In addition to motherhood, housework, and all things encompassing “holy cr@p, we are moving across the country in a few weeks”, I’ve had a lot on my mind. Guess I wouldn’t be a human being if all of that wasn’t affecting me in one way or another. In an effort to keep it real in here, I thought I would share a few (of the many) things weighing heavy on me. promise this won’t be getting too personal – It’s pretty much blog-related schtuff. So don’t click away. Just yet. Haha! But seriously, I do think this is a great conversation to have with all of you.

Confession: Lately I’ve noticed i’m either comparing myself to other bloggers and their amazing, perfect projects OR simply trying to keep up with the same rigorous post schedule they seem to (so easily) stay on top of.

This is a bad bad thing and a mindset I won’t tolerate for myself anymore. I want to enjoy writing and sharing in here without that unnecessary pressure.

My guess is these feelings are coming from the fact our kids are home for the summer and our big move is on the horizon. Because of those 2 big changes, I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up with the posting schedule I had become accustomed to. I have the longest list of fun topics to share, but getting to them? And getting them photographed? And editing the photos? And then writing something witty and fun? all while enjoying our kiddos and getting the new house ready for move-in and getting us packed up and moved….Uummm, when is this blog thing going to happen?!

Those feelings come from “comparing myself” to others. And that’s not healthy!

when I get all wound up like that, I remind myself “self, you are not obligated to anyone or any sponsors. This is a fun outlet from mommyhood. Post when it works for you and don’t put on the pressure!”.

I suppose another thing I don’t want to put out there is that same feeling onto others. I don’t want readers to see an organization project I’ve shared and think they are “less than” if they haven’t done it themselves…Or don’t drop everything they’re doing, no matter how busy they are, to re-create it right away. Trust me, there are many areas in my life where I struggle. Namely in the kitchen (a-hem). And in the cleaning department (coughcough). So, while I have the organization thing down, don’t plan on coming over to enjoy a perfectly prepared, delicious meal in a freshly cleaned top-to-bottom house.

Recently, a reader e-mailed me and said it looked like I had it down – everything clean and organized and on a great, stress-free schedule. She wanted to know how I prioritized my day and what my schedule looks like. She’s a young mother with 2 small children and said she was barely looking presentable and keeping her head above water with the housework.

ooooooooh no…I replied explaining life here in this house is far from perfect. I definitely roll with the punches. This little blog is only a tee-niny window into my real world. I joke that I am so passionate about organization because it’s basically the only thing I have control over in my life. I’m just like everyone else – We sometimes have beds unmade and laundry not done and dishes not put away and dirty floors and toys all over the house. we keep it real over here.

And it’s about to get really real now that all 3 kiddos are home for the summer AND we’re getting ready to move.

It’s a tough one because I enjoy people reading along with me here and enjoy the idea of helping even just a few people simplify their lives…But don’t want to add to this insane pinterest culture we live in. The culture where we see these amazing crafts or recipes or home ideas or perfectly decorated, organized homes. all of us pin these wonderful ideas and then never make it happen in real life.

Then we feel defeated because we know someone else out there is doing it. “Why am i not inspired enough to do it too? What’s wrong with me?”.

This blog post had been written in my head for the last few months and my plan was to keep it safely tucked away in there.

That is until last week.

Last week a friend of mine shared something and it really hit me. As she always does, she so eloquently put what I had been feeling into words. (She should write a blog!) I asked her if I could share this with all of you because I think this is something to make great conversation of…

“Rising up” instead of “comparison to”.

Those words struck me and brought me back to center. I don’t like to compare myself to anyone or any blogger. Not online or in real life. I am me and what you read in here is what you would see if you met me in person.  I think if I lost the “me” in my writing or projects, many of you would pick up on that and see it as “me trying too hard”.

we can’t lose our own voice. it’s what makes each of us unique and draws in different readers. we won’t appeal to every reader out there. nope, we won’t. i’m ok with that. but if we resonate with a few and can help a few, that’s success. it also helps to know that everyone struggles with something. no one is perfect. not me. not anyone.

My friend’s words really helped lift me out of my funk. I don’t need to compare myself to anyone…But I can certainly gain inspiration, strive to be better, continue focusing on what I’m passionate about and “rise up” to be the best me. Sounds cheesy, but it certainly made me feel better.

This message rings true even if you aren’t a blogger. So I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have found you’re comparing yourself to others you think have it all together in one perfect little package….Or you’re feeling down and overwhelmed by what you haven’t done on that old pinterest board of yours, share what has worked for you. What snapped you back into reality and helped you realize you are you – and that’s why people love you.