tonight was another good long talk with derek.
it started as something like this...
i can't take really cool pictures. i haven't cleaned our bathroom in two weeks. i did my hair for the first time all month. i don't eat super foods and exercise every day. i don't have any "motivational" stories. i don't sell neat things or create awesome prints. our house is a tiny apartment. i yelled at my kids at school this week, twice. my pajamas are usually put back on as soon as i get home from work. i complain about making dinner and grocery shopping and laundry. i don't have a million blog followers or likes on instagram. ...and it feels like these things are exactly who i'm not supposed to be. at least, that's what social media tells me.
but you know what, tonight all these things were my motivation. i felt totally and completely okay with just being ordinary.
i was reminded that my dreams are just that, my own. i don't have to be something that someone else [who i probably don't even know] wants me to be. or what i think they want me to be. i have dreams. big dreams. and maybe they aren't the exact same dreams as the girl on the blog next door, but it's okay.
to you, my life may look just ordinary. and i'm okay with that.
I've been having a lot of the same concerns lately and I'm tried of them brining me down. It's actually been one of my goals this week to not compare myself with others. {like you! completing six sewing projects in two days!!! I can't even finish one in a week! ;)} I'm glad you are becoming okay with your ordinary like. I've always liked it!
ReplyDeleteThere was an article talking about this the other day that I feel like I need to read daily to keep reminding myself. It's so hard to remember sometimes!
ReplyDeleteYou're great. I know that, and Heavenly Father knows that! And that is all that matters. :)
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing: I politely disagree with you. you are extraordinary! you have some amazing gifts lIke Sewing, crafting, cooking, being a great listener, and just an incredible person all around. and I know because you were my visiting teacher! focus on your strengths and just enjoy what you are so naturally good at! much love from the RAch.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Ashley! It's a tough thing to always compare our simply lives to what others are doing with theirs. But we are content and that is all that matters! Well said!
ReplyDeleteI totally found myself saying I've said that. You are wonderful though! Thanks for being you! Just remember you're doing better than you are!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best!! Thank you Ashley! So what I needed to hear this week!!
ReplyDeleteyou're amazing. you really are. if it makes you feel better. i basically never take off my pajamas. i basically rotate one pair of leggings to another pair every day.
ReplyDeletei find it so hard not to compare ourselves to others ESPECIALLY with social media. it's so easy for us as women to tear ourselves down and feel inadequate. but we're normal. ashley, WE'RE the majority. at least that's what i have to keep telling myself. we're doing better than we think we are.
you're wonderful.