Dear readers and fellow bloggers,
The past week has brought me some of my happiest and saddest moments as a blogger. On one hand, I had some bloggers open a friendship to me (some fabulous and encouraging new bloggy friends!). I was also invited to hang with John and Sherry from YHL, and a bunch of other elite bloggers at a RustOleum event in NC. It was very validating to be included in such a group.
On the other hand, I had some experiences with other bloggers that made me question blogging altogether and my worth. I am sad at myself for letting others dictate my own self-worth that way, but it helped me have such a HUGE appreciation for you and your support.
The intention of this letter is NOT to blast those who have been unkind to me. In fact, my hope is for the opposite. We all need a reminder of our value, so this letter is for all the readers and all the bloggers out there! Because, if you’re like me, sometimes you need to hear how great you are. And you are GREAT. So here we go….
Thank you for supporting me.
Thank you you giving me your kind feedback, even when I screw it up.
Thank you for caring about me and other bloggers.
Thank you for accepting me. Even though we bloggers put it all out there, there’s still a lot of insecurity under neath.
Thank you for being vulnerable with me, bloggers and readers alike. Its hard to put yourself out there when some people are quick to pass judgement.
Thank you for crafting and DIYing, whether you are a pro or just another mom like me.
Thank you for being a part of this DIY revolution – how cool is that bloggers and readers have dramatically changed the look of design and decor???
Thank you for sharing your own experiences that lighten my heart and give me a sense of connectedness in this weird dis-connected bloggy world.
Thank you for inspiring me. I love reading your blogs and soaking up your creativity. And readers, I so appreciate your ideas. We have often begun projects because our readers suggested them, because they are amazing!!
Thank you for being you! If you have been kind to me in the past (or even mean), I hope I have shown you kindness and love in return.
Thank you for seeing my value. No matter how big or little a blogger, connected or not reader – thank you for taking you time to hang out with us. I know there are lots of other blogs, some better, some different than ours. I am humbled that you spend time here.
Lastly, if you are a blogger, no matter how much money you make, no matter how many readers, page views, subscribers, all those stats that we care so much about – this is not your value. You are so much more. I am so much more. Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your creativity. This is what blogging is about – not fame or money. So thank you!!!
Your humble friend,
As a new “friend” to One Project Closer I am so sad to read this; but grateful as well. Thank you for being honest, reminding bloggers to be kind and gracious. I’m pleased to know you and can’t wait to see what fab things you have in store!
Hey Janel, Thanks for being one of my new bloggy friends – you were part of the BEST part of my week! 🙂
What a lovely post, Jocie! I love your blog and this post goes to show, blogging is not everything, although I spend so much time on mine, it really is just a way to communicate with same minded people and I am happy to say that you are one of them. I am, however, sad that someone was mean to you – unfortunately {or sometimes, fortunately} it happens.Give it your all ! You have lots to share !
Thanks so much Linda! I really appreciate you and am inspired by you!!
Hi Jocie,
I haven’t been blogging for very long but you have been very kind to me through your sweet comments and e-mails. I don’t understand why anyone would stoop to such a low level, but you have so many wonderful followers that appreciate what you do and say. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but don’t let the small minds of others get you down. “Those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.”
With love and respect,
Shannon
Thanks Shannon, I am so encouraged by you and appreciate your sweetness!
What a beautifully written post. My heart is sad to hear that ‘some’ have not valued you as a person, much less as a blogger. You are an inspiration in that you do what you love and it shows. I stumbled upon your blog accidentally (thank goodness) and was so pleased to find out that you and I are practically neighbors in the real world.
Keep up the great work!
Hey Christine! I am so glad you stumbled upon us too! i can’t wait to meet you in person!
I’m sorry to hear about what happened–sounds like someone was a little too caught up in themselves. Thanks for the post that keeps everything in perspective and for your humility.
I am new here and have to say I am loving it. I have spent time looking over past projects and love what I have found. It sounds to me someone sees how much you have done, how sweet and honest you are and are perhaps a bit scared of having you along side them……
I had to laugh when you said you screw up….if you could see my stack of gotta fit it pile you would laugh!! We all have those “not quite what we were thinking piles” even those who only post perfect projects.
