I’m No Expert, But This is What I Am…

I have spent a great deal of time over the past couple of years reading about how to be a successful blogger. Most articles on the subject recommend that, to gain traction, aspiring bloggers should pose themselves as experts in their chosen niches.

Back when I started blogging, that was pretty much impossible because I was an amateur, at best. And now, after a couple of years of practice, I have learned and grown more than I ever imagined possible, but expert status is still completely out of reach.

The truth is that I am a simple woman who lives an ordinary life. The in’s and out’s of my days are not very exciting.

Although I am educated and continually learning new things, I am not a specialist of any variety. Unless, of course, you count keeping track of one zillion weekly appointments and activities, driving carpools, and herding children out the door in the nick of time by calmly and collectively saying, “IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE CAR WITHIN THE NEXT TWO SECONDS, YOU ARE WALKING!!”

I am excellent in those three areas and OK in a whole lot of others. But in the realm of real, usable expertise, I am somewhat lacking. And I am completely OK with that.

Call me crazy, but I have never wanted you, dear readers, to think of me as an authority figure. I don’t want you to believe that I have it all together because nothing would be further from the truth.

I would much rather position myself as a friend, a fellow traveler on the road to a faithful and fulfilling life, who has many struggles that are similar to yours. I want to you think of me as a real, approachable person who is doing my best, despite life’s challenges.

I want there to be times when you read my words and think, “Me, too,” and know that you are not alone.

I want to show you that you don’t need to be perfect to live an incredible and inspiring life. And, if fact, putting on a facade of perfection can get in the way of happy living.

I want you to develop the courage to live true to who you are at your core, regardless of what everybody else is doing.

I want you to know that I am here to support you, even if I don’t always have the answers. I am really good at being a friend, which is probably the most valuable things that I have to offer you.

I have been through a lot over the years, just like you have. I have overcome loneliness and paralyzing self-doubt. I have learned, through the fire of heart-wrenching experience, to accept myself for who I am. Because I am enough. And, by extension, so are you.

I have learned that we each have something to offer the world because of our unique experiences and talents. And though I may not be an expert, I do believe that I can teach you a few things because I have experienced them firsthand, and the lessons that they have taught me will be forever engraved upon my heart.

But, mostly, I am here because I want to help you, even if it is only by writing about my slightly messy and flawed life. In doing so, I hope you will find comfort in knowing that you are in good imperfect company, though your struggles may differ from mine.

Together, we can support each other. Together, we can live fearlessly true.

No expertise required.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.