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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / 7 pretty things / {7 pretty things on Sunday + a dash of self-confidence}

{7 pretty things on Sunday + a dash of self-confidence}

October 9, 2011 · 48 Comments
Filed Under: 7 pretty things, inspiration

Source: brassyapple.blogspot.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: thebusybudgetingmama.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: us.mg5.mail.yahoo.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: seeminglygreek.com via Gussy on Pinterest

Source: aisletoaloha.blogspot.com via Gussy on Pinterest

What a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous day it is!!!! I think by now, us Minneapolis peeps are used to wearing boots & sweaters when sitting outside, but so far I’ve only worn those things once {and that was in September}. The month of October has seriously been lovely. Eighty degrees outside nearly every day and so much sunshine and blue skies. I feel spoiled :]

Zack and I are headed out for the afternoon in just a few minutes. It’s too nice to stay in!!!

* * *

I want to share something about social media & online time, a few things that have been on my heart for a little bit…

Sometimes it’s really hard for me to be online. There are so many talented people sharing their ideas and projects, and some times I sit and think, Oh, I could have never created that on my own, from scratch. Or, I definitely don’t have those words in my vocabulary. So I want to share these thoughts with you to encourage you that it’s OK that your home doesn’t look like the pins you see on Pinterest, or your parties don’t look like that, or your craft room doesn’t look like “hers” or your blog doesn’t receive comments like “hers”, or _________. I know I’ve shared this before, but I want to share it again :] When I spend the most time online I have the most self-doubt. And I’m sure I’m not alone, right? :]

Let’s use social media to challenge ourselves to do new things, not to allow ourselves to feel poorly about our self.

*Here’s a dash of self-confidence.* Sprinkle some on yourself today?

We’re headed out for the day and I could let myself feel sad that no one is trailing behind, taking photos of us and making every moment we live A Moment {because that’s what we all feel sometimes? That everyone else has a personal photographer, documenting their life?}. Instead I want all of us to head outside and feel soooo happy that we are living life.

The memories we later replay in our minds are our dreams coming true. Right?

xoxoxoxo and HAPPY SUNDAY!

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48 Comments
Filed Under: 7 pretty things, inspiration

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Comments

  1. Sarah at The Stroller Ballet says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    What a great reminder! Love this. We should never let social media drag us down :). I love all these things – especially the reindeer. Peanut would love it – great inspiration!

    Reply
  2. shana says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    wonderful, wonderful reminder . . . and i’m from the twin cities too and agree that the weather has been amazingly glorious! enjoy it while we can, right?
    blessings,
    shana

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 9:59 pm

      yep — pretty soon i’ll be getting out of the shower and it’ll be C-C-COLD in the bathroom! hah ;)

      Reply
  3. teri lynn says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    Oh Maggie! I can not thank you enough for your words in this post… I have let some words and actions on a social media site really bother me this weekend. Your words have stopped my pity party and turned my day around! :) Your point about the more time that is spent on the internet and/or social media the more you tend to be filled with lots of self doubt is so true! Thank you for the sprinkle of self confidence… I am off to enjoy the rest of the day with my sweet little girl and my parents who are visiting! XOXO

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      hi sweet teri lynn!

      i’m so glad this post helped you. it’s crazy, but posting this actually helped to lift some weight off MY shoulders. i have been having these thoughts for a little while now, but felt that keeping it to myself was causing more guilt/self-doubt for me and others!!! i don’t ever want others to think something that’s not true, which is why i felt led to post this. it’s so easy to feel jealousy or not good enough over online “stuff”.

      i’m glad my sprinkles helped you! xoxo

      Reply
  4. Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Such an important message! I always try to remind myself of the quote by Theodore Roosevelt– “Comparison is the thief of joy,” when it comes to the world of blogging. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon! P.S. Love that pin cushion frame!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      YES! oh that is so true!

      thanks for sharing that! :]

      Reply
  5. Heidi of Wonder Woman Wannabe says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    YES indeed, this Minneapolis October has been a complete DREAM! We were out and about today too!! :)

    I had a bummer of an episode via social media this past weekend in which i actually observed someone making fun of something on my blog. it bummed me out for about 10 minutes, then i moved on (after letting them know that i had read it…)

    be kind, even on social media – you never know who may read your words…
    and yes, just focus on being the best version of yourself in all things – great advice, girl.

    cheers!
    -h

    Reply
  6. Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    Very true, and so well timed! I’ve been lagging a bit on my blog and it bothered me that my readership went down until I realized that its OK. That’s me, and my life, and I can still have some great relationships.

