How has it been over three weeks since my last published post? I could have swore I wrote something since then (perhaps only in my head?)… But alas, I have not. What I have noticed is I’ve found myself posting less and less about my tribe of littles, and it’s not for lack of care about writing those posts. It’s not for lack of photos or lack of feelings or lack of memories collected, either. It’s not for lack of time, although I can say for certain I don’t have a lot of extra time…
It’s because these kids are ultra special to me. Like, big time ultra special. And I want to be sure what I’m writing about my children is something they’ll approve of later on. And perhaps a sense of anxiousness that comes to writing about such precious topics — the pressure to document and share it all (stress!).
I absolutely love this quote:
Life is too deep for words, so don’t try to describe it, just live it. –C.S. Lewis
And so what I’ve realized is this: I want to protect the memories we make as a family by storing them first in my heart. Then, later on, I will consider writing about them.
ALSO: I feel called to share a little grouping of other topics, which I’ll share below :)
I want to blog. I want to write and encourage others and be in community. I really do!
But, it’s important to me that I wholly remember the smell and feelings and sounds of our family memories firsthand.
As their mama.
As their cheerleader.
As a woman God created to birth new life, I want to capture these memories as family memories first.
There is value in writing things down, sharing photos and stories — for sure.
But there is even more value for me when I acknowledge the priority of having these sweet children in my life, and doing all I can to help them thrive.
Instead of always trying to describe it, I want my heart to soak in the comfort of being present with them.
So while I’m writing a bit less about my family and our day-to-day musings, here are 7 things I feel called to share with you on my blog:
- what I’m learning about mamahood
- how to add creativity to my life while at home my tribe of littles
- how to become a cheerleader for myself
- stories of friendship and encouragement
- my current hobbies: mostly books and small craft projects and family adventures
- small, snippet updates about our family and personal ventures
- and all the new things I’ll come up with that I haven’t come up with just yet ;)
For months, the idea of posting a lot of personal updates made me feel anxious. And I wasn’t looking forward to writing them, either. So I decided to spend a little time processing all of this, and I decided the feelings I had were worth listening to. So I did something about them, I made a change.
I want to spend my fringe hours each day and week encouraging other women, helping them to learn something new, and laughing a whole lot.
Besides, it’s a crazy amount of fun sharing about adventures and crafts and #highkicks and learning new things — right??
There is something very powerful about the way we naturally avoid and second guess certain ideals. Can you relate, even if it’s something totally unique and personal to your story? What are you feeling called to share? I would seriously love to hear from you.
PS. I will be blogging about our family, just less often than years past :)
I love this approach, Maggie. I have felt the same tension and have been enjoying the sweetness of keeping lots of moments just private, soaking them in without thinking about how to post it or what others might think. Immensely freeing, for me at least, and I’m relishing the joy–and the hard stuff–in a more intimate, real way. Thanks so much for sharing your heart on this and for marching to your own beat.
Hi Rachael! It’s refreshing to hear you feel the same way, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment :)
Yup! I can totally relate and have felt this same tension.
I totally get this, Maggie. And I’m not even a blogger. But I am a mother of 2 young kids (3&7). I have noticed that I have gotten progressively more private with the addition of each child. Motherhood is such a crazy, intimate, personal thing. So do what feels right. I personally love seeing your creative project posts. Finger knitting has changed my life. :-)
Oh, hooray! Thanks for sharing that about the knitting, too! :)
This is SO good! I’ve recently had a bit of an epiphany about my blog, business, & creativity… I was doing stuff I liked, but not what I LOVED. So, I’m entering a new busy season of a grouping of new products, & blogging about my desire for a simple, beauty loving, old-fashioned lifestyle. Taking the time to seriously think about that has allowed for a more balanced lifestyle in our family… I realized that a small business is going to “morph” because we are ever-changing people. I was squishing my creativity into a box, feeling stressed all the time, & not understanding why!
Here’s to living the life we desire, slowing down, & thinking about the bigger picture of our lives! As always, I love reading this blog, & you can be sure you will see me here often! :-)
Hi Kate! I loved reading your comment, you mentioned many similar thoughts :) And I love what you wrote about being ever-changing people. That is such an encouragement mindset — nothing needs to be permanent, and actually, we were made to grow and change! :) xx
I absolutely get where you’re coming from! After my 3rd was born I became so focused on intentionally living each moment with them because I began to realize how quickly they grow up. Now it’s all about balance and keeping margin priorities. Thanks for sharing the tidbits with us, you are such a joyfilled person!!
My baby just had his first birthday and I felt such a weight was lifted because all the firsts were over. There’s so much pressure to remember and document and enjoy and savor each first instead of just being present. That’s what I strive to do now more than anything. I put my phone down, and watch him, whether it’s play, eat, or watch me. I find when I realize I’m fully present in the moment-that’s what I treasure most.
Yes! So with you on this. I feel the same way. You are in the ultra-intense phase of parenting right now and it is natural to want to protect and prioritize the sacred role you have as a mother. It can be very hard to define the lines of ‘you’ and ‘them’ right now, but it will get easier, and I think you are amazing. :)
well, I think YOU are amazing!!! ♥
I completely understand where you are going with your blog! I have three littles (5,4 &1) I understand where you are coming from. I have gotten quite a bit more private on all social media accounts as far as my family goes. I can’t wait to read all the things you are called to share with us!