to constantly remind myself to not "compare". Thank you for this post. Welcome back!!
Welcome back. This post couldn't have come at a better time. It can feel like your trying to keep up with the Jones. I am definitely guilty of putting up Board and Batten after seeing it on It's the little things that make a house a home. I do far too much copy catting, but at this point it is still because I like it. I have even felt guilt because I wanted to blog more often, but was too busy. Thank you for the reminder of whats really important.
-Janet
Hi Joy! How lovely to "see" you! : ) I have recently decided that I'm not taking on any project that I wouldn't have taken on if I wasn't blogging. In other words, I'm not painting a whatever just because it's being done. If I have a project already in the works for around my house, then fine. Such as my front door. I need to paint that. I'm also cutting back on the purchases. I am finding that I get all these great deals or finds, but I have nowhere to put them!
For sometime I had been a follower of your blog, but never commented on it. Anyway, I was wondering if you were O.K. after such a long absence.
Your blog posts are something I look forward in my dashboard since there is always something you offer to inspire me. But this time you sure out did it.
Thank you for your words, I needed that today.
Many Blessings
oh so GLAD you are back!!
Loved what you said...and while I'm not a blogger, I get just as caught up in watching the " others"
instead of tending to what I want and need to be doing!
Thank you! Thank You! This is exactly what I needed to be reminded about today.
I needed this today -- thank you! I sure enjoy your blog and find it inspiring and full of great ideas! Thanks for the quote, I need to take a step back and evaluate what I spend my time doing and why!
So glad you're back, I had just started following you when u left!!
Carol in GA
You have been missed
I enjoyed reading this so much. You are absolutly right on all accounts. Blogging can make you question alot of things about yourself and your talents. You were so smart to post your thoughts! How unique!! :0)
Beth
So very true! A dear blogging friend's blog (Pat at Back Porch Musings)had a little "blogging without obligation" button that has helped me to keep my blogging and real life in balance. I do it for fun, for inspiration,for me, and I try not to compare. Blogs are a lot like real life, there are always the 'in' crowds or the 'in' decor. I'm quite happy not being either.
So glad you are back!
That is amazing! Thank you so much. Sometimes I go and look at blogs and then I feel really bad that I don't have the money that others do to make my little apartment look like their huge house. I need to be happy with what I have been blessed with.
Great post and I'm glad you are back.
I've been wondering where you have been. It's always good to take time to reflect on our lives. I couldn't have said it better myself - you really hit the nail on the head because I've been feeling the same way (i.e., am I good enough, etc., etc., etc.)!!!! Thanks for the great post!!!! (Oh, and welcome back!!!) :-)
I missed you!!! (I'm also a bad commenter, but I read each and every post)
I missed you!!! (I'm also a bad commenter, but I read each and every post)
I read many blogs during the week that seem to copy others, toot their own horn so to speak to get into a magazine or mentioned on a particular blog...it really gets old after a while. BORING.
Thank you for your post. I came across your this evening while reading another blog I visit. Welcome back.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sharon
I hear ya sista! Thanks for being so REAL! I TOO can feel this way sometimes. AHHHH! Just another little way our little friend likes to make us feel horrible about ourselves. Why does he always have to ruin our fun! We are totally FABULOUS, just the way we are! Thanks for reminding me to "BE" who I am and do what "I" do. Hope your back, if not, enjoy your time away! You are missed:)
Jennie @ CInnaberry Suite
"Comparison is the theif of joy' - what an amazing quote and oh, so true! Thank you so much for your post today - it made that self doubt I have been feeling disappear. And all those unanswered questions I ask myself daily about 'why' I bother blogging, why I do what I do - they have now been answered thanks to you. Welcome back! What a wonderfully refreshing start for your return - thanks
Thank you for the inspiration of the day and more ... very good! I've missed you.
Man, this was wonderful.
I read you.
And I have missed you.
So glad you are back and in focus.
I love everything you said.
.mac :)
Thanks for sharing, you were missed and I look forward to seeing more of your uniqueness!
A very inspiring post- and the pictures compliment in perfectly.
Glad you are back!
Well written . . . great message. Glad to see you're back.
Glad you are back. I enjoy reading what others are doing, whether it is bringing up kids, homeschooling or decorating. Sometimes I envy them but mostly I just appreciate where I am in life and smile. As we get older much of the "stuff" does not mean as much as it once did.
Welcome back Joy! Great words.
I was reading our Country Register (in Iowa) and found a little paragraph called "Girlfriend Wisdom, Joy is My Compass" by Jody Houghton. I haven't been able to find it online, but it's about finding a "joyful opportunity". She closes with "May you keep your eyes on your joy-filled destination." That is what you are doing....and it is unique to you, but you are sharing it with us...Yeah for us!
Hugs from Iowa,
Michelle
Thank you for the words of encouragement :) and so glad to see your still here!
Oh, I've missed you! Thanks for your beautiful words...
I was so excited to see a new post on your blog today! It is the first one I check everyday. You have truly inspired me in life and in decorating. My youngest child just started school in august and so I am home alone during the day, which should mean I have lots of time be be creative. But most of the time I feel lost without my kids. I love to look at other blogs, but many times I think "how in the world do they have the time to do all this?" And I get discouraged. We have just moved into a new home and I want to have the courage to do what feels right to me and what I like. That way I can truly make our house, OUR home.
Thanks Joy!
So happy you are back....I was starting to worry that something horrible had happened!
I am glad that you are back. Your blog has and does inspire me.
Well said.
Oh I'm SOOO glad you are back!! I thought you'd forgotten us!! Welcome Back!!
I love your blog because it is so refreshing. I have missed reading your posts and want to thank you for your words of inspiration. I had a chat with a dear friend today that was similar to the things you so beautifully expressed. I hope you keep blogging...because your ideas and insight are joyous. God bless
WELCOME BACK! I absolutely understand how you feel and I think we ALL go through the same thought process. BUT if we stay true to ourselves and our style (much like fashion) it will be enough and it will be good!
I totally agree. I've given my personal blog a break for about two months because I just needed to have my own time and focus on what I think is important (i.e. kids, husband)
I never comment on your blog... I check it I just dont usually comment, but I can honestly say I was getting worried about you. I'm glad you're back and that things are well with you.
you inspire me!!!!!!your blogging made me take a look at my own life .I have been doing alot that of lately ,since I am in my 50's I want to make the most of my life here on earth!!! and what god wants me to do!!!!Thank you writing what you did.
Anita
I am a new visitor I think... ;) I agree with you whole heartedly on this one!! When I catch myself starting to compare... I try to remember what my life is about... and to keep my eyes on what He has for my life and my family... the other things are just 'pretty' things in life... not the true heart of life! ;)
Thank you I needed that!
well said!
Judy
Just wanted you to know I found this post very inspiring. I was inspired not to worry about being a perfect blogger, housekeeper, decorater, etc. Sometimes reading all those beautiful blogs can be terribly depressing for even the best of us. Thanks for helping me to realize what's most important in my life and not questioning what is already just fine.
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