I remember when I first started a blog and I would read all about the exciting things that were happening to other bloggers. I never even knew that magazine features and freelance writing jobs and TV shows and book deals and things like that could happen to ordinary stay-at-home moms like myself who shared their passions on a blog. Once I saw that, my dreams (which started out as just wanting to make a little money to contribute to the family budget) got much bigger.
I went from excitement over all of the possibilities to feeling like amazing things were happening to everyone but me. (It’s easy to feel like that in the blog world at times. I’m sure I’m not alone.) A fellow blogger would share some exciting news and, while I was genuinely happy for her, there was a twinge. That twinge. The “why not me” twinge. I hate those twinges, because they’re bringing something out in me that I wish wasn’t there. A little insecurity, maybe some envy. As I got myself all tied in knots about “why not me”, I was totally missing something very important: I wasn’t ready.
If some big opportunity had fallen in my lap a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have been ready for it. I needed time to grow. Time to refine my style, to become a better photographer and writer and to learn lessons about being the president of my own company. I needed to experience triumphant successes and epic failures. Looking back, I can’t believe that HGTV.com and Cottages & Bungalows asked me to write for them. ME…someone with no professional writing, photography or design experience! I have truly been doing it all by the seat of my pants and I’m so thankful they took a chance on me and gave me time to sharpen my skills. I know I still have a ton of room to grow in more areas than I can name, but I feel better prepared for the most exciting opportunity received in my e-mail inbox to date. (I’ll tell you all about it when I can.) I now see that waiting has been an important part of the process and I’m glad for it.
So, if you’re feeling “that twinge” and impatient and a little insecure, just remember that there’s a time for everything and this may be your time to grow.
103 Responses
Congratulations…it’s wonderful to see one of my favorite bloggers get discovered.
all the best,
xo Jana
Marian I couldn’t agree more and I’m so itching to hear about your newest opportunity (you can bet there’ll be a twinge on my end!) but I know my time will come. But for now I’m so thankful for all that has happened.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It encouraged my heart and just Blessed me. I have learned so much from you and other season bloggers and I know I have more to learn. Thank you again for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Vanessa
Thank you for your thoughts. I hope your new opportunity is a fabulous one. You are a very generous person and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving
Wise words from a gracious leader. Well done for all your successes and talent. You give us something to all aspire to and are most generous with your parties, tutorials and blogging 101s. I must say I hang off every word and very much appreciate your sharing.
I needed to hear this and was so encouraged by the way you shared it! You are blooming from your time of growth into such beauty!
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven ~
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. 11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. 15 That which is has been already, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
One certainly can’t say it better than that. 🙂
Congrats! I can’t wait to hear your news! And thank you for keeping it in perspective for us little bloggers. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much for your words,I have been feeling very insecure lately and your words comfort me and give me courage to keep going and grow,as I know I have a lot of growing to do. Thanks again for your tutelage and your encouragement….xo
Lucy
You and me, both. 🙂
Wise words of wisdom.
I feel very fortunate to have learned so much from your multitude of talents.
Anxious to hear about the next leg of your journey.
I am so happy for you. I enjoy reading your blog everyday. Your creativity and projects are a huge inspiration. I try and bring some of that to my weekends now…all because of you. I hope your next chapter is filled with success!
Lynn
Thanks! I really needed to hear that today. 🙂 You always continue to inspire me. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
It’s good to see all your hard work come to fruition! That said, I do think the blog world can be a little competitve. It’s best to focus on what one does best and ignore all those little “twinges.” I find that some of my favorite blogs are ones in which the writer simply writes from the heart about her life, passions, and interests. (The cover story of the latest Country Living magazine comes to mind.) It’s not even a business at all, but a joyful journal of sorts. I think that those kinds of blogs are truly authentic!
Oh, I loved seeing A Country Farmhouse on the cover!
Yayyyy Marian!! That is so very exciting!
I can’t wait to hear your news!!
Its true… I feel that twinge sometimes when I see what others are being offered. but I just have to remember its not my time, and my time will come when its right! Im so happy to know its your time, and that we get to be excited right along with you!!! Cant wait to hear the news!
Happy Thanksgiving Marian! I can’t wait to hear your good news! I have been working away at setting up my new blog – it’s been a learning experience that’s for sure! I ended up going with the same theme you have, if you get a chance please check it out, I’d love to hear what you think. I still have a lot more work to do with it, but it’s coming along. Take care and have fun in Raleigh!