    Thanks for being your lovely self!

    Reply
  7. Mindy Harris says

    October 9, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    sometimes it’s really hard for me to be online, too, maggie…i have been blogging for 4 years and the fruit that has come out of it is a blessing, but my flesh wants more. thanks for the reminder to have confidence in myself and what i have to bring to the table.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:05 pm

      hi mindy! thanks for your comment!!! you are amazing… you are right on with your wisdom :]

      Reply
  8. Lucy Jane says

    October 9, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Well said, Miss Maggie!

    Reply
  9. Southern Gal says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Sweet,encouraging words, friend. Thanks for that.
    And I have to add that the first sign reminds me of a song from years ago by the Forester Sisters called, “I’d Choose You Again”. I try to play it when our anniversary rolls around (31 years on October 18.). You can hear it here: http://youtu.be/3zsQgL-5Jq0
    I don’t like the video, but the words to the song are great.

    Reply
  10. autumn says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Thanks! I needed that.

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    That you for that encouragement! I often find myself feeling down because my life/blog/shop/sales/house isn’t like *fill in the blank,* but at the end of the day none of that matters! Getting off the computer really helps to get my mind back on my priorities!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:06 pm

      i feel that way too — and it’s so wrong!!! there’s always going to be something/someone to compare “it” to, right? i need to remember that more often… thanks for your comment, laura! xo

      Reply
  12. Kristina Carter says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    this is exactly what i needed to hear today! thank you for being so humble and open!!

    Reply
  13. Roberta says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Great advise for all ;} We just spend over two weeks on the road for work and play and it really felt so good to be away from the computer. I checked my google reader a few times…but only to delete the posts that I knew that I would never have the time to read…some days it was over 1,000 posts. I blogged a little bit and had some posts done in advance and it was such a refreshing break. Thanks for the reminder and for letting us know that we all have days where we feel a little “less than” and on those days it’s really hard not to compare ;}
    Fondly, Roberta

    Reply
  14. Lindsay Lee says

    October 9, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    You just made me smile! I was JUST feeling this way today, in fact I wrote a post about it. It’s so hard not to feel a part of a clique or as though your blog isn’t GOOD ENOUGH. Thank you for this reminder girly!

    Reply
  15. rach. says

    October 9, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    i absolutely love this. get it girrrrl.

    love, rach.
    http://www.so–hi.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. Lisa says

    October 9, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    I’ve been thinking about this a LOT in the last few days. Struggling to not let the comparison virus destroy my creativity and lifeblood…

    thanks. it’s good to know that others feel the same.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:07 pm

      you know what i wanna know? WHO says it’s not good enough?

      no one of value, that’s for sure! {right???}

      thanks for your comment lisa! xoxo

      Reply
  17. Michelle Parrott says

    October 9, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    I couldn’t have said it better! What a wonderful reminder! I hope your day is perfect!!!

    Reply
  18. Andrea Howe says

    October 9, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    I Love this so much and I agree 100%. thanks for the reminder, really. Thank you :)

    Reply
  19. Jamie M says

    October 9, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    THANK YOU FOR THOSE REMINDERS! I just started my craft blog 2 weeks ago and I’ve really been struggling. Not only because I feel my crafts are pretty pathetic but because I’m not able to post daily. (my daughter was hurt at school during school hours and so we’ve been having many issues! That was probably tmi but I’m really struggling!) anyway- thank you. I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one feeling this way

    Reply
  20. Heather G. says

    October 9, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    What a great reminder. Love you, friend!

    Reply
  21. Chrissy @ real {grace filled} life says

    October 9, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Beautifully said!

    Reply
  22. Ashley M says

    October 9, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    MMM…loved this post. I’m sick on the couch today and spending a ton of time online thinking the exact thoughts you talked about! Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Stacey says

    October 9, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    You are a very wise woman, Miss Gussy :)

    Reply
  24. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    October 9, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Great reminder! Gussy it was so amazing to see you in person at Blog Sugar. I am so sorry I was too shy to say more! Hugs to you and have a very happy week!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:09 pm

      hi kate :] it was sooooo amazing meeting you a couple of weeks ago!!!! next time we meet we’ll have to be extra chatty, yes? tee hehe

      Reply
  25. Heather B says

    October 9, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Love this and totally agree! I feel like everyone else is married to a professional photographer! My hubs is a roofer and he really doesn’t care much about pictures and blogging.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 9, 2011 at 10:11 pm

      LOL! maybe he needs a “my first camera” for christmas? –wink!

      Reply
  26. Kati @ Around the Plate says

    October 9, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    So many cute things! I am especially loving the book nook – what a fabulous idea!

