here’s something i have learned over my handful of years
as part of this growing inter-web community.
we women have needs.
we all love to be validated, we all love to hear compliments,
and we share what we do, in part, because we like to hear those things.
we need to hear those things.
and not even necessarily in relation to our craftiness or ability to make things,
just validation, for validation’s sake.
no, it doesn’t mean we are broken,
or that our husbands and mothers are not supportive enough,
it just means a kind word goes a long way…
especially with us woman-types.
i realized that this past year,
i have grown into a case of anxiety.
as i read blogs, or thumb through pins, instead of getting excited to make and do things,
or feeing inspired by my fellow blogger friends,
and instead of thinking, “wow that is something great she did!”
i would feel sick.
partly it is because i have type A/need to be the best/jealousy issues,
i can admit that.
but part of it is just because i wished i had thought it up first.
i hated that the ideas were all taken,
and i was feeling less creative and less motivated to do my own thing.
and worse, i kept telling myself i couldn’t.
it meant that when i would come upon a new blog or post that i was impressed with,
part of me didn’t want to let the person know.
in my selfishness, i didn’t want to tell them how great they were,
cause what would that do,
make them happy??!
see how dumb that is.
i didn’t.
not until recently.
and i have almost completely kicked the anxiety.
how?
every time i see a blog i love, i follow it.
even if i know i might not have time to read it much.
but just to let them know, “hey, i like what you’re doing here.”
every time i see something great on facebook,
i try to comment on it. *positively of course.
every time i see a post with a great recipe, or photo,
or something great on etsy, i pin it or favorite it or whatever it is,
to let them know.
why?
because it made their day to see one new follower, or to see their effort praised!
it made her smile to know they said or made or did something great.
and you know what else?
it makes me feel worlds better too.
we are a community of women all striving to be better,
and i think the fact that we blog and share everything
means we can help each other actually be better!
i hope you will join me in spreading the love.
if you want, grab a button and post it on your blog
to let people know you commit to spreading the love too.
*i have a brief soap box about negative comments.
i don’t believe in them.
if you don’t like something,
don’t respond.
it does no one any good!!
what a fantastic idea! I have the same issue sometime; jealousy is a terrible, awful fault of mine. I am obsessed with checking the hits on my blog 20 times a day. It's a serious problem. And I don't get *why* I care, exactly, but you kind of laid it out here for me: for validation. I want people to know what I'm doing and what I'm about. And if they like it; great. If not, then..
Love this, Meg. And quite frankly, you will always be one of my most favorite people. You're awesome, and I love you (even though it's been YEARS since we last saw each other).
I think all women feel this way on some level: jealousy, competitive, feeling self-doubt…It's a bummer and a reality. The best way to overcome negative feelings is to be outwardly positive. Makes perfect sense. I think women have such amazing gifts and talents and our insecurities rob others of feeling accomplished and it's no good. If you think it (and it's nice) than say it. FYI:
I am ALL over this! Ready to spread-y! 🙂
I love this 🙂 And I LOVED your you don't suck post!!!! validation is so important to all us girls! You are one fantastic lady!!! :)<br /><br />Brittany T
Meg,<br />Thanks for the post…just laying here on my couch feeling crummy. Not emotionally just a dumb cold! But I love your inspiring words…I always say it would be boring If we all had the same 5 talents ( I used to have 1 talent in high school and it was cleaning bathrooms) So I feel like 5 is bragging…..but enough of me. You are great.
I really really like this post! I found your blog yesterday & have been reading through it & I really love it! I'm a blogger in San Diego as well 🙂 I completely understand the "Why didn't I think of that?" or "Why did that blogger get chosen for that campaign?" type of deal. But, I know that things have happened for me & my blog & I am incredibly
I really love this idea. Its great to see that you are helping spread love for all bloggers. I am grabbing a button and thanks for your inspiration. <br /><br />Nicki @ Nicki's Random Musings