Cassie Bustamante

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

Navigation
  • home
  • about me
  • home tour
  • project gallery
  • shop my home
  • Let’s Collaborate

Embracing Your Journey

March 27, 2015 by Cassie 64 Comments

PinterestFacebookTwitter

Happy Friday! Today I am going to stray a bit from home decor, design, and DIY, and just write from the heart a bit about something that has been on my mind lately. It’s about to get deep over here, but don’t worry, it’s not at all dark and dismal or any other dastardly “d” adjectives you can think of. This post has been forming in my head over the last few weeks, and yesterday I read a post that made me think I should share.  Carrie, who is an insanely creative and stylish writer, designer, and DIY-er wrote about something we all struggle with in this day of social media where pretty images are everywhere, inspiring us, but also making us question ourselves.  (If you haven’t yet, you must read her post!).

Before we moved here, I used to take custom orders on furniture pieces.  I would sometimes receive emails such as, “I love this piece you did, and I would love it if you can paint my dresser exactly like it.”  I would explain to the customer that no two pieces of furniture (especially vintage) were exactly alike, and I would do my best to recreate a similar look, but that it would not be exact.  Each piece of furniture had its own quirks, dings, and markings that made it totally unique, earned during its many years on earth.

how to replace cane seats with new upholstered seatsPin

 

Bentwood Chairs

After we moved, I decided that custom orders stressed me out too much and I moved away from doing them.  They also took away the creativity, and there was no room for the piece of furniture to speak to me and tell me what it wanted to become.  (And yes, some of you may think I am a little crazy after that statement, and I am OK with that!)  Letting go of custom orders allowed me to tap into my creativity more, and also let each piece of furniture be my guide, rather than me forcing it towards a look that might not be right.  So now, 3.5 years later, I am still making over furniture, but I am letting it speak to me and guide my brush.

steinbeck journey quotePin

I think that furniture transformations are just like our life’s journey in that respect.  No two are alike, and what works for one, may not work for another.

I feel discouraged when I allow comparison to enter my mind and take over.  In these small glimpses of lives on blogs and social media, it’s easy to see only the beautiful images and feel like you just don’t compare, and the great things that are happening to others aren’t happening for you.   But then I ask myself if I am doing the best that I can.  I am on my own journey, juggling motherhood, blogging, and owning what is becoming a successful vintage shop.  All I can do each day is the best I can, embracing all that I have, and appreciating all of the things that make my journey my journey and no one else’s.  I accept that my path may meander, and I may come to some points later than others, but I also acknowledge that no one else has ever taken the same exact path that I am taking.  It’s all mine.

happilyPin

Photo by Jalapeno Photography, 2013

And you know what?  I do not want to miss a second.  If I am always looking to see what others are doing, I will miss what is right in front of me.  So the best thing I can do is to continue moving forward, arms open to gratefully accept my journey.  Do me a favor, and don’t miss out on yours.

Sidenote: I started a new hashtag a couple weeks ago.  Every Wednesday I invite you to share a real life glimpse of your home and use #weliveherewednesday .  Life is more than just pretty pictures…. it’s also about the messy moments we make while really living it, and really embracing our journey!  I want to see yours!

 

Related

Filed Under: Me

Subscribe for Email Updates!

« Thrift Score Thursday Featuring Some Finds for and Peeks of My Office Space
DIY Kilim Inspired Dresser »

Comments

  1. Dana says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:17 am

    As an outsider looking in, I think your journey is fantastic! I’ve seen you evolve over the years and watched your confidence appear to deepen with who you are as an individual. It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there on the internet (to be judged) and allow others to “watch” you strive for your goals. I think you’re very wise to acknowledge the need to embrace your journey, Cassie.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:03 am

      aaaaaaw, thank you so much, dana! i really appreciate that!!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    March 27, 2015 at 6:39 am

    Funny how these kinds of thoughts are so necessary to our emotional survival and still so easy to lose track of. Why is it so hard to fight off the comparison thing?! I love your journey 🙂 And your new hashtag!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:03 am

      it is so funny! i think sometimes we have those negative thoughts so that we are forced to look at our own journey and realize that it’s ours and its wonderful!

