I have these moments all the time. Where I actually have to say to myself, "Amanda, you are not everyone else." It's true, I do talk to myself. In the real world or the blogosphere, it is really easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be like someone else. I think this is a fine line you have to walk. You can completely admire someone and let them inspire you - but each of us is uniquely us.
I'm really bad about this when it comes to fashion (I know, life changing problems here). I follow all the awesome fashion bloggers and drool over their super unique and put together outfits. And then I always come down hard on myself. Because why can't I pair florals and stripes? I never thought to wear purple tights with that vintage green dress. And where, oh where, do they find the time and money to do all that?!
I want to be cool. I want to be hip. I want to be unique.
But the truth is, I'm not a fashion blogger. That's not what my calling in the blog world was. And that's okay. As much as I think I want to be 'that girl', it's not who I am. And I have to be okay with that. Instead, I'm the semi-hip and semi-cool step-mom to 4 who makes every effort to put some thought into what I wear, no matter where we go. And some days, that in itself is a victory.
So, I have to periodically remind myself that I'm simply me. And I'm pretty darn good at being me. And I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. And it's okay to drool over super fabulous fashion blogs and be a little jealous - but at the end of the day, there's only one Manda Jane.
**So, you're turn! Lay it on me. What's on your mind this week? Want to vent? Feeling grateful and blessed? Just have some randomness you need to get out of your brain? You're at the right place to share!
I gotta say, that one Manda Jane is pretty darn awesome in my book! I'll always be around to remind you of how awesome you are because you are you.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing people break the norm with fashion, but I'm too chicken to try it. Of course I'm apparently too chicken to dress the way I really want to as well, but that's something I'm going to work on as soon as I become better acquainted with my sewing machine.
You know, Manda, I'm still trying to figure out what type of blogger I am. I'm learning....I'm getting there - as are you. I think you are a WONDERFUL blogger with a beautiful heart :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post, as usual...very insightful. I think that as long as we are authentic and true to ourselves, we should be happy with what we are "putting out there". As a new blogger myself, when I first starting blogging (still)...I can get overwhelmed...things I want to do, blog goals, etc. But, I've finally told myself, BE AUTHENTIC, and put out quality and good content...then, I can be "content"! Love your saying at the top!!! Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteif you saw my closet of clothes you would consider yourself a fashion queen!!
ReplyDeleteMy husband tell our kids...figure out what everyone else is doing, and do the opposite!!
i loved this post! I have to remind myself that I cannot compare myself to all the fancy pants bloggers in the blogosphere. I have to just be me and hope people like me for me. I think you are awesome just being you. You are so kind and encouraging. and p.s. you can totally rock florals and stripes! ;)
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