An Unexceptional Blog

An Unexceptional Blog

Thoughts of another Wife/Mother/Artist/Writer

The Story Behind the Blog

The following was once said to me, many years ago. 

“No offence, but I want my life to be exceptional.” 

Years later, I am fully aware that this statement communicated far more about the person who said it and their dissatisfaction in life than anything about the choices made in my own. Clearly, their concept of the exceptional came closer to a definition of “famous” or “overworked,” neither of which are goals of mine.

I invite you, dear reader, to consider this: what is exceptional to you? What do you, intrinsically and personally, find exceptional? And, to bring the question in another direction: is there not wonder in the unexceptional, if you so choose there to be?

There is nothing wrong in being unexceptional. I embrace the word and take it back. Yes, the life I lead is one that might seem similar to countless others. I have titles that billions of others have as well: wife, mother, artist, writer. But I find solace in that fact: it means I am not alone. Whether my life is exceptional isn’t for others to decide. Finding the exceptional in the very normal and mundane is how I choose to live my life.

So, dear reader, will you join me in this endeavour? 

Posts

  • In Defence of Sweating the Small Stuff

    I’ve often been told that I need to learn to not sweat the small stuff. Sweating the small stuff, I was vehemently assured, uses too much of my energy, stresses me out as well as everyone around me, and generally decreases one’s capability to enjoy life. “Don’t you know how to chill a bit and […]

  • A Recluse By Choice

    The life I lead has resulted in me moving multiple times, across the country, in the last 10 years. With each move, I’ve anchored myself to my new found home. I ventured outside of my home, made new connections, made friends, made routines, knowing that I was safely tethered to my sanctuary. When came time […]

  • A Mother’s Certificate

    This last year, my husband and I made the decision to send him back to school. Basically, he is working full time, and, he is going to school, with an almost full-time course load, which he is completing remotely, from home. He will be doing this until late spring of next year, at which point […]

  • On Aesthetics and Perception

    Upon meeting me, people see the types of clothes that I wear, and make assumptions. Don’t worry, I know very well I look like an uptight lady — a friend once told me I am “prude presenting” which I thought was entirely and hilariously accurate. I look like I am about to preach abstinence and […]

  • On Dreams and Feminism

    My husband and I once had a conversation about dreams. “What’s your dream?” I asked him. “A homestead, some solar panels, a huge garden, a job that I enjoy but allows me to funnel most of my energy into my family… and another motorcycle,” he replied. “What about you?” he added. It took me a […]