I started out writing this blog over 2 years ago hoping to make people laugh.
And to let moms know that all of us struggle.
Behind closed doors and outside of Facebook, life can be ugly.
Not fun.
In fact, sometimes it’s really awful.
That’s when I started putting more stuff out there.
Sure, I still want to make people laugh.
Because that’s what helps us get through those shitty times.
That’s what helps me, anyway.
I guess I share the down and dirty details for two reasons.
It’s cathartic for me.
The less I carry around silently inside, the lighter I feel.
And the more room I have for the fun stuff.
Plus, I like to help people.
I like knowing that something I’ve written has made someone laugh.
Or helped someone to feel less alone.
Or has given that extra boost to someone to make a life changing decision.
I won’t lie.
At this point, most moms in town read my blog.
Last Monday I was talking to a mom of one of Number 5’s preschool classmates.
She’s very nice.
I’ve never heard her come close to cursing.
Surely, she would not read my expletive-ridden posts.
I don’t remember exactly how I brought it up, but in this conversation I told her I wrote a blog.
It had something to do with what we were talking about, I guess.
I read it, she said to me.
Huh.
I had no idea.
So yeah.
Last week when I was writing about getting the shit kicked out of me by an old boyfriend and being in a psychiatric hospital,
three times,
um,
I walked onto the baseball field and swim deck and into the grocery store wondering what people were silently saying to themselves about me.
I’m sure there are people who look at me differently with every detail I share.
And not in a good way.
But then there are the other people.
The ones who send me messages like this:
Susie, i want to thank you for being so honest in your blog. You have no idea how much I can relate and how much it helps to hear someone else admit to a less than perfect life. Life can be rough and sometimes it can really destroy you, especially the really sweet and good people. Anyways, I just want you to know that what you have to say is so important and can help so many good people that have had it rough. Thanks!
So that’s all I have today.
Gratitude.
Just as you appreciate my words, I sincerely appreciate yours.
And I really like this little family we have here.
Have a great Monday 🙂
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Laurynda Williams says
Thank you for your honest accounts of your life. I laugh until I cry while reading your blog sometimes. I have had a history of bipolar. It was misdiagnosed as depression & treatment with antidepressants led me into mania & I was hospitalized 4 1/2 years ago. With a loving, patient spouse & a decent doctor & my own dogged determination, I am in good shape now. One RX & paying attention to my diet, getting enough rest, those keep me on an even keel. I have four kids & at times I am drowning in guilt for the times I was absent from their lives while I was in the hospital. There are so many of us that struggle with mental health issues. We need to stop the stigma. Every family has someone that is touched by it. Keep telling the truth, with humor.
Sonja says
I love how pure and sincere you write. I’m writing my blog in Dutch, but I’m trying to stay the down to earth mom to be as I am now. Hopefully I’ll stay that way when the kids arrive
Kirsty Roberts says
I’ve just stumbled upon your blog today and I am totally addicted! I feel like I’m reading about my own life (although you have 7 kids, I only have 3) your writing is humorous and has me laughing out loud but also very honest. Thank you so much for having the courage to share so much!