You know, I don’t usually write comments. I one day hope to learn everything I need to in order to blog, write, photograph and share my crafty moments with others. I have that twinge and lack of confidence and reading this post really touched my heart. Thank you for a good reminder and serving as an example of both the journey and the destination. I wish you all the best and hope one day I can inspire others that way you have. <3
When I stumble, get frustrated, overwhelmed, and am wondering if what I’m doing is really headed anywhere, I think of the stories we learned as children like The Little Steam Engine That Could and Inch by Inch.
It takes time to learn, many things can be taught in classrooms, but there are so many other things that we need to know that only time and experience can give us.
(Can’t wait to hear your big news!)
So very exciting…looking forward to hearing all about your BIG NEWS!!! I have had some in the past two weeks and it has been a dream come true. You are so right about…your time will come…that’s been so true for me too:)
Blessings,
Linda
What a great perspective. Thanks for these words today
Oh Marian,
I am tickled pink for you and your new ???.
I have been very fortunate in life endeavors so I really am (no twinge ) tickled for you to enjoy the ride. You are in the right time and place in your life.
Smiles, Alice
are you speaking directly to me??!! 😉
This is great advice and just what I need right now. Thank you!
Very well said and sooooo true!
Best wishes for your new, exciting endeavor! Whatever it may be! xx
I really love reading about your experiences and your innate sense of style. I know what you mean about that “twinge”, it is all about the right time and the right place, and patience is the key. I wanted to show you some of the furniture I am doing at the moment, but I don’t have a blog or site to work from at the moment. As I look at what I have done and see it looks good, and then go, how does it compare to Miss Mustard Seeds work 🙂
Anyway, I am glad that I found your blog as it adds some life to my otherwise difficult patch I currently find myself in. I guess it helps when you come from a healthy and supportive family. When I read about what you and your Mum do together (diy and decorating) it makes me wish my Mum would share things with me too.
Thank You XXX
I would be happy if someone would just make a comment on my blog! Congratulations on all your success, it is obvious that you have worked hard and you have many talents to keep sharing with us.
thank you. and keep growing.
So excited that you are going places you never thought you would go. You are such a wonderful inspiration not only through your designs but you embrace your readers hearts Sending you many blessings.
Roxanna
It’s such a great and wonderful story that you have and one that I can only dream can happen to me someday…I LOVE doing what I do as a stay at home mom for 18 years now and continue to hope that some day all of my projects and decorating will turn into something more…Thanks for being such a force of inspiration and CONGRATULATIONS to you on all of your accomplishments….xo, Mariaelena
Congratulations because you seriously deserve it. Maybe one day you will share with us how we too can be discovered and be as successful as you are.
hugs
Sissie
Congratulations, Mariion! It is always fun (for me) to see someone I “know” getting accolades. It makes my heart happy when others succeed! Can’t wait o see what happens next~ xo Diana
A fantastic read….
This is so nice of you to share. Good things are happening to you but you haven’t forgotten what it’s like on the other side. Thanks.
Thank you this post. As an aspiring auntrpanor, I do feel that impatience, yrt I know god is telling me I’m not ready for ikt all. Iam amother and wife first, yet my passion still grows. I am inspired by you and your journey. Thank you for being honest and humble.
Best,
Cory moon
I needed this reminder. Even though I’ve been blogging 2+ years, I am still young and fairly inexperienced. Opportunities will come my way as I grow and learn!
Can’t wait to hear about your new project!
It just goes to show, that if you follow your heart, and do the stuff that makes you excited and inspired and makes you shine, that you will begin to flow with life, instead of pushing against something that isn’t working. It’s been so fun to know you and watch your success grow and expand. I know you love what you do, but you worked your butt off too… so whatever goodies are coming your way, you have earned!! Can’t wait to hear what it is!!
Cindy
I think you wrote this just for me. I started writing in January after quitting a job I hated. I have looked at other blogs with such envy over the list of advertisers and wished I could have ONE, plus a lot more followers. But………..I write every day. I think my writing has improved greatly in the last year. I don’t spend days writing a single post. I like the direction it’s going and the direction I’m going. Good things come to those who wait and keep the faith. If this is what I’m meant to do, and I believe it is, my time will come.
Thank you for putting this all down for all of us who march to a creative drummer.
