Want to hear the craziest thing!? Ok, it’s probably not all that crazy, but last week I dropped this adorable top off at the goodwill because there was a little button loop situation that I was too lazy to fix. Then, over the weekend, while trying to organize our giant mess of digital photos, I stumbled across these pics taken a year ago and was reminded of how much I loved this top as well as the photos Johan took of me in it, in front of a pink wall, with my little ones who, if I remember correctly, were pretty spunky that morning.
Kind of annoyed that I gave the top away over a little broken loop and also a little sad that I hadn’t shared the pics on the blog until now. Ironically, I didn’t put them in a post because I was afraid of what people would think… Are they too staged? Styled? Materialistic? Fake? Am I “using” my kids? The funny thing is, I would answer “No!” to all of these questions, so why do I care so much what other’s might think!?
Partially, because I’m human and a people pleaser and have an aversion to criticism and partially because I’m focusing on the wrong thing (i.e. the broken button loop instead of the cute top). After chatting with a mentor of mine and thinking about this Scripture:
“Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
It’s more obvious to me than ever that I’m not guarding my heart when I keep what’s in it to myself. I guard my heart when I censor what goes IN it and guess what, we don’t have to listen to the haters let alone worry about them! Isn’t that so amazing!? Or is it just me, HA!
A very sweet man told me several months ago that I need to be more like Teflon and less like velcro and while I’m always needing to grow in this area, I’ve also gotten so much better! Hence, the dozens of photos of my kids and me I’ve shared since these pics were taken.
Moral of the story? There are always going to be critics that watch what people are doing and see the bad in it – and on some level we all should be okay with it because in the end if we’re able to be more free to be who God made us and do more of what we love, then it’s totally worth it! No more taking responsibility for what others think. No more holding back, creating less, being less or sharing less.
Are you with me?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
What do you shy away from for fear of what others will think or say? Could be something as simple as trying a new workout class or as big as starting a business.
Here’s what we have to say to the haaaattteerzzzz anyways…. ha! JK, only love coming from this crew.
Don’t forget to share in the comments!
Oh, and if you’re in the market for a pretty embroidered top for spring, ZARA has tons of them, all under $50 right now. I love this one, this one, this one and this one for the little ladies. I’m tempted to buy one but should probs go shopping at goodwill and see if I can buy my top back? Ha!
XO, Rae
Tootie
Love this post so much!
Erin
I’m with you! My husband pointed this out to me & I’m working on it too!
Claire
This is such a great reminder. Thanks! I also love the top. Your style of cool clothing fits you so well!