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How to Read This Blog

by erin |

“[F]or just one second, look at your life and see how perfect it is. Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there’s nothing else. It’s here, and you’d better decide to enjoy it or you’re going to be miserable wherever you go, for the rest of your life, forever.”-Lev Grossman

 

I want you to read this blog knowing two things:
These are essays, not expectations.
These are suggestions, not standards.

I want you to read this blog in your voice, not mine. I want you to wrestle with what is written, to pin it down and hold it up to the light, see if it works for you, move on if it doesn’t. I want you to second-guess the ethical sneakers I just suggested, and I want you to ask yourself if the pair of Adidas in your local thrift store are just as good (they are, if not better).

I want you to think about yourself – your complex, hopeful, curious self – and I want you to regard that self, protect that self, honor that self.

The experts might have branded me an influencer, but here’s the truth: you are the influencer. You influence you.

I want you to know that the looseleaf tea, the linen sheets, the rosewater toner, the daily planner — these things will not make you happy, or better, or “right.” They will brighten your day temporarily, as they do mine. Sometimes, that’s all we can ask for.

I want you to feel comfortable here. I want you to enjoy your time, and I want you to leave encouraged and rested and rejuvenated – ready to serve the ones you love in all of your daily complexities.

And then I want you to click “X” and let it be.

Do not lose yourself here.

We do not know each other, the two of us. This screen is not real life. If ever we are lucky enough to move beyond the pixels, I welcome it. (Head’s up: I’m a hugger.) And until then, regard me as a stranger, and take my words as such. Think of me as sanguine and spirited. Think of me as someone who exists beyond her thoughts and ideas, someone who is often-failing, often-learning. Think of me as me, today, a host of contradiction and chaos in a static, searching body.

Regard me as a simple, everyday human offering a small sliver of herself to a large chunk of humanity.

I promise to think of you the same.

  • This is so beautiful! I love the new layout of your website, Erin. As I venture into this world of blogging/writing/sharing, I aspire for my messages to be heartfelt and unfeigned with a bit of shared wisdom here and there. You execute that flawlessly. You are an inspiration to many. Thank you for being you.

  • This is so aesthetic & authentic & I love it!
    I came across your blog by chance & I must say- every post is inspiring & uplifting. Thank you for staying true & being you.

  • This is why I love your blog! You don’t pretend to have all the answers. I always leave feeling lighter. It’s the one place on the internet where I know I’ll actually like myself better after reading. Thank you so much for that!!

  • You are a Wonder. Reading your blog makes me so happy. Thank you for writing.

  • I’ve been reading your blog for something close to eight years now (I think?) and what keeps me here are your heartfelt thoughts, soft and touching honesty, and delicious turn of phrase. You are always an inspiration and influencer, but in all the best, truthful ways, Thanks for being you, Erin.

  • If a hot toddy can be good for what ails you in the medical sense…. your words are good for what ails us in this online “world”. Cheers :)

    PS – Love the new look

  • Such beautiful words, Erin! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. :)

  • I love your authenticity!
    Looking forward to seeing you at Chicks and Chocolate! I feel I know you from your book “chasing slow”. Well done Erin!
    Enjoy your Sunday!
    Lori

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