Relections on Blogging..

At the risk of saying all the wrong things, and being persecuted as I do, I'm going to say it anyway. It's taken me a bit of time to come to posting this post. It hasn't come easy and I'm still not sure it's the right thing to do and say. But I will say it.

I've spent the last two years blogging, and I feel like so many things have been discovered along the way. Shannon Heart's was born after a conversation with my husband. I told him about some blogs that I'd discovered at the time that I was so inspired by, and I thought it would be a fun and creative venture for me to pursue. More importantly, I thought it might give me a voice to share things that I love and admire. When I imagined my blog, more than anything, I thought how amazing it would be if I could support independent artisans by getting the word out about their talents and beautiful creations. I've had some background in selling handmade goods on etsy, and I knew what a struggle it was to get the word out about my products. I also knew how many amazingly talented people also were struggling for exposure, and I thought just maybe I could help. If even a little. Along with helping independent artists and designers, my goal was to find companies that supported wonderful charities and causes. I decided that if I built my blog, than I could help the things that I cherish and adore. And so I did.

I spent the last two years trying to build a blog that I felt proud of. I steered clear of drama and negativity, and I focused on my goals: promoting artists, designers, and causes. I built relationships with people that amazed and inspired me. To name a few, I was completely blown away by the the creativity and talents of designers such as Vitrine Designs, Brooklyn Designs, Lisa Leonard, Keltie Leanne and Amy Waltz Designs (to name a few). These are all women who have pursued their passions and followed their hearts and have created jewelry that is inspiring and unique. I felt so proud to share their beautiful talents here on my little blog. I also felt privileged to work with companies like MADIL Fashion, who makes darling custom flip flops and donates a portion of their sales to so many amazing charities. It made me feel like I was making a little difference in the world. I was trying... and maybe it only made a little difference to a small number of people, but it made me feel good.

My blog remained a positive and creative light in my life. Until only recently, I've come to a point in which I felt I needed to take a step back and reflect. I started to notice a lot of drama and negativity in the blog world. I started to see comments on other blogs that were intentionally cruel. I kept turning the other cheek, but I would lose sleep at night. I felt bad for those other bloggers, and I would worry about what people might think or say in my blog comments. And then they started to attack me. I started to get criticized for everything from the length of my skirts, to my weight, and even going to far as to criticize my parenting ability. I know who I am. And I've never felt the need to defend myself. And I will not. But, I also don't feel the need to share my life on the Internet only to be ridiculed and criticized. I get it. I put myself out there and people are completely allowed to voice their opinions. But I have the choice not to listen. And for this moment in my life, I choose not to listen.

I strive to live a positive life. I strive to find peace and comfort and inspiration in life. I strive to be an amazing mother who shows my children that they can make a difference in the world, big or little. Every day I reflect on my favorite quote by Mother Theresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” And that's how I've chosen to live my life.

For a moment, I will reflect. Thank you for understanding.