No truer words could be spoken! I have those twinges of envy with the dreaming. I also know that as much as I wish it were me landing those opportunities, I am nowhere near prepared for those types of commitments. Even though you are speaking of your growth, you are speaking for so many more of us that are where you were. I needed to be reminded of this process and I know that I’m working on it! So, I’ll be waiting in anticipation to hear your next growth opportunity!
Perfect timing………….Your posting just jumped out at me! Thank you!!
I don’t get the twinge, I guess because I’m just here to be part of it. But you, you’ve worked really hard for this and you have real talent and personality. You deserve everything that you’ve aimed for and, yes, without a twinge, I’m very happy for you. I can say, ‘I knew her when she was just a blogger, now she has her own show’. Good luck and carry on doing what you do.
Great post! Good to know others feel this way too! Thanks for the reminder and putting things in perspective!
Very well put. Congratulations on your success : )
You are the most creative and HARD WORKING of my fav bloggers and you have the clearest voice! Congratulations in advance! Can’t wait to see what your next adventure is!!!
High praise, indeed. I’m blushing. Thnaks. 🙂
Thanks so much for this post! As always, your words of encouragement help me sort through the overwhelming task of starting a small business. Are you sure your next gig isn’t being a small business therapist:)
Hope your relaxing & enjoying the holiday weekend. Congrats on you new endeavor!!
I can ‘t wait to hear whats lies ahead.
LOL…I never through I would be, but it seems to have become a part of this blog. I think it was such a tough process for me and I want to help others through it. I get so much joy out of it!
I wish you tons of success and growth beyond your wildest dreams.
Thanks Marian!
Perfect reminder. No twinges here. You worked hard and encouraged others along the way. Everything you are reaping is well deserved. Love, Rebecca
Thanks so much for this, Marian… My blog has been growing slowly but steady since I started it… but when I began I assumed it would grow much faster. My husband asked me the other day “but what would you do it you suddenly had a ton of followers? Wouldn’t you be stressed?” Yes, yes I would be. I have 3 small kids, and as a stay at home mom, they are supposed to be my priority, not a blog. So thank you for reminding me that I am simply not ready yet ( but my time will come! hehe)
Leanne @ Because (I Think) I Can
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m a SAHM with 3 kiddos, just starting a business and a blog. I get that twinge too sometimes, and it’s important to remember that it takes time to grow. I look forward to your blog posts every day. Thanks for encouraging me today!
Yes, it does. You’re at such an exciting place, though, with so many possibilities ahead of you. Enjoy this time!
Congrats!!! This is so exciting! I’m truly happy for you & encouraged more than ever to just enjoy watching my blog grow… I’m going to try extra hard to enjoy the journey! Thanks! Court-
Alittleglassbox.com
I have been reading your blog now for a year and have been trying to balance this new endeavor called blogging with my passion…my family…my calling and some major life crises. I have cried out to God as I have gone through this process of realizing my passions and walking out in my calling…living on purpose, I guess you could say.
This post has meant so much to me. My maiden name was Rose and I’ve been spending some time studying the life of Joseph in scripture and have written in my journal that this is a time for building and a time for growing. So when I saw your post and the photo I just sat here and cried. There are other blogs I love and began following first (I just started reading blogs a year ago, too) but I am inspired more by your blog for my own personal style than any other…I just thought it was the perfect time to say, “thank you!” You have blessed me more than you know…and you have been used by the hands of God to speak life into another!
What a great comment. I love how God uses things I write about…things that are just on my mind, to encourage others. Big hugs.
Whatever it is, I am thrilled for you! You deserve and have earned it!
Like everyone else, I’m just dying to hear what landed in your inbox! I don’t think you fully realize this, but you are legendary in the diy home decor blog world. Seriously. Legendary.
I just started my blog last month, but spent many months in advance researching what’s out there. Time and time again I was directed right back here…
Congrats!
This is my first comment on your blog.. I read many blogs but your’s is my favorite. I hope your news won’t take you away from us… So Happy for your success. You really are a very talented designer, photographer and writer. I would like to share one of my favorite quotes, “Don’t let your success go to your head or your failures go to your heart”.
Great quote! Yes, I don’t ever want to be too big for my britches…well, literally or figuratively! Ha! Anyway, when I met some girls at the Lucketts open house, some of them said, “You’re so grounded.” That cracked me up because I’m just me! Of course I’m grounded. 🙂 Anyway, thanks.
Oh, and the newest opportunity will not take away from my blog.
