I receive many emails on a daily and weekly basis — many of them are for informational purposes, some are asking questions about my business or my blog, and some are simply kind words of appreciation and encouragement (thank you!)
However, there are also a few nasty ones that pop up in my inbox every once in a while — and they bug me so much.
Not that I think everyone needs to like me or approve of what I do (honestly, I’m really not the ‘people pleaser’ type of person).
I just can’t get over how mean someone needs to be to take time out of their day to sit down and type lengthy emails expressing why someone they’ve never even met in real life is “a horrible person”, has “a stupid blog”, is “not a good Christian”, is “failing their family by not feeding them all Real Food”, or is “turning their child into a spoiled brat” (yes, seriously… these are all real emails I’ve received!)
I delete the mean emails and move on with my day — but sometimes the words stick with me. I think of them as I type, as I make dinner, or as I contemplate how long I can outlast yet another temper tantrum.
Then I remind myself that the people behind those emails don’t really know me. They don’t have my life, my job, or my family. They can only judge me if I let them.
And I don’t let them!
.
Recently, I received a nasty email that went on about how boring my blog is and how ridiculous it is for me to post pictures and share updates of Nora on my blog.
Just for that last statement, Nora is giving them the evil eye…
A quote from this email stated:
“Most of your ideas are not rocket science… I’m sure you are bright enough and are not intentionally turning people off. Consider the fact that just because people are afraid to speak up and are concerned about hurting your feelings does not mean that they appreciate what your blog sometimes deteriorates into.”
As I glazed over the email and prepared to hit “DELETE” my eyes kept going back to the phrase “Most of your ideas are not rocket science.”
.
It’s not rocket science.
I’ve heard this phrase many times in my life — and I’m certain I’ve said it a handful of times too. I was curious to exactly where it originated… so I did a little online research. I found a ton of information, but I think this Phrase Finder explanation says it best…
“It’s not rocket science” simply means: It (the subject under discussion) isn’t difficult to understand.
Exactly!
That’s 100% the goal I’m striving for here at AndreaDekker.com.
My goal with every blog post is to make sure: It (organizing, budgeting, meal planning, scheduling, working from home, raising a family) isn’t difficult to understand.
As I’ve mentioned over and over and OVER again — Andrea Dekker is a brand, a business, and a blog that focuses on simplifying REAL life for real families with real budgets, real schedules, real homes, and real lives.
So of course the ideas and concepts presented on my blog are not rocket science. I never intended them to be rocket science. In fact, it would defeat both my business and personal goals if my ideas were rocket science!
So while that particular email attempted to make me feel inferior and defeated, it actually did just the opposite. It confirmed that what I’m doing here on AndreaDekker.com is working!
I’m successfully sharing recipes, organizing ideas, time management tips, frugal advice, and more in a way that “isn’t difficult to understand” — certainly no rocket science degrees required for this blog.
I realize I’m not the most talented writer, or parent, or business person, or chef, or house keeper.
I don’t have eloquent words like Ann.
I’m not overflowing with motherly wisdom like Sarah and Rachel.
I’m not a poet like Jodi.
I don’t have an amazing life story (or quick wit) like Glennon.
I’m not patient, humble, or overly-generous like Crystal.
But I AM real.
I write what I know, what I do, what works for me, and what I hope will be useful for you (spelling mistakes, grammar slip-ups, blurry photos, and all).
The content of my blog is NOT rocket science… it’s real life.
And I think that’s a whole lot better!
Don’t you?
{Please note, the purpose of this post is not to “get back at” the writer of that email. I never even responded to the email. I simply thought it made a really good point that my blog is NOT rocket science. There is no need to defend me in the comments. I know that the majority of readers DO appreciate the efforts I put into maintaining this blog — thank you for that!}
Kjrsten says
There are many who appreciate your blog, your time and attention to making daily life simplistic, and finding sense of humor when faced by those unknowing they are in the presence of a worthy human being.
Thank you.
Yarelis says
Keep up the good work, Andrea!! I really enjoy your blog and Nora is so cute!
Jenny says
Andrea, I am a forty year old mom of five and I love your blog. I have been following it for years. I have made many of your recipes, used your tips, I have stolen your decorating ideas, bought some bags you recommended. And I love seeing photos of Nora and your whole family. Don’t let them get you down. You have a faithful reader in me.
Marie says
It always amazes me how needlessly cruel people can be behind the safety of their keyboard.
I’m glad you choose not to let the negative comments bothers you and instead turn it into a positive. I would just like to say that I’m usually not one to follow blogs. While I have read several through a post on pinterest or during a random google search, usually after looking at it one time I forget about it and don’t continue to follow it. That being said, I stumbled on your page through pinterest about a year ago and have been regularly following it ever since! There is something about it that always stuck with me and has kept me coming back. Because you’re right, the beauty of it is that they are easy things that everyone can do, but it might be things that not everyone has thought of before. So keep doing what you do 🙂
Simone says
I love your blog. I love that it’s written honestly and spells out your methods for people like me who are hopelessly disorganized. I love your candor about the joys and the difficulties of motherhood. I love the sheer amount of awesome information here. There will always be people who, for whatever reason, feel the need to belittle others to make themselves feel like they’re on top of this whole life thing. Ignore them. Keep writing!