      Reply
  3. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:37 am

    Amen sista 😉 beautifully said! Wishing you the best weekend

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:02 am

      thank you so much, julia! you, too!!! XOXO

      Reply
  4. kirby carespodi says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:44 am

    You have done well, Young Grasshopper. (And we live here Wednesday? Would involve lots of shots of DL in his boxers, so I will decline for now. Maybe when school gets out.)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:02 am

      aaaw, thank you, cricket. 😉 and, um, i don’t want to see DL in his boxers. thanks.

      Reply
  5. Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:48 am

    Beautiful post! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:01 am

      thank you!

      Reply
  6. Haley says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I love this Cassie! I agree with Dana and I think your journey is looking pretty fantastic… Can I be you when I grow up?!

    Whenever I get the comparison bug, I take a moment and remind myself that I don’t share all the deep dark crap in my life, so most people aren’t sharing their deep dark crap.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:01 am

      it’s sooooo true, haley!!!! and thank you! 😉

      Reply
  7. Bliss says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:04 am

    You notice I have no home tour on my blog. There is more than one reason for that.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:19 am

      because it’s perfect and you don’t want anyone to feel bad.

      Reply
  8. Gretchen says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Great post! I find myself starting to feel jealous/inadequate about stuff other bloggers are doing that I’m not….I have to remind myself that I’m literally at the limits of how much time I have for this, what with the 4 kids and the homeschooling and the wanting to sometimes do things that DON’T involve house or blog 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:20 am

      yeah, with 4 kids and homeschooling you just can’t compare! 🙂 i couldn’t walk in your shoes! 😉

      Reply
  9. Ann@farmhouseblues says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Cassie, thanks for writing this and I couldn’t agree more with all the points you made here. I’m so with you on the custom furniture thing, not only did those projects stress me out but would take sooo much longer because I kept wondering if I was actually bringing their vision to life all the while trying to work with the idiosyncrasies of each piece. And I don’t think you are crazy at all- I agree with you completely that furniture pieces speak to us and guide us to where they need to be. I love the Teddy Roosevelt quote “Comparison is the thief of joy” because it truly is. And its so hard not to do it. But I think getting to the point where one is less apt to compare themselves to others is a journey too. Personally, I believe that if we carry compassion and gratitude in our hearts comparison is much easier to avoid. It’s not only compassion for others, but for ourselves too that helps tame that tiger. And if we are TRULY grateful for what we have than all those beautiful pics on social media become inspiration, not thieves of joy. Loved your post, sorry for such a long response!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      i am so glad you loved it, ann, and always welcome long comments, if it’s what you are feeling! 🙂

      Reply
  10. coco says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Love this post Cassie! You are so right it really is hard not to compare yourself with others especially on social media and sometimes dare i say, even in your own tribe. Thanks so much for the sweet reminder that we all have something amazing to contribute no matter what our numbers are 🙂 Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      hugs right back to you!

      Reply
  11. Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Beautiful words. Comparison really is the thief of joy. I see it all the time in certain friends I have, and often times in myself. It’s really hard to not compare our journey to someone else’s. I also seem to really get ahead of myself sometimes. This is going to make me sound really superficial, but this week I’ve been really down about the car I drive, and how I’d like something more professional to drive to showings… and then Aaron kindly and gently reminded me that we are only 26, and we seem to forget that. And he reminded me how many accomplishments I’ve had that most 26 year olds aren’t even close to and to remember that we have PLENTY of time to save up and work our way toward goals. It was a good reminder for me and my journey, and to be happy where I’m at right now.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:59 pm

      wow, for 26 you are a rock star! you guys are doing a great job and starting a family and there are so many things to be happy about!

      Reply
  12. Rita says

    March 27, 2015 at 11:47 am

    You already know how I feel about you and love these posts because they speak so much to me. I also appreciate the fact that you know and understand the struggles I go through just by being my blog friend. And though you may not think it, you are one of my ‘constant’s’ in this crazy life. I always get where you are coming from and though there are some pictures you post yourself where I swoon and think “if only I had…”, I’ve learned more so to use it as inspiration rather than doubt my abilities. Because we are ALL guilty of that.

