I have a very bad habit of saying what I think, regardless of whether it’s a popular viewpoint or not. It’s almost like I have a form of Tourette’s, I speak my mind and then inevitably there’s a backlash of people offended. Offended by my beliefs, my values, my thoughts … I can’t comprehend this. I would apologize, but it wouldn’t be sincere.
You see, I’m not offended by people who hate large families. I”m not offended by people who despise Catholics. I’m not the least bit offended by people who think differently or do things differently than I do. I’m not remotely concerned about how you perceive me. You know, I’m thrilled if you like me and I’m indifferent if you don’t. I was raised, inadvertently, to have thick skin and, now today, I am surrounded by people who make me feel like the center of the universe. You, strangers, you acquaintances, you loathe everything I stand for? I simply can’t be bothered by your opinions, because the only opinions that matter are God, Dan and my kids.
So, I gotta ask. Why would anyone be offended by what I have to say? I’m no-one special, I’m just a mom doing things the way I see fit. Doing things to the best of my ability, to raise my children to be amazing adults. If I say something that is contrary to the way you are doing things, why does that bother you? If you believe in spanking, why does the fact that I would never do it make you pause? Why, if I’m an ardent supporter of Attachment Parenting, would you feel judged if I stand against crying-it-out? Why?
I wrote a blog about homeschooling a ways back and I got slammed for my opinions, by those who have their kids in public school, of course. “You’re judging my choices.” they cried. “You’re a very opinionated person.” they bellowed. And my all-time fav, “You take women back decades with your large family and barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen ideology. Get a life, get a job. Produce something other than human babies.” You might think it bothers me, but it doesn’t. Rude, intentionally mean comments reflect so much more the lives of the people that lead them than they do me or my life.
Am I opinionated? I guess. Do I secretly think the way I’m raising my kids is best? You betcha, and I dare say you believe your way is best! The fact is, if we are going to be honest, everyone judges everyone. It’s how we decide who we are going to be friends with, who we would like our kids teacher’s to be, whose football team we want our kids to end up on. Judgment forms basis for all our early decisions about other people. That boy your daughter is dating … you don’t know him, but you just don’t like him. Judgment. Your new neighbor who brings dinner over the first night in your new home, she seems nice. Judgment. You are even judging me based on this one blog, or on my parenting choices or my family size or the fact that we live in an RV. A ton of people even judged us based on some stupid picture in the Tampa Daily News (see above photo). That’s us being “neutral” … we look like we could be training the next group of terrorists! Point is, it’s impossible not to judge each other, absolutely impossible.
The problem arises when we allow the opinions of others to form our actions. The problem arises when we allow the opinions of others to paralyze us. The problem arises when we judge others on faulty criteria, like the opinion of others, or the most recent gossip, or the color of their skin, or where they live or the type of car they drive.
If you feel judged because I’m a champion of homeschooling (albeit late to the game) or Attachment Parenting or keeping my kids close (both physically and emotionally) or our aversion to the 9-5 rat race of a life … I suggest you stop and take a long hard look at why. Ask youself the hard questions. Because the fact that I love my life and believe what I’m doing is best for my family really ought not give you a moment of anxiety. You should, as a fellow mom, nod and say, good for her. It’s what I do when I hear your daughter is flying to TimBukTu without supervision. Or when you post on facebook your appreciation for the Common Core. Or when you tell me you are going back to work. I feel genuine happiness that you are doing what you believe the best for your family. I may not agree, but do I feel judged? Hardly.
We all need to get out of the business of policing each other’s decisions. We need to realize that just because someone writes a blog or speaks publicly about something does not mean he or she is judging you because you believe differently. They are advocating their beliefs and last I checked the First Amendment is taking hits, but it’s still around. So, live and let live. Make Love Not War. Instead of feeling judged, feel blessed. As hard as we all try to make life black and white, it’s just not that way. There are so many different ways of living and parenting and schooling and … you know, of doing everything. So judge away, but use the right criteria and be prepared to always, ALWAYS have a change of heart!!!