Good evening Marian,
So here is my idea of where your career is headed
Think Mathew Mead, but much cuter and with a feminine touch. That’s what I see in hour future.
Am I close ??
I enjoyed this post and YES …I have felt that ‘twinge’
I try my best to ignore it and simply be the best I can.
Have a great weekend
Janet xox
Your future…not hour future..sheesh!
These iPhone keypads are so tiny!!
😉
great post! your experience shared is much appreciated. a few months ago i took the leap and opened my own store front. it’s been a thrilling, intense and eye opening exprience. i envy those bloggers that appear to have it ALL together….the business, blog and home life. i am trying hard to put my business venture and home life in order. i pray someday (sooner than later) to have my blog come to fruition the way i envision it. thanks for the uplifting words. 🙂
looking forward to hearing your newest adventure!
Thank you SO much for writing this. You have no idea . . . I just had this conversation today – are my tutorials too involved? Too many steps? Is my title wrong? Do people assume because I can paint that they won’t be able to? WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???
Then I said, Too Bad. I am who I am. I write the way I write and I paint the way I paint. I have a loyal, albeit small, following and that’s just fine. Then I come along your post. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s time for me to grow. Some more 😀
and good luck with your new venture/adventure! Can’t wait to hear what it is!
I am so happy for your success Miss Mustard Seed. Your blog is an inspiration.
Marian, I read your blog every day. There are only 3 blogs I absolutely do not miss reading, and yours is one of them and has become my favorite. Just as I log into facebook, yahoo for email, etc…..I chase down Miss Mustard Seed for wonderful inspiration. Looking forward to hearing about your next fabulous opportunity!
Congratulations on your new opportunity – whatever it may be (someone commented above on a new TV show – but I’m not sure that’s what your opportunity is yet), I’m sure you’ll make a great success of whatever opportunity comes your way.
Thank you so much from one who is just getting started with a blog and already feeling discouraged. At what point did you determine that it was indeed a business and went through all the steps to make it a legal entity, whatever those steps may be… I’m clueless!!!
And congrats on your new endeavor- God is good!!!
Congratulations to you, and you deserve it. I have enjoyed all the things you do. And as a testament to your success, even your advertisers are interesting and unique.
I can’t tell you how perfectly timed this post is. You rock!
Well said. So excited for you and your new opportunity.
Coming to you from “the other side”– someone who once was a stay-at-home mom who is now an empty -nester looking forward to her “next adventure”–I have some interesting things in development. For me, the focus is on realizing that there will never be a “perfect” time…and that ANY time we have is a gift, so go for it! You go, Girl!!
Very good advice indeed!!
Thanks
Hugs
SueAnn
You are so inspiring. Thanks for writing this…very encouraging! Blessings!!
I’m dying to know your news. You’ve mentioned it a few times and I REALLY want to know the good news.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and inspiration, as I merrily trudge along…learning and growing with my blog.
Jess
Whoa, girl! Your very last sentence really hit me with bricks….in a good way! I have been debating back and forth with myself in wanting set up my own mini business that would be geared towards to Deaf clients. (and hearing, too!) You just gave me a good shove and with that, I hope to jump things up when the New Years rings! Thank you! Your Deaf chick friend! xo
What a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. 🙂 I wish you the best!
I totally understand the “twinge”. I had a semi-successful blog once upon a time but deleted it (someone I knew found it and I wasn’t ready to be an “open” blogger, I know now that was really dumb). It has been hard starting over from scratch but I try so very hard to enjoy others success. I have to remind myself I did it once before so I can do it again!
Thanks so much for your words. I am a new blogger and I get discouraged a lot. I feel like no one reading anyway so why make new posts. I new to remember that no blogger got thousands of followers overnight. Patience is not my strong suit. Thank you for the message, I needed to hear those words.
Yep, exaclty. I started with three followers…myself, my mom and a friend I begged to follow me. Every blog has to start somewhere.
Wow, did this hit the spot! I have only been blogging for about two months and really had been feeling like I was “late to the show” and not very good at this thing called blogging. Google analytics didn’t help with the part about visitors being “not socially engaged”. But then I read your blog today and I took a deep breath. I just need to take it easy on myself and keep plugging! Perfectionism is a bad gene to have when yo uneed to be patient and wait on the Lord!
Love your work and all the best on this new opportunity.
Kim
This post was very inspiring and I think I may have to write this phrase down somewhere. “Time To Grow” Such a great reminder!!