Keep being you and we will all keep coming and sending our friends your link.
Thanks for being honest and taking time to share with us.
Hey carol. Thanks for your sweet words and encouragement. We’re so glad to have you here and BOY do i love that I am not the only one with a pile of mess ups! lol!
I have read several comments and blog entries this week on the unpleasantness of people at blogging conferences and in real life. Jealousy is a terrible trait and I think all of you who have been wronged should tell the rest of us who the nasty’s are so we can all egg them! Keep on doing what you do well.
I have heard of a lot of unkindness in bloggy world recently too and it is so sad! glad to have all your positive, sweet people around!
I think you’ve got an excellent thing going on here. Don’t let the bastards grind you down.
heehee, I had a good chuckle just now! 🙂
Amen, brother.
So sorry you had some negativity passed along your way. I guess most of that comes from their own insecurity. You’re doing great! All of life is a learning experience, whether it be blogging, parenting, or simply living with others.
Don’t ever be discouraged, Jocie! You do wonderful things as a mom, blogger, friend, DIYer…etc! You are great and I’m blessed to have you as a friend!
Me too, Carol! Thanks for all your ongoing encouragement and friendship!
This makes me sad as well. I’ve only been blogging for a couple months, but I remember when you left me a comment asking me to link up to your party. I came over and looked around and when I was done, I honestly felt honored! Honored that you, someone with this amazing blog, would ask little ol’ me to link up a project of mine.
I love your blog! Since I’ve become a follower, I’ve ready every.single. post. And I can’t wait to read more! 🙂
AMy, I am the honored one! Every time a new person links up, visits, or comments, I am SUPER excited and humbled!!! so glad you’re here!
Wow! That’s kind of a huge bummer. I had no idea the blogging world could be catty, haha. I guess it’s not that surprising though, business can be cut-throat, but good for you for reminding everyone to play nice. 🙂
Hey Paige, I am always surprised when adults are caddy, but for the most part it is a wonderful and encouraging bloggy world! 🙂
Jocie,
Reading your post really broke my heart. I hope that you know how much we appreciate you!
Lisa
Thanks Lisa. I’m sorry I made you sad- my goal was to encourage!
Thanks for your uplifting words!
PS – ethan and I had a wonderful time meeting you and were so impressed with Rustoleum and Lowes (although we were already in love, heehee). 🙂 Thanks again for having us!
I’m so sorry, Jocie! You are such an incredible person along with Ethan, Kim and Fred. You all have welcomed me into your home and shared your amazing personalities and ideas. I am so lucky to have met you all. 🙂 You are the best!!!!
Megan
I feel like we got the good end of the deal when we met you! you are pretty fab!
So sorry to hear that Jocie! It’s sad that people forget one thing all of us learned as children – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Simple as that!
hahaha, I thought a similar thing but it a good reminder to be kind even when others are not! 🙂
I love your blog and was so happy when you guest posted for me on my blog! 🙂 Don’t listen to what others say! 🙂 Have a GREAT week!
Thanks Jess!!! Always happy to “see” you too!
Well said. Checking your and your husband’s site is one of the best parts of my day. Although I may not undertake every project that I see on here (mostly because I know that whatever I could do couldn’t compare to what you do), every post I have ever read on here is inspired, inspirational, well-written, beautifully photographed, and enjoyable. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks so much! we are always humbled by your kind and generous words!!
boo. I can not for the life of me understand why people have to be mean and leave negative comments or criticising emails. It’s rediculous! You are an awesome lady with some wicked awesome freehand painting skills 😉 (among many others) and I’m glad you had an awesome time at the Rustoleum event! Sounds like Janel was there so there’s no way you all weren’t laughing your faces off! So glad to have met you all in real life and look forward to watching OPC and The Better Half to continue to grow and happy to learn from you all in our BMore group!
Sadly, Janell was not there at Rustoleum, but was a new bloggy friend made!
