"Whatever you are, be a good one" -Abraham Lincoln

So, I got an email last night that will forever effect my life. No, a Nigerian prince didn't leave me a million dollars in his will and just needs my bank account information to proceed. And it wasn't an email about the secret to getting rid of stretch marks and cellulite in 30 days. But that would be awesome.

It was an email from a reader of my blog. 

Yes, a simple email that will forever make me appreciate myself, and what I bring, and my life. I won't share the personal details. Just an email, sharing a very personal story of her life. With me. And you know why I got the email? Because she felt like I could understand what she's been through, based on what I've written in my blog. Talk about an impact. And an honor.

I try to be real in my blog. I've un-followed blogs before in the past. You know the blogs I'm talking about. 

"Johnny and I churned butter last night, and then I woke up at sunrise to make fresh bread! And then I taught my 2 year old how to read Shakespeare! And I let Sally help me paint the walls of the house, and yes she tracked house paint all over the brand new expensive carpet, but it was great for her motor skills and self confidence! Then I'm going to retile the bathroom and change the oil in the car before Handsome Hubby gets home, where I'll be making dinner wearing a dress, heels and pearls. I love my happy life!"

I can't handle reading that crap. 

I want to read blogs about moms who had a bad day with their kids. Moms who hit up the drive thru after a long day of softball practices and school activites. Mom who bitch about wanting to lose weight, but hitting up Krispie Kreme on the way home. Yes, I'm all about self improvement, but I need to see that I'm not the only one struggling with "life".

Mommy life. Wife life. Life. 

I won't pretend to be perfect. I'm not. Hell, I didn't realize until I got out of the shower this morning that I forgot to shave a leg this morning. Like, not just a section. Like, the entire leg. You'd think I'd figure out how to shower by now. You'd think it'd be a simple concept.

Shave right leg. Then shave left. Or just eliminate the second step like I did. Oops.

This won't be a blog where I'll tell you to eat more fiber, or how to get an entire cartful of groceries for $21. It won't be a blog where I'll tell you how amazing my life is and every single day is sunshine, unicorns and rainbows. It's not. Life is real. And it's not always pretty and shiny. But I try and keep a positive attitude. That's the best I've got.

I try and remember that each person is dealing with their own battles. And it's not always so obvious. They're not out wearing a tshirt that says "I have a crazy ex" or "I hate myself" or something like that. Maybe the waitress who forgot your drink isn't actually a forgetful bitch, but is thinking about her grandmother in the hospital.

Life is life. And it's hard.

So thank you, dear reader, for making me feel like I've had an impact on your corner of the world. It meant a lot. Really. So much that I texted hubby last night and told him that I now knew the purpose to my blog. 

Maybe it's purpose is to show you what decor you DON'T want in your house. Or give you a laugh because I don't have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to cooking. And I make up crafts as I go along and get lucky along the way. And to show you that I struggle every single day with being a better mommy. 

But I'm me. It's what I've got.

Thank you, friend.