. . . for Lauren and Lauren: Honestly . . .

October 17, 2013

Honestly . . .


I have about fifteen unfinished drafts for posts just sitting there waiting to be finished. Some random ones, some about motherhood, and some with things I'm loving and am thankful for.  

But I'm having a hard time finishing any of them. A big part is that I don't have any outfit pictures to add to them.  Or energy to proofread and finish any of the more meaningful ones.  And mostly because I've started second guessing everything I write about, whether light hearted or heartfelt.  

I'm struggling a little with the purpose of this blog and the feeling of accomplishment and enjoyment in doing it.  When I was going through our fertility treatments this blog was such a huge blessing, as it was a great source of encouragement and an outlet for me.  I also felt like God was using me to share my faith through that struggle and therefore gave my blog more of a purpose.  

I definitely want to keep blogging, as honestly I think I'd wear yoga pants 90% of the time, instead of 50% of the time if I wasn't motivated by sharing outfit posts.  I also love that I can have a record of Addilyn's pictures, stories and monthly updates.  But I just haven't figured out what blogging really looks like for me now as a mom.   

I worry sometimes that I'll lose readers because my content is boring or repetitive, but honestly I feel like my daily life right now is a little repetitive. And I am completely okay with that (most of the time).  I'm just not sure how that will be reflected in my blog.  Sometimes I read these other blogs of stay at home moms and they have this beautiful hippie like hair and vintagey dressed kids with high quality pictures, all which I'm a little jealous of.  Sometimes I think maybe if I lived on a farm, with long wavy hair, gardening while baby wearing Addilyn, then wrote about it on my blog it would be much more appealing.  

Then I realize I am completely losing site of why I want to blog.  While I can't say that I honestly don't care about attracting readers and wanting them to approve of what I write, I can say that I want to be true to what my life is like.  And it isn't that.  It is a little repetitive, but most of the time feels right where I should be. 

And ironically I'm not quite sure what the purpose of this post is other than to just share my thoughts.  And to say thanks for those that take the time to read it, encourage me and remind me that real life isn't about fancy pictures, beautiful hair and perfection.  

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38 comments:

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Thanks for sharing this! I think we all wonder at times why we blog, what the purpose is, and how long it will last. I was super frustrated a few weeks ago when the weather wouldn't cooperate with the small amount of time I'd scheduled for blog pictures. I think as long as it's fun, you should definitely keep it up and always make it your own. :)

Amy said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

This has been my favorite post lately of yours. It is so real, and I totally get the repetitiveness I feel like my life is so much the same every day being a mom! I love your style and Addilyn is adorable :)

Kerri Mansell said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Love your blog! Just keep writing about what you love and what is important to you and you will keep readers. Your blog is so much fun to read, I love your easy going style of writing and all your outfit posts. Dont doubt yourself, you're amazing! :)

Kerri Mansell said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Love your blog! Just keep writing about what you love and what is important to you and you will keep readers. Your blog is so much fun to read, I love your easy going style of writing and all your outfit posts. Dont doubt yourself, you're amazing! :)

The Grass Skirt Blog said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I think all blogging moms have these thoughts at some point! Just remember that MOST fellow moms are just like you- not hippie chicks who lives on farms- and can really relate to your day to day activities. Continue to be yourself, and your readers will follow. :)

The Grass Skirt Blog
Enter my Neutrogena Naturals Giveaway

Jodi said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You don't have to blog every day if you don't feel like it! Just blog on the days you feel motivated to share. I decided to do that this summer and it has been so much better. I always want to blog I just don't have time to do it 5 days a week so I don't put pressure on myself to do so anymore!

Carol Hines said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I agree with Liz.

Savanna said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I started reading you blog after clinking on it through the pleated poppy. You were pregnant and our due dates were very close. I liked your style and just generally enjoyed hearing about what you had to say, so I became a regular reader. I am enjoying reading about Addi and how you are doing things. I think your blog is truthful. Who cares about perfect hair and vintage clothing!

RuthD said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Such a good post! Motherhood is far from glamorous most of the time, but no one talks about it. Keep keepin' it real!

Kristine -Heart Shaped Sweat said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

The main attraction to your blog are your heartfelt posts! I love your outfit pics and adore the sweet Addilyn pictures/updates but more than anything your genuine, brave thoughts thrilling or not are a constant and keep us readers around! Purpose doesn't always reveal itself until after the fact, so I say keep at it and keep loving the journey!!

Autumn said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Stay true to who you are, and blog for YOU, and Lauren and Lauren. :) I'll be here.

Linnea said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love reading your blog. I look forward to it every night!