    None of us know where our lives will take us and sometimes (like now) we question just about everything. Its nice to come back to our old friends for mutual understanding and much needed uplifting. This is basically my paragraph way of saying thank you… for so much you’ll never really know .

    Man do I wish I could sit with you and a glass of wine and just vent. Sometimes you just need girls in your life with your same passion who inspiring you. Too bad you couldn’t hold a chat session here one day. Who knows what we’d come out of it with huh!

    Rita

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      aaw, rita, thank you so much!!! i would love to sit and hang out and chat with you!

      Reply
  13. Carrie says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    “If I am always looking to see what others are doing, I will miss what is right in front of me.” SO well said Cassie! I really appreciate reading your perspective today, especially after opening my own soul yesterday (you warmed my heart with your glowing words, by the way!). It’s refreshing and encouraging to know that we all are on this journey, and that, thus, we all are HERE for each other to get over the hurdles. BRAVO!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:57 pm

      well i really appreciate you opening your heart and mind to all of us yesterday. 🙂 the world is a better place when we all acknowledge and accept our differences and celebrate others’ unique qualities as well as our own.

      Reply
  14. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    March 27, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    this is really great, cassie. i have had to put these same feelings into perspective since our move and really follow my own journey, it is always an adventure … and better for me when i take the time to enjoy and appreciate it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:55 pm

      i’s like to be on your journey right now in aruba. 😉

      Reply
  15. Corinna - For My Love Of says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    I love this perspective. It’s really hard to ward off envy when i see the surface of an experience and compare it with the details of my own. I love that you’ve said these things. It’s a nice reminder.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:55 pm

      thanks, corinna! i think we all feel it sometimes.

      Reply
  16. Catherine says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    I love this Cassie. I’ll admit I struggle with comparison, finding myself sometimes thinking of what I don’t have instead of what I do. But just as you’ve written, this is my journey and I need to work on being present for it.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      you are doing just great with your own journey!

      Reply
  17. Allison says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Cassie, this is beautifully written. I admire and respect you so much for staying true to yourself and following your own path and journey. You have a good head on your shoulders. Your journey is a pretty amazing one and it has been so fun and an honor to watch you grow and follow your passion. You are a class act.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      thank you so much, allison! your support means so much to me and i am glad you’ve stuck around here! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Jessica says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree with you. I always tell my husband that I want to be me when it comes to decorating and blogging but sometimes I get overwhelmed with wanting things to be perfect when I see other blogs and pretty stuff. You know this is my journey and every journey has a story. There is a reason behind why we do things the way we do it. Again, Thanks for sharing. You know I love your style!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 27, 2015 at 9:51 pm

      jessica, i totally agree- we all have to express our own selves! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Amber @ Wills Casa says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    Comparison is the struggle. You are amazing, inspiring, and super creative! Thanks for the wonderful post today!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      and the struggle is real. 😉 same to you, my friend!

      Reply
  20. Julia @ 551 East Design says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:00 am

    I’m reading Amy Poehler’s book Yes, Please and in part of it she says “Good for her! Not for me.” and I love that! What’s great for one person doesn’t mean it’s great for you. Everything you touch is magic so don’t doubt that you are doing a fantastic job. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      oh i love that line- so true! i need that book. plus chris says i am leslie knope.

      Reply
  21. Anna-Ruth (ART) Murphy says

    March 28, 2015 at 7:42 am

    Love this post more than words can say! It is so relevant in my life right now…You are a wise and beautiful spirit! Thanks for sharing with all of us..!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      aaaaw, thank you so much, art!

      Reply
  22. Krista @ the happy housie says

    March 28, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Great post Cassie – so true! You just gotta hammer down that little comparison voice, and then remember what it is you value and care about and focus on those things.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      you really do- just don’t listen to it!

      Reply
  23. Breanna says

    March 29, 2015 at 9:38 am

    Love this post, Cassie. I think we’ve all felt this way at one point in our journeys and it definitely is hard not to compare yourself to others. I try and remind myself that everyone is at different points in their journeys and of course they are all different. And I completely understand your feelings about custom orders. I’m only now starting to get more people contacting me about doing them and I’ve already felt like I didn’t do a piece justice because it didn’t have a chance to speak to me.

