I don’t have pictures to share from the weekend (sorry mom and dad… go ahead and click out- wink). I don’t think I took even one, as it was pretty low key. A couple fun play dates with friends, a family walk, some solo time with the girls since David was working and church on Sunday.
That’s a relatively new thing for me to say- church. We’ve tried several, but have finally found one that seems like a good fit. It’s a little crazy and a little loud, but the music is incredible and the message quite often leaves me feeling uplifted. I figure a weekly dose of personal growth, encouragement and inspiration can’t be a bad thing. I promise I have a point to this…
I’m a note taker in general and this carries over to the sermons. I often jot down little tidbits that stand out to me. Two weeks ago the sermon focused on hidden issues (Jacob). The message drew me in and I must have been so absorbed that I found I only had one note jotted down by the end of it–
What you get them with is what you will have to keep them with.
I’m certainly not here to preach to you (thank goodness, right?) but for some reason this note has been stuck in my head since then. I’ve thought about it a lot in many different contexts, one of them most notably being social media today and this blog. Was that the powerful implication he was going for? Probably not, but it fit, so just roll with me here.
It had me thinking about how this space has changed over the years. It started out largely as a food diary and life casting because the first blog I loved was Kath’s, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do, so I just followed suit except with terrible pictures. I added in product reviews because I saw other bloggers sharing their favorite bars (I guess I should note that I also started eating bars). I would work all week long trying to create a recipe to share to try and keep up with my favorite recipe bloggers because that seemed to be working for them.
However, slowly, I’d guess over the past 2ish years, I began to strip away all the “should do” items and blog only what really feels true to my personal interests. Largely I’ve done this because it makes blogging so much more fun on my side to write about what I want to. I was a little worried though– would people still read if I changed my topics from sleep facts to motherhood? Would they leave if I wrote long, wordy, introspective posts (cough cough) instead of recipes for gluten-free, sugar-free, fat-free, dairy-free muffins?
The short answer– YES. Some people would definitely leave. If people were drawn to my blog because I was busting my butt trying to churn out a specific type of content that wasn’t a natural fit for me, then when I switched to more authentically-aligned content, they would probably lose interest and leave. BUT, if I started writing what I wanted to (motherhood, real recipes I eat, meal planning, life posts), I would draw in people that wanted to connect on those levels. It may take a period of transition, but writing more authentically and being who I am would ultimately be more joy-filled for me and connect me with people that I relate with on a real level.
You can see how this could translate to so many other aspects of life.
As I’ve done this on the blog, I’ve also been doing it in real life. I’ve slowly stopped trying to be who I feel like I should be and gotten more comfortable with being who I am. Maybe it comes with age or exhaustion (kids will do it to you!), but I am finally at a place where I’m good with just being me: the me that geeks out over good food, the me that’s a little goofy, that is obsessed with my family, that enjoys deep conversations over small talk, the me that is an odd combination of extrovert and introvert and is forever trying to learn which clothes work best for my body. I feel I am fairly self-aware with what I excel in and where I lack, and though I want to continue striving for self-improvement, I’m really at peace with who I am and more importantly, owning who I am to the outside world.
I think this is what makes so many people quit facebook or get frustrated with social media. The famous comparison trap. We see what is working for other people (in online or real life success- followers, shares, pins, friendships, marriages, parenting) and figure we need to do those things to be successful ourselves.
I finally realized I don’t want to be successful in any part of life by following someone else’s path or definition. It takes stepping away from the clutter, finding what makes us happy and inspired, then doing it. It’s embracing that it may mean leaving some things/relationships/comforts behind, but only in exchange for a deeper, more fulfilled level of happiness because it aligns with our true selves.
So though somewhere inside of me is shouting do not hit post on this random mumbo jumbo, the larger part of me is saying do it. If people think I’m a weirdo for getting this inside my own head on a Monday morning, well, they’re probably right. But I want to hang out with the other weirdos that dig this stuff. Life’s too short to worry about what other people think anyway.
Do you struggle with being the real you, online or in real life?
What had helped or hindered your journey to authenticity?
Nicole says
I always love your posts and I agree – it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but staying true to your message and being authentic and genuine will attract people you want to hang with! You’re always a dose of fresh air for me!
Brittany Dixon says
Aw thank you Nicole! You are always a fresh breath of air for me too- love seeing really come into your own and being AMAZING at what you are doing. Keep rocking it!
sherry says
You are so fortunate to have discovered being true to yourself at such a young age! Continue on your journey of being authentic & genuine, it is refreshing—and maybe a couple of weekend pictures (wink).
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll send you a pic of the crazy girls today π Love you!
Caitlin says
I love this type of post, so keep them coming!
I saved your image with that quote. I absolutely love the message there and love how it can be applied to anything in life (sending to my sister to keep in mind in her dating life ;)).