Evie says
So……I’m now a grown up 67 years old LOL and I still believe my mother who always used to say, “Just be yourself!” and “It takes all kinds of people to make a world!” That said, I wish all the people who feel a streak of meanness coming on could kind of pause and examine their own circumstances and see what they might be able to do to move a little bit toward a happier existence.
Lindsey T says
Keep on rocking on Andrea! Over the past three years your blog has rapidly grown to be my favorite blog (you surpassed YHL about a year ago!) and I have about 50 that I’m following on Feedly. You inspire and help those who need it an enjoy what you do. Nora pictures and all. I mean who wouldn’t want to see pictures of that adorable baby?!
Andrea says
Wow — what an awesome compliment Lindsey. YHL is one of my all-time favorite blogs too, they are awesome!
Stephanie says
I recently discovered your blog (about a week before your big redesign and relaunch) and have loved everything I’ve read – ESPECIALLY the posts and photos about that adorable little Nora! 🙂 You offer very practical tips on organizing, time management, blogging, recipes, and more. I have found your site to be an invaluable resource and yours is one of the blogs that I now follow daily. Let’s be honest – if your blog were sooo boring, why did the reader continue to sit there and read it? hmmm
You keep up the great work and the positive attitude because your site is truly a blessing.
Priyanka says
I am really surprised how some people find real life content to be hate worthy. The reason I like to come back to your blog is because you keep everything real, your tips, ideas and recipes are practical. When I see a fellow mum who is struggling with a high energy/need toddler, I feel I am not alone. It also gives me motivation that if you can be good at your job, be a wonderful homemaker, wife and a mother, I can too. Just keep doing what you are doing, you are great at it.
Kim says
I just want you to know that I love your blog!! I read a lot of them and yours is my favorite. You have so much practical good advice on this blog and I love hearing updates (and love the pictures too) about Nora. Keep doing what you are doing and ignore the haters. If people don’t like it no one is forcing them to read it. Why they need to make hateful comments – I will never understand.
Shelia says
People can be so mean!! I think your blog is great. I love its simplicity. And I love the tips for every day life. Thanks for being real!
Emily K says
Andrea, I have only followed you for about a year and a half. However, I check your blog daily. I love the fact that it is real life. Yours and a few others were the inspiration of my starting my own blog.
I had the same thought as Sarah. If they don’t like it then they don’t have to read it. That fact is not “rocket science” either. lol Also, I agree with Derondah. It is your blog. You can write about anything you want to. Personally, I prefer blog authors who share true real life stories. They don’t sugar coat everything. If a recipe fails, they say so. If life gets hard, they share their struggle.
You do a wonderful job. Keep up the good work. Know that there are many out there who appreciate what your write about on your blog. 🙂
Kara says
Love the updates on Nora and your simple posts. If people have nothing nice to say then they should be quiet. I am starting to hear a few blogs having the negative comments issue…I think it comes with the job. No real accountability online.
Thank you for showing how to turn a negative into a positive.
Stephanie says
Oh. My. Word.
Ignore them. Seriously.
I have stopped following ALL other blogs because of this very reason. Yours is the only one I read on a daily (multiple times a day!) basis. You are REAL. And I love it. Please don’t change.
It never ceases to amaze me how rude people can be behind the anonymous computer screen.
Keep up the great work! And I love the evil eye picture! 🙂
Heidi @ My Beautiful Mess says
If your blog truly was rocket science…if it was complicated or had unreasonably high expectations of me or made your life seem like it was perfect and you could do it all AND send people to the moon…if it was all of those things I would not bother to read it. I don’t like feeling like bloggers out there have perfect homes, children and lives – because it reminds me that I don’t. It makes me feel terrible that I can’t live up to that. Because I can’t {and I don’t think they can live up to the unintentional false image they create either…it’s just not real}. I just want to know how to make life simpler so I can really enjoy the few moments I get to love and care about the people in my life. That’s what I find here. Real life. Real moments. A real gal with a real family, living life well. Thank you for not complicating that.
Marie says
It simply amazes me that people will leave comments like this. It is so simple…if you don’t like something or it isn’t for you then don’t read it. I absolutely love your blog and others like it and just wish they were around when my 2 children were little ones. Anyway, don’t let the inferior few that are out there discourage you. Keep on doing exactly what your doing and don’t change anything! (Or let their remarks affect you)
Becky says
Exactly! I love your blog, and have used quite a few of your recipes because they are quick, easy, and good. We are a real family with busy lives, and I have put so many of your blog posts into practice. Love it!
