I feel like I’ve had this conversation in my head a million times and probably more than a handful of times with you, too. So if you’re sick of hearing about it, I apologize! But yesterday morning after hitting publish on our happy homeschool day post I got to thinking…
Should that post have been a private journal entry instead of shared on the internet? Not that anything super personal was in it, but more so my oozing of happiness and gratitude. It is 100% sincere. Especially because in the early quiet of the mornings, I feel my feelings about the passing of time and my gratitude for this life super strongly. However, perhaps I’ve been burned by a few rude comments over the years and feel like that level of contentment is best served lukewarm, as to ensure it’s not “too much” for anyone.
How sad is that? I worry about sharing my JOY because I’m bracing for backlash or eyerolls. But sometimes I do worry about that because I know the sincere hardships of this crazy world and the bitterness it can put in some hearts. I also know that hurt people hurt people, but being on the receiving end of misplaced discontentment still hurts.
I want to be a source of positive energy, but gosh sharing openly is a vulnerable state to be in. When I write like I’m talking to a best friend and get a zinger of rudeness back, it stings and makes me draw inwards.
Stopping here to brace for the: that’s what you get for putting your life on the internet comment.
I know a lot of bloggers have felt this and believe that is a key contributor as to why blogging has turned more “magazine-like.” It’s easier to write reviews and create recipe round ups than it is to write about your life. I know I’ve been drawn to that more magazine-like style more than once for several reasons- the lower emotional toll for one, and because as bloggers, we’re told niching down, giving helpful advice, and writing more polished “shareable” posts is the only way to grow.
A friend on IG yesterday, as I pondered all this, sent back – write what brings you joy and the right people will find you. BOOM. Truth bomb. And the exact advice I’d give to a friend, too. Write whatever you want to and I’ll keep stopping by to see what’s on your mind that day.
I know you are my people. If I look at things logically (not my strong suit; I’m driven by emotion), 95% of you that check in here on the daily are the ABSOLUTE best. We get each other like a group of old friends. You share with me your sources of joy in your life and it lights me up. You’ve also shared your common heartaches with me, as I lost important people in my life. I’m so grateful that you share your life with me. I feel like I know you and that is what has created the intimacy level that makes me comfortable sharing my life with you.
I have to believe that journal-style blogging isn’t dead because it is the part that brings me joy. And honestly, from what I’ve seen through your messages and through analytics is that there is still most definitely a space for “just” sharing about life.
So thank you for that. Like friends do, I’ll keep sharing what I’m cooking, trips we’re taking, solutions that are working for me, and items that make me happy- the lighter level joys of life. But I’m also committed to keep sharing the full spectrum of emotions I feel in a journalistic style because I love it and I think it’s what we all need more of- vulnerability, depth, and human connection beyond a single snapped picture of a filtered moment.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my most recent journal entry (lol). Here’s a picture from a very cold, wet, and cozy Tuesday to tie things up. I hope you have a great day!
Melanie says
I so much prefer old school blogging-I’ve read many of my blogs for probably 15 years now (which feels crazy!) and so I feel like I’ve gotten to know you-I find myself skipping over recipe round up etc. because they feel repetitive. I totally get that times change and that things are different (especially for those who blog as their full time job and need to get paid) but I truly enjoy reading about the day to day-so thanks for sharing!!
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t tell you how cool I think it is that you’ve been reading for so long. You’ve seen a lot of my ups and downs then; thanks for sticking around! Thanks for your feedback, too. Hope you have a great day!!
Ann says
Thank you for all of your posts you are a source of joy for me every day !!!
Monica says
I truly enjoy your style of writing! I love the emotions you put in to it and can relate to most every emotion (the ups and downs)! 🙂 yours is one I keep coming back to every morning because I enjoy it so much! Thank you for all you do on here!
Lauren says
I love your blog! It’s my favorite – like checking in on a friend! I don’t do social media so I appreciate your blog the way it is. I’ve been reading it for a long time – 8?9? Years. I don’t know. It’s been awhile! And I’m telling you if you lived in texas we would be friends! ☺️
Kathy says
I love your blog too and I love how you are old school with it. (I have been reading your blog since before Hailey was born) I enjoy reading everything you post even though I am not in the same season of life as you. It is fun to read and I still learn a lot from you. 🙂 I enjoy it all. I live in my own happy world bubble and it never dawned on me that you would receive “hate comments”. I am so sorry. I hope you will keep on keeping on because there are a lot of us who enjoy this space. 🙂 Have a great day!!!
Kelli says
Real life is so much better than a magazine looking life. If you are feeling joy then share that! Don’t be afraid of what the haters say. Haters gonna hate! I realize it’s very vulnerable though. That’s why so many, myself included love blogging like that.
Leah says
Long time reader and I much prefer your blogging style to a “magazine” style. I love what you share- the joys and the difficult times. The tips and the tricks. Just daily life. You feel like hearing from an old friend. Stay encouraged and keep it up!
Corinne says
Yours is one of the few blogs I keep coming back to every week for years because of this exact reason.
Joanna says
Keep doing what you’re doing and being your true self! If you’re having a good/bad day share it! I enjoy all of your content and realness. I found you by googling toddler meal ideas or something and your blog popped up. I’m sure happy it did because you share so much more. Sad that people chose to reply with snarky comments instead of scrolling on. 🙁 Some have become too comfortable being mean in front of their screen instead of being happy for someone’s happy day. 🤦🏼♀️
Sarah says
I loved your post about a typical homeschooling day! I don’t know if I would have the courage to write a daily blog about my life. I used to blog (a lot less regularly than daily!) and really enjoyed it, but I got concerned about my family’s privacy. With that being said, I loved the opportunities for connection with others through blogging. There is so much to consider… and each person has to make a decision that works best for them, and then STOP comparing.
I think it was Glennon Doyle who once wrote about how someone wasn’t doing things that made you jealous “at” you. They’re just doing them. And that Amy Pohler quote, “Good for her! Not for me.” I think the world would be a gentler place if people felt more confident in their own choices and accepted that everyone is free to make their own choices without it being a judgment of someone else. We only get one life to live!
I for one I’m so glad that you blog. I love the daily blog style. And if you choose to change styles or stop at some time, good for you too then. Sending support!
Sarah says
I found the “at me” piece of writing I was referring to! So good still all these years later
https://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/07/quit-pointing-avocado/
Brittany Dixon says
Ohhh thank you for this, Sarah!! <3
Monika says
I have been following you since the beginning, but have never commented. I want to say that the ONLY reason I still follow you, and not many of the “bloggers” that I did initially, is because of your posts containing your feelings and daily happenings. It gives me such inspiration. And this is coming from a Mom of grown children, who is still trying to find her balance. Be you! We love it❤️
Brittany Dixon says
I am so touched by your comment, Monika! I know commenting can be a pain, but you reaching out to share this means a lot. Thanks so much for being here!
Maureen Tovey says
I love reading your blog! Keep your confidence and be you. Grareful!
Courtney Wilton says
Please don’t stop! I love stopping by your blog every couple of days and reading along with what you’re doing, thinking, feeling! I’m a huge fan of this type of blogging! I feel like it’s catching up with a friend despite never having met (and living on the opposite side of the world to you too!).
anne says
Please write for you. Your blog is a wonderful record and reminder of all the small and big things that makes up your life.
I lost my writing mojo and post perhaps 3 to 4 times a year. A shame really because when I look back on my blogging active years, I am so grateful for the memories I took time to record. And when I read your posts, it reminds me of just how good it is to write, nothing is ever too mundane xx