This is a cardboard box. It came to my house this past Saturday around 12:30 p.m. I get all kinds of boxes delivered here. Boxes of swim equipment for my son. Boxes of pool parts for my husband. Boxes of clothes for my daughter. But I’ve never received a box like this. This 6 inch square, corrugated cardboard box held my motherf*cking dream come true.
We all grow up dreaming that we want to be one thing or do another when we’re older. Things that maybe seem impractical once the confines of reality set in – time, bills, kids. Things we decide we aren’t smart enough or skilled enough or matched properly for. And we let go of those dreams to do what sustains us. That’s life. It happens.
I realized my dream in 1993 when my brother died and my life cracked open. I was 16 and began to write to fill in that chasm of pain. I went on to college for my writing degree, concentrating in poetry, and believe it or not, I wasn’t half bad. I loved it but, you might have heard, poetry doesn’t pay the bills. After college, I began a career in the advertising arm of publishing. Got married. Had kids. Eventually, my dream of writing was left behind so that I could do what moms do – help my family follow their own motherf*cking dreams.
I became a SAHM and started a small business where I work alone. I began to feel extremely depressed – isolated and unfulfilled. All my life I’d questioned my intelligence and that insecurity had taken some major hits in the last few years. I realized I had to go back to my dream if I wanted to try to save myself to be any good for anyone else. So on October 18, 2016, I started The Mother Octopus. And let me tell you something. A lot really can happen in a year.
Last February, I began to make memes for my Instagram and Facebook accounts as part of my blog’s presence and quickly realized that I loved making them. I was good at making them. I’ve continued writing and have had some great response to my blog, including one post that went viral. I started to feel proud of myself. I started to think that maybe I could do this.
I began following a lot of other writers, mom bloggers and meme makers, I noticed many of them in Scary Mommy t-shirts. Lots of them were either staff writers or contributors at Scary Mommy. So very early on, I made becoming a Scary Mommy contributor and getting that t-shirt a goal for myself. I saw that t-shirt as a major rite of passage, validation that I could do this. And on Saturday, around 12:30 p.m., that t-shirt arrived at my house in the 6 inch square cardboard box above. I have an author page at ScaryMommy.com and I have a job making memes for them. My motherf*cking dream is now my reality.
For many years I felt like what I had to say wasn’t important. My dreams of being a wife and mom had been realized and now my job was to keep my head above water and so that everyone else could realize their dreams. I bring my daughter to piano lessons because I believe that is what she’s meant to do. I bring my son to swim practice because I believe that is what he’s meant to do. What I’m learning is that in order to be a better mom and wife, I have to strive for what validates me. I’m no good if I’m not nurturing my own desire to succeed in what I believe I’m meant to do.
So, if you have a dream that you’ve buried in the back story of your life, under the chaos of schedules and clutter of other obligations, DIG IT OUT. You’re going to come to a point in your life when everyone else’s dream is coming true and there won’t be time left for yours. If you dream of going back to school so you can change careers, go back. If you dream of starting your own business so you have more time for your family, start it. Whatever it is, DO IT. NOW. Your 6 inch square cardboard box is out there and your motherf*cking dream is waiting inside of it.
Wonderful message! Best advice ever! But please, Darlin’, …language! Thanks. Mom
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I starred out the U in “motherfucking” MOM! xoxoxox
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Cuss up a storm, sister! You are real and really fucking amazing.
P.S. moms can cuss and still be great moms
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LOL! My mother was the one who commented about watching my language. She’s totally used to it, I guarantee you 🙂
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You really are an amazing and inspiring writer / woman. Congrats on this achievement! You have a way with words. I either “happy cry” as my daughter would say or cry out of pure emotions. This post was both. #keeprockingit
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Thanks woman!!!
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AMEN! I’m so glad you decided to start your blog a year ago. Your humor, wit, and general way of keepin’ it real are just what I need to get through some days. You bring a lot of laughs while my toddler is raging in the background. I lost my brother two years ago (October 19th – that day sucks ass). Writing has definitely helped me to get through, too. Keep up with your motherf*cking dreams!
https://batalidioranddeweywalkintoabar.com/
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So sorry to hear about your brother!
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Another great essay, Katey. Well-written and poignant. Put on FB- ASAP!!😱🤗❤️
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I just posted it LOL! Thanks Danna!
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Love this!!! Thank you! Xx
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This is just so fuckin awesome. Congratulations!!! What an accomplishment. I love your blog and your Instagram. I’m so happy for you!! I needed to read this today, I’ve been feeling down and out that my own blog hasn’t gained more traction, but I love writing it. And this is exactly what I needed to hear/read to keep going. Thank you!!! And congrats again!!!
Kate
http://Www.mwdgaf.com
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Keep it up!!!!!
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So happy for you! You brighten my day so keep it up. And that is an awesome pic of you!
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Thank you!
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True. Inspiration. Glad to know you and see you realizing your dreams! AND, thanks for the tip on contributing “more” in my business meetings. I had eggs for breakfast 😉 #chalkboardtherapy
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LOL!!!
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Hi five to YOU Scary Mommy!!!!! 🙂
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What a great post! I am inspired! Although I do not have 2 kids and a family yet, I relate to the struggle expressing yourself and finding what you are meant to do. Great post! Thank you!
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