    You’re amazingly talented and I know there are great things in store for you! <3

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      thank you so much, bre! i feel the same about you and your talents!

      Reply
  24. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    March 29, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Such a beautiful post Cassie! I love the reminder to ask “Am I doing the best I can?” Because that’s all we need to do! And just enjoy life!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 30, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      yes, absolutely!

      Reply
  25. Kristin @ Bliss at Home says

    March 30, 2015 at 9:01 am

    well said my friend 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 30, 2015 at 8:02 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  26. Elizabeth@ Rustic Maple says

    March 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Very well said, Cassie. I sometimes get the ‘if only I had done this, or spent more time on that, or wish I could afford this’ moments but then remind myself that this is my journey and my life. This is where we create memories and where I express my creativity. I don’t need fame but I sure do enjoy being blog friends with people like you.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 30, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      we just can’t think that way! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Sarah says

    April 1, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    WORD.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      to your mutha.

      Reply
  28. Brittany says

    April 2, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Great sentiments here. I just found your blog and really appreciate your outlook on life. I was struck by the line in your bio that says “seeking happiness and passing it on.” What a simple but powerful quest! We should all spend more time pursuing that. Anyway, just wanted to say hello! I’ll be following along from now on. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      thank you so much, brittany! i appreciate your comment and am glad to have you here!

      Reply
  29. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    April 2, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Well, I think you are knocking the ball outta the park on your journey 😉 I needed this reminder. Hell, we all do! I feel like my 30’s have been about becoming more comfortable in my own skin and what I’m doing. Embracing the my path part of it. But man oh man it’s so easy for me to trip on a stupid small blip in the path and fall flat on my face some times 😀

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      oh i fall on my face often, but i try to get back up and laugh at myself. 🙂

      Reply
  30. Krystine @www.KrystineEdwards.com says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Girl I battle this ALL the time and I have wanted to post something similar. I know and I’m sure you do- that behind those beautiful pictures is usually a mess or whatever. And I’m ok with that. Now I love a beautiful photo as much as anyone else – but I know reality is this is my life and I look at those photos for inspiration and the I move on. You’re talented, amazing & have no reason to compare yourself with anyone else bc you’re unique. That’s what I love about you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      aaaaw, thank you so much, friend! and right back at you!

      Reply
  31. gail says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    great post Cassie!

    I saw your picture, I believe it was last week, with the coffee cup leftover from the morning. 🙂 And I thought to myself, oh my gosh, that is so mild compared to my #weliveherewednesday Case in point, I had a project ready to stage last week, dragging tons of old stuff out of the basement for pics. The project hit a snag, and that stuff hung out in my kitchen for over a week, because it was too much to put it all away just to get it out again when the project was completed. So, that’s what I was dealing with when you showed your coffee…. In fact, that’s my life most days. I really do LIVE here. 🙂
    I’m glad you’re figuring all this out while you’re young.

    gail

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      ha ha! you crack me up- we all live in our homes and they aren’t perfect! far from it!

      Reply
  32. Hollie @ Stuck on Hue says

    April 7, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Comparison is so hard. I’m in the same boat as you, wanting to have a successful small business. I see my competitors doing great things and want those too, but I have to remind myself not to compare my beginning to their middle. I can only do so many things at once, and will have to be patient with myself and let things evolve.

    I’m at the point where I have to decide whether to hire my first employee to keep up with demand, or scale back and keep it just me. It’s a good problem to have, no doubt, but it’s scary. So many unknowns. Many days I wish I had a close friend or family member to be in business with like some of my competitors do, but that’s not my situation, so I’ve got to forge my own path.

    As far as my home, I know it’s (mostly) good, but it’s not where I want it to be. Since I’m not blogging right now, my home doesn’t get constantly compared with others online, which is a relief. The way blogs, Pinterest and Instagram have exploded the past few years, there are so many gorgeous images to constantly compare our own homes to. It can be overwhelming!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      it really is the worst, but ultimately you have to know you are doing your best, and you have to do what works for you, not what works for others. it’s your story to write.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Rss Bloglovin

Categories

Disclaimer

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This blog uses affiliate links.

Connect

Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

Recent Posts

Privacy

© 2023 · Foodie Theme Customized by This Bold Girl · Built on the Genesis Framework