I’m sitting at the kitchen table doing something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Sit down and make a blog post. Do people still even read blogs anymore? I don’t care. I like it here. I’ve always enjoyed writing and sharing and I feel like the last few years it’s taken a back seat to social media apps and I am craving more of a thoughtful process.
Maybe it’s the false spring we are having right now (one 60 degree day in February is worth being fooled) but i’m feeling both conflicted and inspired.
I had some time to really think this past weekend and chat with friends about social media and it’s impact on life. No matter what I do I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform and for a very long time I always wanted to push to make social media a career. A LOT has changed. And let me preface a lot of this by saying If you are a full time influencer. God bless you. It’s HARD. The environment is hard and the push is hard.
I’ve worked in marketing and communications for the last 18 years and so much has changed but something lately has really stuck out to me. There is this force of energy pushing against influencers. It’s negative. To be honest. I don’t get it? But that is a topic for another day.
The last two years I’ve been very confused on what my purpose is on socials. My purpose and my identity has shifted a bit over the years. For a long time it was about Otto and his heart journey. While that is still a huge part of our life we are not currently dealing with the day to day concerns over his heart health like we once had to. It’s morphed into a supportive role both in his life with annual check ups, daily medication as well as a supportive role in raising CHD awareness. Thank God. Truly, Thank God.
From there there was this push where if you were going to share on Instagram or TikTok then you need be either teaching something, providing a tip or diy or providing some value. Everything needed a “hook” to draw people in. It made posting and sharing honestly, not fun. SO much pressure for views and growth for what? Having followers doesn’t pay you and honestly the more views my videos got the nastier some of the comments I received. So what are we doing here?
Me personally, what I am doing here is showing up to have fun. I no longer have the goal of making my social accounts a full time career. In this process i’ve learned that I really enjoy what I’ve been doing both in my “big girl job” and at the shop as well as being as present as possible in my families life.
My hook to draw you in? Being myself. My hook is sharing the hard work I’ve put into my garden. My fun antique escapades with my dear friend Ashley. My favorite new outfits or talking about a fun new company I found.
The only “jobs” i’ll be accepting ( and have in the last few years) are ones that align with my actual day to day life. A great example was my promotion in late 2025 with Holland Bowl Mill. I love kitchen items and I loved their story. They’re local to me and what they create is very special and I use my pieces from them daily. You would be absolutely astounded at how many random protein shakes, temu style sites and garbage reaches out for promotion.
I hope you have felt this in my site and posting the entire time but if not, I apologize. I’m not setting a specific goal to write a certain amount of blog posts a week etc because that’s just not where I am in life but I do hope to share more than just once a year here haha. It’s amazing as I’m wrapping up this post now how much more inspired I feel to head out the door and take on the day.
If this was a bunch of word salad to you I’m sorry for wasting your time. The silver lining is it really helped me frame out my brain space for what moving forward looks like.
And with that happy whatever day it is today
xxoo Abby
First, I have enjoyed EVERY moment of content you have brought out through all the many sides of your beautiful life.
Otto initially brought me to you because I felt an immediate connection through shared experience somewhat.
Your family is beautiful, your home is magnificent, the Found Cottage is a place I would love to visit someday. Still working on my husband ( also a Joe) to go the easterly direction to Marquette this trip but some people are pretty set in their ways.
You’re a very special person. Keep up your bubbly, positive attitude. Enjoy every bit of the life God has blessed you with.
Thank you Kathy. That means a lot. Those Joe’s are always stuck in their ways haha.
Bravo! I don’t like the push from most accounts, or the whining. Or who has the biggest …….. house. We’re all trying to live our lives. Keep doing you, Love your content!
Thank you Dawn!
Abby-
Long time follower. Never bored, always inspired!
Heidi
Abby, my sister and I both enjoy your Instagram acct and your store. We love your humor, honesty, creativity and your family. You are our top Instagram influencer
Keep doing what you are doing
It’s the highlight of our day
Thank you Tina that means so much!
Thank you Heidi!
I just read your new blog post Abby! I felt honored that you shared some of your real feelings in it! I know that I probably comment to you way too often, but I just couldn’t keep myself from letting you know that your blog post was very enlightening and inspiring! The fact that you don’t sugar coat things and seem like you are just posting or writing for the quota benefit is what drew me in as a regular follower and I will look forward to your future blog pieces and IG content. I have followed you since you found out you were pregnant with Otto. I admire the self discipline, effort, consistency, perseverance and commitment as well as your humor, creativity, sense of adventure and exciting and daily life that comes across in everything you
allow us to be a part of! I hope you won’t let the negative comments you receive rent space in your head! There are always going to be those kind of people that just can’t help themselves and get some kind of kick with negativity! Don’t give them a second thought! Enjoy the positive feedback and kind comments instead! I loved your photos in this blog post! You, your home and farm are simply beautiful and are terrific additions to your blog! It looks like a magazine! Well, that is enough rambling from me! My morning coffee must have gotten me on a roll! Hugs to you and yours from me in So Cal!
Thank you so much Annie. I appreciate the encouragement. All too often it’s easy to get side tracked with things that do not matter. Thanks for being here and sticking around. Cheers to the morning coffee!