• mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • 23 identities PDF
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • inspiration
    • our home
    • books
    • lifestyle
    • marriage
    • homeschool
    • simple living
    • we’re debt free!
    • book recommendations
  • homeschool
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
  • new? start here

Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / Can you ask yourself this question?

Can you ask yourself this question?

May 1, 2017 · 10 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

While visiting a friend’s house the other morning, she offered make two cups of coffee. (Of course I said yes.) In between sips and checking in our our many children, we talked about writing (how is it going?) and getting up early to read (what are you studying?). And then she asked me why I wasn’t writing more, listing off a few possible options for perhaps why I’ve slowed. And as I thought about my reason, the point of why I write in the first place, I realized I didn’t have a good answer. All I had were excuses.

And so, with a single “why” question, a spark has been dropped on the flame.

– – –

My day could be going extremely well (thank you, Lord!), or it could feel extremely challenging (help me, Lord!); it really doesn’t matter, I ask myself the same question multiple times a day.

Why do I do what I do?

I could tally how many times I’ve asked myself this just this year, but I think the visual would be too much to bear. (Snort.)

No one wants to see how much I’m struggling, we’re struggling, with a few specific things.

Or, do they?

– – –

It doesn’t bother me to share my struggles. Perhaps it’s because I’m really bad at hiding my feelings? Anytime a friend asks me how I’m doing, I can’t help but answer honestly. Sometimes it catches us off guard, other times we both knew it was coming.

Quiet possibly, the best thing I have done for myself since 2013 is admit I have postpartum depression and seek help. Why didn’t I do that sooner, instead of waiting until last summer? Well, I’m not sure, but I do know that because I sought help I can snap out of my low moments so much faster.

Quality, sister-like friendships have been essential for me since becoming a mother. Especially since becoming a mother of three children in three years! I need women in my life who can pour into me — and I need to pour into them, too! I want friends who can teach me how to cook, and I want friends who will let me teach them my favorite cooking tips. I want friends who will listen to me lament over the same story, different verse, and never grow weary of helping me carry my burdens. And I want to help them carry theirs. I want friendships where we can ask challenging questions, adventure together, and celebrate our milestones.

Why do we do what we do?

Why do we come back to our habits, the recipes, our personal style, our interest in house plants, that quirky decoration we deem perfect for a plant? What is the point of making time for our hobbies, the work we choose to do, the way we mother, the fact that we enjoy being mothers?

A few weeks ago my small group was asked to fast. And while fasting implies food, I knew in my heart it would mean the most if I fasted from social media. And instead of doing this for just 6 hours or 12 hours or an entire day, I fasted for three whole days. And it was lovely! I learned so much about my habits and my emotions and what I truly feel is important.

Remember to ask, what is the point?

For me: to learn, to love, to be hospitable, to encourage, to remember, to laugh deeply and hug dearly, to disciple.

How about for you?

(Related: if you don’t know the point, maybe you should stop doing it?)

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn


10 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« Four books that have wonderfully changed my life…
Would you eat this? »

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    May 1, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I LOVE your blog, your courage to share your Mom heart and struggles, and sending hugs and strength your way! ♥You are a great Mom and bring strength to many with your words! :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 2, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you, Cindy! It’s wonderful to hear from you :)

      Reply
  2. Jordan says

    May 1, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Agreed. And, I want those friendships too <3

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 2, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Girl, you need to start a Kitchen Dancing 101 class ;D

      Reply
      • Jordan says

        May 2, 2017 at 2:22 pm

        LOL!

        Reply
  3. Jessica says

    May 1, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Seriously, girl! I love what you share here and I often wish I could give you a great big hug! You’re posts always remind me that we, as mothers, are in this together and you inspire me to find grace in my own journey. It’s hard. So, so hard. But your words have a way of giving me a positive outlook when the going gets tough. *hugs*

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 2, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you, Jessica :) I’m inspired by your comments!!! Thanks for taking the time to write them! :)

      Reply
  4. Emma Krenzke says

    May 1, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Beautiful. Your words always resound so deeply with me. I have been reading your blog for 5 years (wow?!) and even know I rarely (never) comment, please know every time you post I think – yay!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 2, 2017 at 1:25 pm

      My goodness, that is a long time :) So glad you’ve stuck around. Since you’re a long-time reader and we’re both mothers, if you have any feedback or topic suggestions I’d love to hear them! ♥

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 things our family relies on / thrives on! says:
    June 7, 2017 at 7:00 am

    […] I think it’s important we ask WHY, especially with things that aren’t working well, and most especially with things that we do “just because that’s the way we’ve always done them.” Like with the dryer sheets! I bet if you peeled back one of your processes or mindsets, if you dug a little deeper and looked for the healthier option, you’d find a better/easier/smarter way to do things. Every time I ask WHY I’m infinitely encouraged and affirmed. (Just like I wrote here.) […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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.
READ MORE >>
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

instagram

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.
.
.
.
.
.
#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. 📖✨🤍
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.