I also think when it comes to blogs – you can just tell when someone is being authentic. There’s a joy behind your writing and your posts – and I can feel it when I read your posts. It’s why I keep coming back. π
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for the comment Caitlin! It’s funny you mention the idea of dating life because it’s exactly an example he used in the message. He referenced the idea of if you get them with.. .ahem, “certain things,” then that’s the only way you’ll be able to keep them. Not saying that specifically is what you meant, but probably a good thing for the dating scene peeps to keep in mind π
Kate says
I love these introspective posts, because that’s how I am – sometimes I’m stuck in my head. π
Being a mom has definitely made me more at peace with who I am, either because I don’t have the time to constantly worry about what others think or because this no longer so little creature gives me the confidence to conquer the world – probably both…
There is always the temptation to compare on social media or in the blogging world. Particularly in the early days of my blog I thought there were certain posts I “should” do. Now, I’m comfortable being the nerdy researcher that I am in real life and if a post on something I am passionate about has 2000 words I’m ok with that.
John J. says
“To thine own self be true”. Congrats on the self confidence to know who you are (becoming) and proclaim it. You pictured Albert Einstein. Since you started this on a religious note, you may want to read what he says about religion/god. It is his authenticity – and very interesting. Quite a Monday start, my wonderful authentic daughter.
Brittany Dixon says
A quick google search came up with some really interesting quotes and insight, some contradictory. Would be worth an in depth conversation over wine π Love you dad!
John J. says
A definitely “over wine” discussion. Something to ponder- ontological pantheism. Put that in your glass and drink it! You’re the greatest, always open to exploring and learning. A father’s daughter!
Kathy says
Nice post! Key is, yes, be true to yourself. Stupid social media!!!—good point. I have witnessed this in my oldest daughter-getting caught up in what others her age were doing when preparing for college. It seemed to cause a lot of internal drama for her. We worked through it and I was constantly telling her not to compare herself with others and to be true to herself. Listen to God and follow Him and be the person he is leading you to be. She is doing well today. π
Have a lovely day!
Catherine says
I totally agree! When I was younger I used to stress about things like why I wasn’t more outgoing or why I wasn’t this or that. Do I still wish I had a more outgoing personality? Yes, but I know that’s not really me so it doesn’t bother me anymore. I am who I am, and I’m fine with that. I loved that sermon too and also yesterday’s!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
The beginning of my blog journey has been really similar to yours. I started out with a lot more recipes (and I have Celiacs, so they were/are for a niche!) but I haven’t posted one so far in 2016 because I’ve been liking sharing my life updates, talking about running and brunching and friends and family, and writing those long, wordy, introspective posts you mentioned. And I like it. It’s like my blog is a diary and a letter to the world at the same time, and I hope people reading enjoy it, and that sometimes something I write means something to a reader and influences a moment in their day. And that’s enough for me!
Jennifer says
I seriously LOVE this, being authentic and true to yourself is so important. I think as women we struggle a lot with wanting to please others and be liked but in reality that stifles our authentic self. And just so you know YOUR blog is my favorite and is the one that inspired me to start blogging. So keep being you girlfriend!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
LOVE these posts of yours! And you’re not the only person who enjoys these type of thoughts/discussions. I’m known to be the “deep convo” lover in my group of friends!
And as far as authenticity is concerned, I just had a conversation with a good friend about how important it is to “BE YOU.” She said something that stuck with me- success, over all else, is the expression of your true self.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Brittany, I LOVE your blog. Wanna know why? Because your voice is unique, authentic, witty, and always a pleasure to read. Heck, Iβm a 19 year old girl in college, single as can be that cannot remember the last time I cooked a meal. On paper, there is not much that connects you and I, but I find that you are seriously one of my favorite blogs to read.
You could write about floorboards, and Iβd still click on for every post. Personally, my favorite posts are the more introspective motherhood ones, so Iβm all for this transition! But as I said before, Iβll continue to read regardless of the content. As long as you stay true to yourself, thatβs all that matters. <3
Julie says
Such a nice comment, & I couldn’t agree more! What she said! π
Hilary says
I only started following your blog a couple months ago, but I can totally tell that what you write about you are passionate about, whether it’s your daughters, meal prepping, your fashion posts and it does make it interesting whether I’m really interested or not!
Jane says
This was a great way to use his message! Every week I feel like they are all geared directly at me! I don’t know how he does it π I find the more I get “plugged in” the more genuine I become. And the easier it is to let the real me come thru. I don’t have motherhood in common with you but I read every one of your posts just the same, and sometimes I even comment π
Maria says
While I was just a little sad to say goodbye to my carefree 20’s, I am happy to say that my 30’s has brought a whole lot more introspection, confidence, and authenticity. To me, that’s a much better trade off. We won’t mention the extra five pounds it also brought π
I quit Facebook over a year ago and I haven’t looked back when I realized that I’m not much of a sharer. This may come as a surprise since I used to have a blog and shared pretty much everything. But what I never mentioned was that I was very self conscious about it. I was okay with strangers reading my thoughts, but friends, family, and co-workers? No thank you. It took me a while to realize that I’m more a private journaling person and that felt authentic to me. I’ve had other revelations come about in the past few years (political views, how to educate our future children, personal finance) and each one makes me feel more whole as a person. Hooray to getting old!