LEIGH said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Blog for you and don't worry about who is reading. If you like what you are writing, then so will your readers. I found that now that I have a baby girl, I definitely can't blog often enough. But really, 3-4 times a week is still pretty good for a busy mom ;)

All this is what I tell myself anyways... So I hope it's true ;)

Lori said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You're one of my favorite reads - just honesty and a breath of fresh air.
You seem approachable and real in your writing...two good qualities :-)

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Very real post - I like it!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Hi Katie, you are one of my favorites. I enjoy reading your posts. I am always having to show Nate your pictures, especially the one of Addilyn in the pumpkin. We love that one! Thanks as always for sharing a part of your life. Its hard to put your self out there but I think your doing just fine. I am not the best writer and do not have fancy pictures and my hair well that's another story..lets just say I try lol. I think you should just do what makes you happy :)

Desiree Macke said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You can't stop. I love stopping by your piece of the Internet too much!
After M arrived I had the same struggles. Before him I did a lot of cooking/baking/craft posts. Then M entered our lives, and he was/is more amazing than anything I'll ever cook/bake/make. And, one day I want him to find my space and see our life documented.

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

No matter what you write about, you are you and that's why I'm here. Love you!!

maria said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Thanks for sharing Katie, and I can totally relate!
I actually really enjoy reading your so called 'repetitive' posts,
because that's real honest life for most of us, not the perfectly put together, always clean and stylish, hippy haired, big city or quaint farmhouse blog.
I appreciate your realness!
xo

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Your blogs is one of the ones I look forward to reading! Please don't stop!

two birds said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

i think everyone goes through what you are going through. keep writing as much or as little as you want. we love seeing pics of you and your life!

TheTinyHeart said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I think you should blog about whatever feels right to you! Don't worry about alienating readers. The people that love to read your blog will still be here!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Betty said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I absolutely love your blog because it is real life. I know what you mean about the 'farm blogs'...because I often wish for that life as well. But then I think of all the bugs and critters they must have to deal with, and I'm ok with where I'm at. So what I'm saying is...keep writing what you're writing...you have a gift! :)

Laura said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love that you shared this. My favorite thing about your blog is that you are real and normal, so please don't feel like you are not interesting enough or that you should be like these other hippie bloggers. You have gone through a huge transition and it would be hard for anyone to navigate that. You'll figure it out!

Jessica @ Here&Now said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You do you lady! We are all here because we have come to know you through this crazy thing called blogging! You never know what is around the next corner, but that's what makes the journey fun!

xx
Here&Now

Enter to win my Stella&Dot giftcard giveaway!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love this post because you are being you! And I know I adore you for that. I love reading about your life as a new mom, it is wonderful to watch your daughter grow and change. Keep up your style, I love it! <3

Helene in Between said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I truly think everyone goes through struggles and it's hard to figure out why we write what we do or what our blog purpose is- at least i do. I know that I have been following you ever since I started blogging and i just love your writing- don't forget that!

Jaclyn S said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Thanks so much for sharing this. I always look forward to reading your blog because it is so real and honest!

J and A said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Love your blog no matter what. You are real and funny and a great inspiration. Outfit photo or not -just keep on posting!!

Jessie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

There is nothing better than a mommy blog! And I think the challenge in being a SAHM is finding beauty in the repetitiveness. Your life is beautiful and interesting just the way it is. Blog on, my friend! We'll still be here.

P.S. Thanks for stopping by today!

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

We all wonder why we blog sometimes. I know that I go through that every once in a while. IT's also harder when you have a newborn. I know that i like your blog and i'm a fairly new follower. And you're right, life isn't about fancy pictures and designer clothes. That's why I like to discuss topics other than fashion. Have a wonderful weekend.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

Kristin said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I honestly think you are what I will someday be like as a mom. And if you were a hippie, baby-wearing, all-organic, crunchy mom, I probably wouldn't be reading. Because that is not what I aspire to be and can't really relate to. (I once asked Scott if we should someday cloth-diaper. He said that's the most disgusting thing he'd ever heard lol)

The Lady Okie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love that you're so honest about still desiring to attract readers. We all feel like that, and it's great to see a big blogger like you say that too. I think you're great! And I like reading your blog, and I don't know how on EARTH you post so often. I don't have a baby and I can't even do it. You rock.

Sarah said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

i feel like i could have written this post. 100%.
i get you sista.
we'll be here when you are!

Carly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

My friend, I love your honesty! I mean, your life has changed....it's ok to change your blog.....those of us who love you and have followed your journey are here to stay! I love hearing about your life now, it gives me so much to look forward to!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Annie L said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Katie,
First off, I haven't been on since you had the baby! Congrats, she is too precious. I really, really, really identify with this post! I always think that if I lived in the city with a professional photographer to take awesome photos of me walking to work down a road of taxi cabs, latte in hand, that my blog would look like those uber fashion blogs. But you're totally right! Your blog is real, and it's nice to see how you rock totally adorable outfits that I would actually wear, and write about day-to-day things that everyday girls like me can identify with. Keep it up and thanks for this inspiring post!

xo Annie
New England Romance

Rach said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

It's interesting how blogging changes as our lives change. I'm glad you aren't planning to stop blogging! :)

Janna Renee said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You aren't going to lose blog FRIENDS, just the ones that are here for the wrong reasons. You just blog about what YOU want, and we will be here ;)