I have several goals for myself but top of list is embracing a more authentic, transparent life. This doesn’t mean I think everything has to be said or shared, but it does mean my words should be as honest as possible.
It feels important for me to write on this topic today as I commit to posting here on a new blog; it’s not my first. I loved my old blog which was focused on all things DIY as I transformed a home my family lived in when the kids were small. It was quite the run, sharing all the ends and outs of making beautiful rooms for us, leading to opportunities to write for HGTV, Houzz and even appearing on TV: a rate my space episode, filming a lamp redo project with Nate Berkus for his show, and a local appearance covering more decorating tips. It also led to the launch of an online magazine which I loved producing!
However what was missing was transparency and it really began to gnaw on me. It bothered me how I was presenting a very edited slice of life, only the best with all challenging details glossed over. I look back and wonder what was the real point of it all. Yes, people appreciated all the inspiration, sources and how to’s that helped them tackle their projects – but if anyone was trying to live up to the life I was projecting that would have been misguiding. Things were not as pretty behind closed doors as the oh so pretty pictures I shared on the screen. Life isn’t like that. I see this glossed and edited version of what we should aspire to everywhere! I just didn’t want to be a part of it anymore, so I took down my site and checked out.
Fast forward to today, I don’t want to simply turn around and repeat that again here. (I know I have with my Instagram account over the years, what’s up with that? It’s like it’s addicting! What payoff do we get creating these caricatures of ourselves?!) I really aim to work on shifting my mindset to a way of sharing that has as its cornerstone authenticity. It’s like breaking a really bad habit!!! But I promise to do my best! 😘
rest heal grow 