I’ve decided that starting today I’m going to be 100% honest with you.
Let me explain:
When I first started blogging it was extremely easy to get caught up in portraying this perfect, curated reality.
You know the one… perfect house with all of the most trendy, of the moment decorations… perfect outfits with Pantone’s color of the year artfully mixed in… kid’s wearing adorable (and spotless!) handmade outfits and posing perfectly for cameras…
I chased that reality. I chased it not only because it seemed so appealing, but because I wanted people to read my blog. I wanted people to like Truncation. And I thought that the only way they would, is to make them want to chase after the reality that I was also chasing after.
But you know what? After a little while, I kind of felt like one of those hamsters running inside of a wheel. I was constantly working towards something, but never getting anywhere.
I mean, I did get people to read my blog (nothing groundbreaking I can assure you), but it always left me a bit exhausted because there is so much that goes into creating that perfect reality.
I would don outfits from my capsules and snap some pictures, knowing full well that I probably wouldn’t wear that outfit again.
I rarely took photos inside, because my house wasn’t “Insta” ready… or, in other words, I’m a normal 32 year old who doesn’t have the budget to renovate our home just yet.
And over the last year, as my life became crazier and crazier (hello twin pregnancy and buying/selling houses), I felt like I needed to back off from blogging because I didn’t have the time to create this curated image I was presenting.
But I’ve been feeling a bit rebellious lately.
Maybe it’s the sleepless nights… maybe it’s just post pregnancy hormones, but…
I’m just kind of over it.
Because here’s the thing:
I love blogging. I love sharing my thoughts and life with you. It’s an extremely fulfilling artistic outlet and I don’t want to give it up just because I have to choose between doing the dishes in my sink or taking pictures.
So I’ve decided that if I have dishes in my sink (or breast pump parts lined up on the counter like in these photos), I’m going to take the pictures anyway because, well, that’s life!
You know what else? I hate that blue color in my kitchen… our appliances are old and need replacing, and the cabinets and counter tops need to be updated. But so what?
So what?
If I waited to take pictures in our kitchen until after all of those things were done, you’d be waiting a long time.
I refuse to let my need to have a nicer kitchen, so that my pictures look prettier, force me into making a poor financial decision.
My point is that this is my reality and I want to share it with you. Does it look as pretty as the ones you see on Pinterest? Nope! But it’s mine. It’s real.
And I kind of like it.
Until next time,
The blogs I enjoy the most (and I’ve been reading/writing a blog for over ten years) are the ones with dishes in the background, and the wrinkle on the shirt, and the unkempt hair. Because those people have smiles on their faces, REAL smiles. Sure, the pretty picture blogs of perfection are nice for inspiration but they (generally, not always) lack a real depth. Life is messy! And loud! And quite often full of dirty dishes! So, I say be real. That’s how we truly connect to one another even though we will never meet anywhere than the internet.
I have a little pen bucket from Target that says: Goid moms have messy kitchens, laundry piles, & happy kids.
Amen to that.
So good Andrea! I definitely feel connected to so many of you because I’ve been blessed to have Truncation be a space where women can be real and honest. I don’t want anyone to ever think I have it all together because, quite honestly, I don’t! And I don’t ever want to be the reason someone feels bad about the life that they’re living.
Thank you for your honesty! I’m a new blogger and hold back a lot on posting because my pictures aren’t ‘perfect’ and I’m still working on my style. Your post has inspired me to be a bit more real in my blog and stop striving for an unattainable (for most people) perfection!
I say go for it! You want the kind of readers who are willing to grow with you instead of the kind that are only looking for perfection.
Absolutely nothing wrong with mess or imperfection. I myself being a working mom of one who doesn’t have time to curate my home or take photos of blissful coffee and play time appreciate the real and the mess. It’s relatable and beautiful in its own right cause its real life. There are some beautiful blogs and insta feeds,that quite honestly feel like the stepford versions of life. And thats fine but real is awesome too. Congrats on the babies and being true to you!
Thanks Nicole! I definitely know what you mean about the Stepford blogs haha!
Thanks for being real! I remember being about your age with just one baby and being lucky to get a shower in a day!
For real! I have to squeeze them in whenever I can, but it’s a struggle!
I love this.
Love this Karin!! You do you. People will still read. Actually better people will read, people who appreciate your honesty and reality.
Thank you Kerry! I’ve always thought your blog was really relatable so I appreciate you saying so!
Amen Sista!
xoxo
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!
I feel you on the wanted the blog to be perfect and people to want to read it but reading blogs that are real and slightly imperfect is so much more interesting and also so refreshing!
The Quirky Queer
It’s so, so easy to get caught up in that Izzy! It took me a while to decide I just don’t have the energy anymore!
Do you use that grey bucket by the sink for dishes too (from the hospital, right?)?! I thought we were the only weirdos who did that! Anything that can’t go in the dishwasher, goes in there to be hand washed in our house 😉
And I didn’t even notice the dishes in the background until you pointed them out! I prefer blogs that show the real side anyway. Last thing I want to do at the end of a long day is sit down and read a blog that makes me bad because I can’t compare. Go you!
We use it for all of the pump and bottle parts! Haha! It’s the perfect size! I agree with you… it’s so easy to feel down because we don’t have what “they” have. I’m kind of over feeling that way so I’ve been really careful about what kinds of people I follow on Instagram lately.
YAY! you go, girl!!! You look fantastic, too, btw!!! Praying for quick recovery (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually!!!)
Thanks Lottie!! You’re so sweet!
YES!!! Love this!!!
Thank you Karin, I think many women can relate to this.
You’re welcome Manon! Life’s a bit messy right?!
I for one have never thought there is anything “un-beautiful” of real life scenes. I’m glad you’ve pushed past all that and are ready to share your beautiful story and self with the world. 🙂 To me, “light and life” are what make beautiful photos. And these my dear, are spot on! 😉
Thank you Laura! I LOVE the way you put that!
“You know what else? I hate that blue color in my kitchen… our appliances are old and need replacing, and the cabinets and counter tops need to be updated. But so what?”
Didn’t even notice! Actually had to scroll back. This was so great to read I am a 38 year old mom to a super independent 18 month old- after many years of baby free concerts, music festivals, road trips and all that- being a mom is tough! Being a working mom is tough! My house looks just like this and we are so happy!!! My friend came over the other day and said “wow your house finally stopped looking like a catalog” and I almost cried because I thought- yea, I finally have everyone I need and its ok that everything is everywhere! Glad I found your blog 🙂
I’m glad to hear you didn’t notice haha! I love what you say about being happy because we are too! And I love that our home is a reflection of who we are. I love your insight Maggie so thank you for sharing!
I think you are onto something. One thing I have noticed is how everyone is striving for perfection in every aspect of blogging or social media (myself included). However, imperfection is what makes us unique. I love that you are stepping out and doing things anyways, and it is inspiring to know there are others out there who are tired of trying to be “picture perfect”. Thank you for this post! I needed it today!
I totally agree Erin! And I myself am drawn to people who are being honest and vulnerable. I’m glad you felt inspired!