I’m so glad to have you as a real life bloggy friend too and am so encouraged by the Bmore Bloggers!
I am so sorry to hear that you encountered rudeness.I have been lucky so far when meeting up with fellow bloggers.
I have not done that on a big scale but little gatherings.I want to share a story and something that stays in my mind.
A fellow blogger shared that when she was just starting out she attended a big show with other bloggers.She was so excited to meet so many others with the same interests.When they exchanged business cards someone had said something like”Oh you are using that generic pattern on your cards” in a snobby way.At first this blogger was hurt that she was so rude.But then she thought about what she said and thought hmm maybe she is right I should create my own design.She took that negative and made it a positive and she has never forgotten what that rude person said.
I don’t know what was said in your situation but I found comfort in hearing that story.
I made a mental note of that story in case I am ever in a situation like that.This person has a very successful on line business and is a very big blogger.
I am sure if someone acted like that to me I would be upset too.
I always enjoy coming to your blog.I think it is always written well with awesome content!
So thankful that I met you through blogging!
xx
Anne
Thanks for sharing that great story, Anne. I hope I have turned this into a good experience – it has definitely reminded to to stay humble and kind no matter what! 🙂
I’m also so glad I met you!!
haha. I figured that out after seeing Roeshel’s pic of the event group. whoops. Inferred too much reading Janel’s comment! 😉 wouldn’t have been suprised if she was there though. She is super fun and creative. Glad you guys are blog buddies too. She’s a hoot.
p.s. not sure how my reply ended up down here under Anne’s comment. :0
Oh Jocie! I’m so sorry that people were rude to you! It is so sad that something that can be so great, can also bring us such pain. I had my first not-positive post the other day and it hurt me so much, and they weren’t even rude!
Your blog is awesome and amazing and so are you! Don’t let the haters get you down! 😉
Oh Ashley, I’m so sorry you were hurt! Its funny, we put ourselves out there so often and get so much positive feedback, but one bad incident can erase all that. I’m so glad to have you as a bloggy friend and i think you are fabulous!!!
Fantastic post-congrats on the rustoleum event and I’m so sorry you had to deal with negativity. You are fantastic and I’m so proud to be a bloggie friend!
Ohh Jocie you know exactly how I feel about this already but I will tell you something. No one deserves to be cast aside or made to feel that they are inferior, no matter what. There is no excuse for it and I am very very disappointed that a fellow colleague would think it was okay to make someone sad and question their self worth. You are a good, kind, supportive, creative, intelligent person who deserves to be respected the way you respect others! I’m so proud to call you my bloggy friend and am very grateful that you are part of my life!
I have no idea what happened or what was said, but I’m sorry that you were hurt 🙁 I have had almost all positive experiences with other bloggers, luckily – there are always a few who aren’t *quite* as friendly in person as they make themselves out to be on their blogs. I love your letter to your supporters and I posted it on our blog’s FB page! 🙂
It’s plain to see by all the responses that I’m not alone in thinking what a great post this is Jocie.
I’ll say the same thing I did to my kids when others were rude or hurt them with words and actions…. Some people need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better and they chose those that they feel threatened by. You should take that as a sign that you’re doing something right.
And that “something right” is writing with a kind and loving heart. One that doesn’t brag, but gets excited about even the little things in life. You do not project how much you have, but how much you can offer. That’s the Jocie I’ve come to know in reading The Better Half.
Thank you,
~Becky <
Great post Jocie – Thanks for ALL your MANY encouragements to me!!!
Sorry something lame happened to you Jocie! You don’t deserve that at all! I love coming and seeing what projects you have posted, so keep it up 🙂
And have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Jocie, keep doing what you’re doing. I love reading about you, your projects and your family. :0)
I’m new to your blog and blogging myself and I have to say I really appreciated you deeply honest and thoughtful post. One of my favorite quotes by Marianne Williamson called Our Deepest Fear, has one of my favorite lines. Try to remember this whenever you encounter experiences like the one you described:
” …as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Keeping shining because it does and will continue to inspire others.
How true Sam!