Navigating
It’s feeling more and more difficult to use this space to express anything of substance. I used to pour my heart out onto this blog, exposed for all the world to see, my inner-most sentiments laid bare for any passerby to interpret however they wished. But in the three years that I’ve kept this site, I’ve been learning that while honesty is the best policy, it’s not always meant for the masses – and that certain things should be saved for those precious few who are closest to me.
So unless I’m blogging about my undergarments or confessing my fascination with Lady Gaga, sometimes it’s hard to know what to share.
For example, yesterday, I had a melt-down. Like, a full-on, forehead-to-desk sob fest.
Did my heart get broken? Did I get horrible news? Did I go bankrupt? Did someone ask when my baby is due?
I wish. At least then this melt-down would have been legitimate.
Oh no, friends – I was just feeling overwhelmed by life – life, and feeling inadequate. I could say a lot more about why I was feeling inadequate, but I realize that the pressure we women put on ourselves to be extraordinary in every area of our lives is ridiculous – and damn it, Elizabeth Gilbert thinks so, too. So there.
Anyway, I hope that you’ll stick with me as I continue to navigate what to say in this space, and in the meantime, settle for the little details from my life – like the fact that last night, I bought a fancy ruffly tank top from T.J. Maxx, only to get home and discover that it was a romper.
What’s a romper?
Something that I should never, ever wear: a tank top with sewn-in short-shorts.
At least I didn’t say “sewn-in crotch.”
share:
I can relate. Overwhelmed, inadequate and uncertain have been my companions lately. You are not alone!
i needed to read that article you linked to today. thank you.
My roommate wants a romper. I cannot believe it is even a thing that exists. why? WHY!! I don’t get it.
I love that we have a God who hears us, even when we don’t know what to say, or how to say it, or who to say it to, or whether or not we even SHOULD say it.
I went to a children’s ministry conference last week with no clue as to why I was supposed to be there. I found out it was so I could hear a lady at a breakout session talk about how single girls in their 20s and 30s matter. We’re not hopeless, being single doesn’t define us. Simply the idea of “_______ doesn’t define who you are” was something I so needed to hear. if only now I could believe it.
I totally read that article the other day! Victoria’s Secret has the only romper I’ve ever thought was cute, but I still don’t think I would wear it. (Hate shorts.)
I’m sure I don’t understand exactly what you went through yesterday, but I’m pretty sure I can empathize. No advice from me, and I know we’re not best friends or anything, but if you need to talk about it let me know…
Thanks for posting this Annie….the link was also just what I needed today. I think the inadequacy struggle is every woman’s….at least I know it is mine. You’re not alone in this. Thanks for being so open with your blog….I love reading it and I find it to be such an encouragement in my day. Keep shining :)
Sweet Annie. Your words of those of encouragement, even when you’re writing about being overwhelmed! Your candor and honesty, and the vulnerability with which you write, is nothing short of inspirational (and I’ve discussed this with many a fellow reader). I only hope to be brave enough to listen to my inner thoughts, and digest and work through them. And doll, I’ve very recently been at the forehead-to-desk meltodown stage, you’re not alone. You’re loved, and admired, and respected more than you know.
On another note, I have, not one but three, rompers. So sue me. Are you really surprised?
Sigh. That was a sigh of life. I rarely sigh out loud, I don’t really care for sighing out loud, but I sigh in my soul.
I totally want a romper. Primarily for pajama purposes. But want a rompity romper.
Concerned about the meltdown. :( This is when I wish wish wish I was closer than hundreds of miles away. I would swoop to you and take a turn at listening to life through the tears– it’s certainly my turn to be on the listening end.
Love you dear friend.
annie, thank you! this article was indeed just what i needed today. i’m at the tail end of my college career, surrounded by competitive overachievers, and i’ve been feeling so…yes, inadequate. constantly comparing. no more. for now.
first of all, keep mentioning “crotch.” it’s empowering.
secondly, i think it’s interesting the order of events that results in our regretting. at least in my experience, i write something wholeheartedly, post it, and then in getting feedback from others, i decide i either accept my decision to post my truths, or regret it and vow to not be so open to the masses in the future. but, i’m trying to be wholly kristy and wreckless.
Hmm….I think it’s time to show us the romper….on a hanger will be fine.
Cut the shorts out and wear it as a shirt.
I had to ask students to leave my office the other day so I could cry. Utterly overwhelmed.