Jerrica says
For the record, my favorite part of your blog is the fact that you always end with questions for your readers. It really makes it seem like you CARE about what is going on in their world (whether or not you actually do). Yours is actually the only blog I read because I feel like each post is so unique and authentic. I’m glad I found it 4 years ago! I used to read another one but over the last two years she has really stopped being authentic and you can really tell it is more of a burden and she is doing it for the money. It is very disappointing to see that when you should really just move on if you lose the passion.
Julie says
Love this post! You are wise beyond you years, Brittany. I’m much (cough) older than you, & it took me a long time to get to the same point of self awareness & acceptance. As for the blog, not only is it more enjoyable for you to write posts that you’re passionate about, but those are the posts that shine & are most enjoyable for us to read. Keep on keepin’ on! <3
Erica says
I want to start by saying that I felt compelled to post just to tell you that it is your authenticity that brings me back here day after day! I really love your posts like this.
I feel that being my authentic “true self” is much easier in my thirties than when I was younger. Part of that might be that our 20’s are a period of life where we are growing, trying on new personalities and interests, with lots of freedom to explore with little consequences. Once we reach our 30’s, with parenthood, marriage, work, and very little free time, we can identify what we truly love and really embrace our participation in those things. I don’t feel pressured by social media to conform to the “busy and guilty working mom” stereotype but maybe that’s because most of my friends are in the same boat as me and we know it’s just not that bad.
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Great post, and one I can relate to on SO many levels! With blogging, I too, started out with the posting 3x a day (often with quite crappy pictures..which, honestly, I’m still not the best photog!) because that’s what everyone else was doing. But as my life changed and evolved, my blog has done the same. And it really is SO much more fun that way!
I wish I could say I’m at a point where you are in personal life…but I definitely feel like I’m getting there. I’ve always been hyper aware of what others think of me, and I spent most of 20’s overly concerned about that. Now that I’m in my 2nd year of my 30’s (WHERE does the time go?!) I find that I’m slowly becoming more and more “in tune” (if you will) of the real me. Sure, I still fall into the comparison trap and I’d consider myself a “work in progress,” but I like where I’m headed. π
And you’ve also inspired me to try to put this kind of topic into another post of my own, so thank you!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Love this! The older I get, the easier it gets to be authentic, both online and off. It’s just too exhausting & pointless to be anything else.
I am an outgoing introvert, and I wonder if you are too?? It confuses a lot of people, and it confused me for a while too.
Shannon says
You’re awesome.
Lauren says
I think it’s really great that you posted this! I’m currently trying to be more “brave” (for lack of a better word) about sharing my interests online and I struggled a lot with trying to whittle down what I’m interested in into something that would be more focused, but I just couldn’t stick with it. Now I’m really sharing what makes me light up inside and I’m finally seeing my following growing (and my photos are getting recognized on Instagram, which is awesome).
I honestly think that if more people really shared what makes them light up, life would be dramatically different.
SHU says
love it!
I have the same thoughts about my blog. When I try to make it conform to something — I just end up hating it anyway! Might as well just Be Brittany (or Be Sarah in my case!).
I for one love your mix. It never feels forced. There are good ideas, but your personality comes through.
PS also loved the Kaitlyn update. She and Cameron would get along SOO well!
Glenda says
I have been following your blog for 2.5 years and have always appreciated how down to earth you seem and how real your posts are. I feel like I can relate to most of your posts whether they apply directly to me or not- it’s always great to have another woman/mom’s perspective. I also really like the variety of things you post on ( day to day life, meal planning, fashion, fitness, kid updates etc.)
Thanks for you honesty and for being you!
Dana says
And this is why I read and love your blog….because you are so authentic! And to realize that at your age I think is just awesome. I’m a bit older than you and honestly its taken me some time to realize that it is ok to just be myself. Finally in my 40’s I’m learning and its so freeing…..Keep doing what you are doing π
Elizabeth says
I am going through my e-mail inbox and just read this post. What a great post. I feel that authenticity is something I look for in everyone, and if they don’t have it then I feel like I don’t want to listen to them (especially in this political season). I’m glad you wrote about this and accepting/embracing who you really are and what makes you happy. I want to please everyone, all of the time… so this has been something that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. Like you said, I think that age and kids are giving me the courage to live my true self and not what everyone (parents, bosses, friends, coworkers, family, etc.) else thinks I should be.
Not sure if you follow Reese Witherspoon on IG but she is posts inspirational things that speak to me : )
Brittany Dixon says
I’m a people pleaser at heart too so I totally understand! <3 and now I just went and followed Reese- thanks for the suggestion π