Today's post is very different from what you'll normally see when you stop by. I've had something on my heart and it's time to pass it on and share with you all. I hope you'll stick through this wordy post and seek the goodness that can come from it.
I love blogging and it serves a great purpose in my life right now as a creative outlet, but at the same time I find myself feeling a little empty where blogging is concerned. Let's dive a little deeper, shall we? Design blogs are full of pretty images and great ideas that are meant to inspire. But do they really? Or can they do the exact opposite? Do they ever leave you feeling inadequate or frustrated? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? I do. Let's be honest, I'm convinced that little "followers" box is evil! It's one of the first things I look at when I come across a new blog...and let the comparison begin. Sometimes I wonder if pretty blogs are just a way for people to fill their emptiness and escape.
Now, before you think, "Holy cow...what a Debbie downer post she's got going on..." let me tell you that it's leading to something much more uplifting!
I want you to know that the absolute last thing I want anyone to feel after reading my blog is frustrated or inadequate. That's why I'm starting a series called 'Transparent Tuesday.' The word transparent seems to be a theme in my life right now. I can't help but think life would be so much easier if we lived our lives with transparent motives. We wouldn't have to question others' motives. We wouldn't misinterpret things as much. And, most importantly, we'd be able to help each other more.
Where is this all coming from, you ask? It started one on of my runs last week. I was praying for a blogging friend and suddenly the Holy Spirit interceded and shared with me this..."Why pray for just one, you need to pray for them all!" And that's exactly what I plan to do. Every Tuesday you can leave a comment with a prayer request. It can be anything...big or small. I'm talking as simple as 'I'm a hand model and just broke a nail. What am I going to do about today's audition?' or as big as 'I just got news that rocked my world and I'm not sure how to breath right now.' It's my commitment to you, dear friends, that I will pray for each and every request that's left. Leaving it as a comment might just get you a few extra prayers from others doing the same! If you don't want your request to be public, then send it via email, dfrieling1@gmail.com.
So, you may be thinking, "Yeah, right...you want me to bare my soul but what exactly do you plan to do?" Well, I'm glad you asked. In light of keeping things transparent, I'm going to 'be real' with you. That may be something extremely different every week, who knows? This week it means sharing with you my feelings of inadequacy when it comes to starting my business.
I started blogging in hopes of drumming up some business. I thought it'd be a great place for people to see my work and hopefully lead to future projects. I know I just recently started and probably have expectations that are too high, but honestly, things just aren't where I'd like them to be. It's a very slow process! So, do I pray for patience or do I pray for growth? God must think I need more patience in my life because He keeps giving me lesson after lesson. One day it'll sink in, God, I promise!
I thought edesign would be a great way to go. I'd love to help others design their rooms via email and the internet. But guess what? I throw it out there at the end of almost every single post and I've yet to book a client! I've only had 2 inquiries and neither came to fruition. Here's where the comparison monster creeps in. I see all the other bloggers post their edesign boards and client progress and I immediately wonder what they have that I don't. Not healthy, right? Fully aware of that, friends, but I'm only normal!
I've easily become hyper-focused on "growing" my blog. I stopped and asked myself, "For what?," "Where's my focus?" and "What's important?" I got my answer...Helping others. That's why I'm starting 'Transparent Tuesday.' I'm following God's lead and offering you the best gift I have to offer, the gift of prayer!
What can I pray for you today, friend?
13 comments:
This is such a lovely idea, Dana. You have such a good heart! For what it's worth I think blogging and sharing your projects and your style will lead to work for you! You are talented and creative, and your blog is professional looking and nice to visit. I'll check in on Tuesdays and pray for your commenters too!
The Lord knows I can use all the prayers I can get on any given day!
Oh my sweet friend, you are beyond kind! I love that your blog focuses on what's important in between your great projects! I certainly compare, but try to keep in mind we just started! :)
Pray that I'll know when to nag my teenager about being rude/aloof or when to let it go and chalk it up to being 13!
