Farmgirl Paints: shine;)

I stumbled upon some ugly words about myself last week. It was one of those snarky mean girl sites and someone had taken the time to pretty much judge every move I make. Including that I'm a bad writer. I try not to focus on stuff like that because no one but my close peeps really know me, but for some reason the bad writer thing stuck (oh I hate that) and has been on replay in my mind occasionally this last week. It's kinda weird that it was that statement that bothered me, because I know I'm not a technically good writer. I write just exactly how I would talk. Run on sentences. Incomplete thoughts. Lack of focus;)

Blah, blah, blah... The thing is hurting people lash out and hurt people. It's easy to throw stones. It's easy to pick on and put down others, especially in this day and age...all hidden behind our screens. We've all seen the horrible things that others say on IG to complete strangers. It blows my mind how people can be so hateful and mean...but then I'm reminded we live in a fallen world. Not everyone believes the things I do. Extend grace...ugh!

I started this blog six years ago! Six!!! I was cold and dark...literally;) It was cold up there in Minnesota and I was in a dark place struggling with depression. And blogging was wonderful. It helped me focus my time and energy on searching for good. Looking at my little world and embracing and noticing everything around me. What a gift:) I wouldn't trade it for anything. And the friends I've met! And the places I've been!!! I don't think any of it would have been possible without this space...this platform.

And now there's Instagram. Amazing how you think things will stay the same and then all of a sudden it's different. Somehow I have 20,000 "followers" on IG! Say WHAT!! I don't say that to brag. Honestly I can't believe people would want to tag along and see what little snippets I have to share. Really it's humbling and weird and if you don't keep the whole thing in perspective it's a mind game.

I read a quote recently that said:

"Artists are people driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide". -- DW Winnicott

YES! This is how I feel exactly. There is a constant push and pull feeling in me to share everything and then share nothing... Because heaven forbid you share something special...something close to your heart and it gets misunderstood or you get judged. Who has time for that! Who wants to put their heart out there to get stomped on! And when you add an element of creativity...well that just ups the anty.

But despite those feelings I have the strongest conviction that I think life is meant to be shared. We learn from each other. We can inspire one another and we can give that little bit of encouragement along the way. We are not the only ones that feel vulnerable and tired and out of sorts occasionally. This life thing is no joke. It's hard at times and to walk with others is a gift...even if it is virtually.

SO all that to say... SHINE girls! Don't let the thoughts of anyone deter you from your purpose. There is only one you! The world needs to see your gifts and talents. God has specifically given them to you to SHARE:) Don't worry about being judged...you will be. Put on your blinders. Focus on what's in front of you and live out your calling...whatever that may be:)

Be a blessing.