I don't even know where to begin again after the amazing response
to my last post.
to my last post.
"Thank You" obviously comes to mind, and yet feels woefully inadequate after such an outpouring of support, identification, sage advice, encouragement, love, and listening.
It feels so good to know that so many of you resonate with the same struggles and imperfections and contradictions that I described. It feels so validating to know that none of us are alone in the parenting battles we fight, the guilt we feel, or the insecurities we navigate.
A few observations I've come away with:
There is a generation of children being raised on instant cheese goo!
Everyone with small kiddos spends much of the day dealing with poop!
Many blogs and much of Pinterest make us feel inferior and defeated!
We all crave inspiration and connection!
There are not enough hours in the day!
The days go by SO. FREAKING. SLOWLY.
We adore our kids.
They drive us crazy!
I am very touched by the kindness, generosity, honesty, and humanity that came pouring out in the comments (and emails, and texts, and on other blog posts and on facebook!)
Your words affirmed that I am not ready to leave this space -- not yet.
They also affirmed what I have been knowing for a while now:
That this blog needs to evolve if it is to lift me and others up rather than bring us down. The last thing I want to do is contribute to the Stepford Wife-ification of the world by projecting or promoting
an image of perfection.
So from here on out...
an image of perfection.
So from here on out...
I'm taking the (self-imposed) pressure off myself to post at a certain rate,
or on certain topics.
I am owning that I am a feminist and a mother,
a writer and a housekeeper.
a writer and a housekeeper.
I will continue to figure out how those identities can work in chorus.
I am moving forward with a fresh intention to celebrate
but not idealize parenthood.
but not idealize parenthood.
I'm opening myself up to opening up more.
Whatever that means...I guess we will find out ;)
In any case, it will all be from my heart.
Hugs,
Leigh
I'm sure I speak for many when I say it is and will continue to be a pleasure to have your voice on here - in your own way and in your own time. Blessings from New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you will keep on posting! You are a huge role model for me! Love your blog! Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you will not be leaving. I only recently found your blog and find it inspiring and affirming. Looking forward to following you on this new journey.
ReplyDeleteTears running from laughing & crying. Forever appreciating the beautifully specific way you have of making words land straight in my heart. So grateful you'll stay ... and continue opening to opening. I love you, Leigh. XOXO
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading whatever you are so moved to write, whenever you are so moved to write it! Blessings to you. Take care!
ReplyDelete"I am moving forward with a fresh intention to celebrate but not idealize parenthood."
ReplyDeletelove that! because parenting IS wonderful and totally worthy of celebration, but oh, the days are SO. LONG. and filled will so much poop!!!
looking forward to reading more :)
I can't wait to keep reading :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you are breaking free a bit and writing about some struggles. I agree'd with your post a lot below... So many moms hide that.
ReplyDeleteIm struggling too... this has been a hard season with a 4th pregnancy, a husband with a new line of work... and home schooling my two oldest kids while managing a 2 year old. At times I feel like I am loosing my mind.
Theres grace for that :) - and from a mom who has home schooled for the last 3 years... do know, even still 3 years into it... I question my choice in doing it. It is A HUGE under taking... the one thing that keeps me going are those precious faces... maybe not precious all day ;-) - but at the end of the day, I am thankful they are with me.. through the hard times and good. Them seeing me cry has been a recent addition in our home life... and my husband has even made the comment that "they need to see that." - we should be real for them too.... not just those on our blog.
Hang in there mama!
Heres a post where I vented a bit on my recent struggles btw, if you are in the reading mood one night ;-)
http://dreawood.com/2012/07/praise-or-quiet/
Thank you!
ReplyDeletethank you Leigh.
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXOXO
You have a new reader :)
ReplyDeleteLove it
Just BRAVOOOOOO and BIG THANKS, Leigh!
ReplyDeleteXO
yay!! I don't comment much, but have followed you plenty for the past few years, and I'm so happy you're sticking around.
ReplyDeletecheers!
And nothing we can say truly does justice to responding to your... response! I am looking forward to continuing my loyal readership of your blog! I think I have been reading for 4 years now. Where does the time go? xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm new here - I think that post was the first I read. But I'm excited to go forward with you. Looking forward to your next! :)
ReplyDeleteI was just listening to the New Yorker: Out Loud podcast and heard this statement (about Bruce Springsteen): 'any artist has to find a way to negotiate the difference between their genre and their real life'. Perhaps this is true for bloggers as well?
ReplyDeleteLoves and Hugs!! :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Leigh, we'll all be here to take in whatever you want to share with us, whenever you choose to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteBless you and all the art and love you create, in your family, home, beauty, and writing.
ReplyDelete