Thank you for being so honest and sincere. That is something I very much appreciate. I can get caught up in the competition of blogging too and that's when it stops being fun. It is hard not to get caught up in that when you are actually trying to start up a business. Thank you for reminding me that I shouldn't be thinking I'm better or worse than anyone else out there.
And thank you so much for offering to pray for your fellow bloggers. That is the kindest offer I have ever come across on a blog. You have a big heart and I'm sure God is happy with you and what you are doing :) I have my struggles too and they definitely try my patience as well. I have major back issues that give me a lot of pain. I keep thinking I have learned what I need to learn, but the trial continues. I guess the biggest lesson I need to learn is just to trust in the Lord and remember that He is in control. I'm sure He is very aware of you and your hopes and dreams as well.
I'm so glad I found your blog Dana! You uplift and inspire me. Thank you!
Wow, I am so inspired by you! It takes a lot to get real with people via the blogosphere. You are right- it can be an ugly game of comparison if you let it. I love the idea of Transparent Tuesday. We must be on the same wavelength because today instead of just posting about interiors and fashion, I shared a little bit of my mission trip to Africa. I think it is important to have bits of yourself sprinkled within your blog. Thank you for being so honest with us! :)
XO,
Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com
This is how I fell. I get thrilled and giddy when I have a new follower, but so many times I see new blogs pop up that instantly have double my following. That's not what this is all about! I seriously love this post. Way to put it into words =)
Dana, you really touch my heartstrings today! Being a wife, mother, blogger and designer is a lot to take on. Please don't be so hard on yourself. Your blog is amazing and I love reading it everyday. "They" say that you shouldn't judge the numbers on your blog for at least a year! Sharing some of your personal thoughts is usually a good thing. I'm sure you will reap rewards of your kind generosity of prayer!
This post couldn't have come at a better time. I think baring it all with honest posts like this is what makes blogging such a wonderful outlet and community. Each and every one of us is different in a unique way, but our content is what sets us apart. Instead of comparing (which is so easy to do), I try my best to provide my unique ideas and thoughts on subject matter. I think the spiritual side of your blog is what makes you unique Dana! Thank you for this and your readers will thank you. I'd like to request a prayer for slowing down and taking things one step and one day at a time. Have a good day Dana and thank you!
No prayer requests. Just wanted to let you know that I think you rock. The end.
This is one of the most amazing blog postings I've read. It's so good to know that I'm not alone with these feelings. I'm super new to my blog and I'm loving it whether anyone is following me or not, I honestly don't mind because posting has just kept me motivated to do the things in my home that I mostly just ponder about. I do however share that little quirk where I check out other bloggers follower #. Grrr. Well I think you're awesome. I pray to stay brave and continue this even during frustrating times. Thanks for the inspiration.
Great post Dana! It is so easy to become discouraged/jealous/feel inadequate and compare in this blogging world. Love this idea! More importantly though I love your humbleness in sharing this and your heart in following the Lord's leading. Please pray for a woman at our church who has hospice coming tomorrow to start end of life care. She has children in college and one is a junior in high school. My heart is breaking for their family.
I think I may have said this before...Beautiful post by a beautiful friend with a beautiful blog! You are doing great things Dana! I think you know I have some of the same struggles(seems to be common among bloggers;) that is why I often disappear from bloggy land and reappear. If it is just another thing on the to do list or taking me away from the family then it usually hits me like a ton of bricks and I have to turn it off and regroup. That being said I would love for you to pray for my little man to have peace about me going to work or for something to change in our situation. He is totally giving me the guilt trip about working outside of the home and it is making my heart ache and wonder if I am doing all the wrong things right now. Love you girl and you are in my prayers tonight!
What a beautiful and inspiring post! I could not agree more with you about the intro, and I hate that followers box too because I'm drawn to it as well, which is SO not what this is all about. I will be greatly looking forward to Tuesdays with you :) No prayer requests at this time, but love the idea that I can read this and keep others in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Just another reason to be a "friend" not a "follower"
Dana you have amazing strength - it must have taken a lot to write this post and you should not be surprised at the responses. Blogging is not a competition. You have to believe in yourself and put positive energy out there. I would request a prayer for peace of mind and more positive energy than I have at the moment. Thank you!
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