Time to Grow and Time to Glow! Congratulation! You are such a huge inspiration to so many of us who look forward to your next post. I’ve never been huge fan of shabby chic trend until I came across of your blog. There is absolutely nothing shabby in your projects, but plenty of chic. After some time reading your post, I couldn’t hold myself any longer and moved my car out of the garage (for the obvious reason). Wish you best of luck and your creativity flourish.
Mary Ann,
Thank you for sharing your heart. While my passionate pursuit is different than yours, this is exactly how I feel right now – impatient and insecure. Thank you for reminding me that there is still room for growth and learning valuable lessons.
I have been reading your blog for a while now, and it has been an inspiration to me. I often feel the same feelings you expressed in your post, not just in relation to blogging or crafting, but also in other areas of my life. I have to remind myself of something an old professor of mine told my class. She said, “everyone has their own path, and it is important to not compare your path to others.” I have to remind myself of this often, or else it is easy to get overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy and failure as you watch other people achieve success. I too hate to feel envious.
Thanks!
Thanks so much for this post. Definitely needed to hear that right now. I constantly have a tendency to compare myself to others. This is a great reminder that great things take time and to take this time to grow in a lot of different areas until that time comes 🙂
Thank you for this post Marian!! It just helped me to get up again…Thank you!
And I’m truly happy for you getting another great opportunity! 🙂 no twinge!
Love all of your advice and wisdom that you freely share with us. So many times I wish I could take you out for coffee and pick your brain for an hour. I am finally realizing (after a year and a half of blogging) what you have said here, so well. I feel like I’m at a crossroads with my business and wish I could get some seasoned advice. Thanks so much for the daily inspiration. You’re my hero.
Oh, I wish we could hang out for coffee as well. I love it when I get together with other bloggers and/or business owners and we can share experiences. It’s always so helpful!
Yay Marian!! I can’t wait to hear the news! It’s been awesome following your adventures and watching you become the amazing superstar you are!! xo
Thank you for this, Marian. It’s exactly what I needed to hear today 🙂
Marian! Thanks so much!! I really needed to read this! I started a local to my area wedding blog back in August and its so dead! I barely have readers and as I’m doing my posts I often just want to hit the erase button and ask myself “WHY? WHY ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME?” There have been times where I just want to give up and times that I just say forget it but after reading this I feel motivated! I have those “twinges” all the time but now I know its just going to push me to be a better blogger. DO something fresh and unique. Thanks for this :)!!
Marian! Thanks so much!! I really needed to read this! I started a local to my area wedding blog back in August and its so dead! I barely have readers and as I’m doing my posts I often just want to hit the erase button and ask myself “WHY? WHY ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME?” There have been times where I just want to give up and times that I just say forget it but after reading this I feel motivated! I have those “twinges” all the time but now I know its just going to push me to be a better blogger. DO something fresh and unique. Thanks for this !!
Definitely needed to hear that. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! They were perfect! You deserve all of the amazing things that you are experiencing right now 🙂 I do often get that “twinge”…. and I also catch myself thinking that good ol’ blog land is overpopulated with blogs just like mine…. and perhaps I missed out on my chance. I hope someday when I’ve “grown” I will look back and be able to say the same things you are saying right now! Congrats again on all of your success you truly are AMAZING!
While I can only echo all the words of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation written in the comments above…thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It’s a BIG world, and most of us feel pretty small out there in our attempt to make a mark! I recently left my corporate job to follow my own passion and it’s been a roller coaster of a ride. No one ever said it would be easy, and I never expected it to be, but the highs and lows are very definitive, and patience (a virtue which I am often lacking…) is a must! Your words have given me, and obviously many more avid readers of your blog, a gleaming hope that the future holds many wonderful and unexpected things. Great job, congrats on your success ( I even say this without a twinge!), and I look forward to reading all about it.
I needed this today!! Thank u for always encouraging us!
Such wonderful advice & encouragement! Thank you~
Thanks for all your words of encouragement! I really appreciate it! “You have to start somewhere…” are words I’ve been saying to myself for over a year now. It’s like I know I’m putting a faulty foot forward, but it’s my best faulty foot. You know what I mean? One baby step at a time until I GROW up! You look great ALL GROWN UP!!!
Bless your sweet heart Marian. You may not be a professional writer but you write from the heart and as you can see from the many posts, you touch our hearts as well.