    Reply
  27. Amity says

    October 9, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    This is a GREAT reminder and I agree completely. Thanks for today’s post!!

    And I LOVE the little reading nook photo! What a sweet sweet idea for little readers! :) I love to sit and read with my children, or to just watch them read their books. :)

    Reply
  28. Marilyn says

    October 9, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    :-) Thanks for hosting a blog that inspires self-confidence and not self-doubt.

    Reply
  29. karla @ bluegrass jewelry designs says

    October 10, 2011 at 12:51 am

    Thanks for the reminder. As someone who has a new online business I often wonder if I will ever be as successful as others I see online. You are so sweet and encouraging to others.

    Reply
  30. Jessica says

    October 10, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Goosebumps again and that, I’m going to cry that is so beautiful and true feeling! That’s the best way to describe how I feel after reading this post. It’s funny how much emotion one sentence can create.(Instead I want all of us to head outside and feel soooo happy that we are living life). It’s as if I was waiting to hear just that but didn’t know it yet. Thank you again for helping us all, once again, realize that our real lives are what’s important not how we portray them on-line.

    I had a moment when I was working on a project this weekend and my hands were covered in dirt and I was just about done when I thought oh no I forgot to take pictures! But I realized I was kind of glad I didn’t because I really enjoyed the project for me and I wasn’t preoccupied with the angles of my photos or how I would caption this or that. I decided I would keep that little project all to myself.

    P.S. Here in Texas it’s been so hot and dry and this weekend we got rain! Lots of rain! So I took a walk in the cool air and on the wet streets.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 10, 2011 at 9:26 am

      i’m so happy you were able to enjoy your project in full spirit :) that’s seriously amazing!

      thanks so much for sharing your heart here! xoxo, happy monday!

      Reply
  31. Maureen Polderman says

    October 10, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Thank you lady! I needed to read your words today! I have been feeling so much behind the eight ball lately when it comes to blogging….I simply don’t have the time needed to utilize all of the social media outlets and networking that it takes to take “it to the next level”!! And that leaves me feeling discouraged sometimes…so thanks for the little sprinkle of encouragement this afternoon friend!

    Reply
  32. Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Um…Maggie, have you been reading my mind? I know that you’re pretty awesome and all, but didn’t realize that you could do that too! :D

    I have actually almost clicked “Mark All Read” in my Google Reader several times this week because I have felt exactly like that. I feel like I’m beating myself up about every beautiful autumnal house that I read about while mine sits yet to be decorated for Fall. I look at the majorly organized spaces and start to panic that my “office” is now simply just the junk room because I don’t have time to deal with it once I get home from work. What I really need to deal with is the fact that my life is ridiculously crazy busy right now and that the moments that I AM at home, I would much rather spend with my husband, who I don’t get to see nearly enough!

    Thanks for the encouragement just when I needed it, friend!

    Reply
  33. Seriously Sassy Mama says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    The first picture makes me think of this great Alan Jackson song. It always makes me think of my husband. Holy Jeez do I love that man!

    Reply
  34. Sue says

    October 10, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    What a wonderful post. :-) I had my husband read it and he said “man this is all you” ! I know that I need to start a blog to help get my little business off the ground but I tend to think “my life really isn’t that interesting – who is going to want to read about it” So I think I’ll get planning, take your words of encouragement and get crackin on that blog. :-)

    Reply
  35. Sarah-Anne says

    October 10, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    oh, i spy my blogging friend up there! Linds is one crafty person, am i right?! and loving those cute little reindeer. :)
    it’s often hard for my to be online so don’t feel alone in this vast, inspiring thing we call the Internet. it’s so hard NOT to fall in the trap of NOT being inspired because you weren’t the one to create that tutorial first or think up an amazing photography post. but we are perfect just the way we are :)

    Reply
  36. Heather says

    October 11, 2011 at 12:34 am

    So beautifully put. So true. Thank you for this!! xo
    -Heather
    http://www.findingbeautyintheordinary.com

    Reply
  37. summer says

    October 11, 2011 at 10:24 am

    such a sweet way of putting it (& i did it yesterday). i call it my ‘poor me’ moments. you are so talented and such a lovely person. thanks for your honestly & willingness to share. great inspiration for the day.

    Reply
  38. Kasey M. says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    This post was just what I needed. Thank you for the sprinkle of confidence, as a new-ish blogger who just got serious about the quit your day job dream you are an inspiration and role model.

    Reply

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  1. {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 14, Taking time to rest.} says:
    October 14, 2012 at 3:02 am

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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