I do not understand people! I too home schooled my kids and got A WHOLE LOT of flack for doing so!! People need to surely take care of their own doorstep, before stepping up onto another ones steps!! Your children seem VERY happy and healthy to me, and very well cared for, so keep being the great mother that you are, because it is your children in the end that are gonna have many great memories and a whole LOT of love for their mother instead of dispitefully hating her. My children and I are VERY close bonded to this day, where as the ones that done all the bashing back then, are the ones with a broken heart due to their children not speaking to them now. Live on sister, keep that head held high. And it is not about the religion we are that matters, nor the name above the church door, for it is only about believing and if we have Him (God) in our hearts. Blessings to you and your family!
This just might be your best blog yet. I loved every word of it.
Thank you!! 🙂
It’s because they are sooks. It is because they feel guilty about their own decisions in life. It is because they are of the hook in mouth type.
We have homeschooled and if we were to start all over again, ours would never see the light of day in a school building.
If I had to do it all over again … the same. Not one of my kids would step foot in a school!!!
Isn’t the RV a school? I know what you mean though.
Right on sister!
I need more of that “I don’t care what others think” attitude. Thank you for the words of wisdom.
We have to talk soon!! 🙂 Hope all is well with you and your lovely family!!
Thanks for reminding me to follow my own heart and to allow others the same freedom. Well said!
You betcha!! Always be true to yourself!! 🙂
I may not practice any partcular religion, but I like following you because of your joy for family and life! Keep on Keeping on! All the best from an American living in New Zealand.
thanks so much … NZ is on our bucket list!!! :))
NZ is on our bucket list, too! May just have to move there for a year sometime. 🙂
Well said…not that you care about my opinion *smile*
ha ha ha … nice!! :)))
This gave me goosebumps. Very well said.
I just want to say that your family is our inspiration. I am nor sure how we came across your blog but I am so thankful we did. It had never occurred to us to travel and work and raise our babies. Not sure why, I guess it just goes against what society perceives as the “norm”. But now we are setting ourselves up to do just that. I want to show my boys the world before they are too big and have too many worries. My hubs will graduate in 7 months as an underwater welder and I am 1 year from my bachelors in computer science. The sky is limit. Bless you and your entire brood!!!
That’s so awesome!!
Appreciate your post. First time on your blog and I like it! I am a former public school teacher now stay at home homeschooling mama with my two girls and hope that we do this forever!!! We recently started dreaming about taking our life on the road and are reading all kinds of blogs/sites. We are working towards fulfilling this dream-can’t wait!!!
Very Well Said!
This post brought me such peace. A good friend recently told me that she feels judged by me. I was devastated.
Love this post! I feel the same way and thought I must be alone in thinking that way!
Unfortunately there are a lot of insecure people who because of their own fears of inadequacy and lack of self confidence rely on judging the beliefs and actions of others as a way to fee good about their own lives, actions and positions. It takes a high degree of self acceptance to be able to allow other people to have different beliefs and ideals than one’s own, and not judge them for it. Great blog post! Thank you
Very true! It’s a form of self-defense I suppose! 🙂
I think what you are doing for you’re children is very admirable !!!!! Keep doing what you are doing… 🙂
I totally admire what you are doing. Your kids are very lucky! 🙂
Well said! I agree completely! Whatever happened to respecting everyone’s right to disagree and live in a way that makes them happy?
You are my hero ;>) Thank you for not backing down and apologizing for living your life the way you want to live it. I also am a person who speaks her mind and I get so frustrated with people who won’t stand up for what they believe.
We just got back from our first 3 month trip in our Airstream with 2 kids and loved it. We homeschool. So, I can see a few similarities in our journey, but I could definitely take a few lessons from you. I am a Christian and my husband is a recent atheist. Talk about people judging us…I think I have a story to tell as soon as I get over the “what will people think when they find out” mindset. Thanks for your boldness.
Offending anyone, so what! You will always offend someone – good or bad. Be thankful you’re not Abby Sunderland, or right now, the Kaufmann Family that had to be rescued by the Navy. Man the world gets ugly when people set out to pursue their dreams.
Some scriptures for ya……….
2 Corinthians 12:10/New International Version (NIV) – That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1 Thessalonians 3:7/New International Version (NIV) – Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
sweet