Melissa says
I love to hear about Nora and how you balance work life with mommy life! Even just the littlest ideas are helpful even though they aren’t rocket science. I would like to hope they aren’t because I am an accountant and would like to be able to “apply” them to my life! Anyways, keep up the good work and just keep being “you”.
Pyper Dow says
“It’s not rocket science…it’s real life”
I love that tag line!! And Nora’s evil eye is awesome.
I really enjoy reading your blog even though our stages in life are so much different. But with 5 kids crammed into a small 1900 sq. ft. house (my college age kids are home for the summer) I need all the organization tips I can get! So thank you!!!
Stel says
Ah, Andrea, let them fly. Know that there is someone in South Africa who thinks your blog is quite interesting and every now and then lifts a useful idea. And is very grateful that, although big, our lawn is not nearly as big as yours to mow 😀
Love Nora’s bugger-off look. Almost as evil as my youngest’s f-off stare 🙂
Danielle H says
Love the picture of Nora…so funny! 🙂
Mary says
Your blog is SIMPLY wonderful!! And seriously who doesn’t like to see pictures of your cute, Nora! I don’t know why people feel the need to say negative things, but forget them. As a mom, it is great to get advice on recipes, saving money, and organizing my messy life in one place :).
Jenny says
I love your blog! I think your “not rocket science” posts are exactly what I need to help me refocus sometimes and focus on the real things in life! I also do not need lengthy and time consuming ways to help get things done. I think simple is exactly what I need. Thank you for everything you do! I look forward to reading your blog every day!
Cindy Morgan says
I am in utter disbelieve as to how people can be so hateful and petty, and they do so hiding behind their computer keyboards at home. Your blog is one of my absolute favorites; in fact, I make it a point to log on to andreadekker.com every morning to see if you have a new post for that day. I love your home (esp. your kitchen!), your recipes, organizational ideas, and can’t wait to see how your yard evolves over the summer. Keep on keepin’ on!!!
Bev says
I’m old enough to be your mother and I LOVE your blog! And, by the way, I just tried your strawberry pie recipe – EXCELLENT!!!
Thanks for you – and Nora too!
Kristin says
I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and always appreciate your posts! And we had our second daughter around the same time you had Nora, so I always enjoy seeing the pictures of her. Don’t get down on all those silly people 🙂 Keep it up!
Julie H says
I love your blog. It amazes me that people take so much time to tell someone else they don’t like what they are doing. Just click “unfollow,” it’s that simple. Sheesh! Keep up the good work! And it’s not rocket science, it’s great, simple, doable ideas to help people live better lives. Thank you!
Derondah says
I think one of the key phrases in the meanies e-mail is “your blog”. You have the right to share whatever it is YOU want to share in YOUR blog. (And apparently a lot of us like what you share because we stay tuned!) I love the internet but there is one side of it that I could definitely do without—the side that lets people think they can “say” whatever they want because they are hiding behind a computer screen.
Keep on sharing your real life with us. Rocket science or not, I enjoy it! 🙂
Jennifer C says
Andrea, I always read your blog because I know it’s simple and I know it’s not going to take me a lot of time. You always have relevant issues and the cutest pics of your baby girl. Keep on doin’ YOU!
Ree Klein says
WHAT???? I live for those pictures of Nora!!!! I’m thrilled that you share them with us and let us peek into your beautiful home and life. Some people are just idiots and jealous. Ooops…you said not to defend you…couldn’t help myself!!!
I’m a huge fan, Andrea, on many levels: Mom, wife, homemaker, business woman…the list goes on. Keep up your art of distilling life into content that’s not “rocket science!”
Ree ~ I blog at EscapingDodge.com
Melanie says
Yours is the only blog that I read every day.
Liza Glick says
One of the reasons I love your blog so much is because of how simple it is. I get lost when something is too complicated and I love how easy and relatable you and your ideas are. Ignore the haters and keep on doing exactly what you do, I for one, love it and am a faithful reader because of it!
JenniferS says
I never understand the hatred on the internet. I love your blog and that you share parts of your life with us, complete strangers. And it’s not like reading your blog is required by law, if she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t have to read it!
Jen says
Great post! It’s always interesting when people criticize you for doing exactly what you’re meant to do. I know I read this blog because I get great ideas from someone in a similar life situation. If it was actually rocket science, I would feel discouraged and less likely to try new things. Not to mention, it’s free. 🙂
Thanks for what you do!
LoriB says
Your blog is one of my top two favorites. The world is full of people who are never satisfied….thinking life will never be good enough until they have it all. Real life….simplified—that’s what I like!
Paulette says
Whether you need a defense or not, I’m giving one. Some people are unhappy, bitter, or have a false sense of superiority. I enjoy your blog so much, Andrea. Thank you for all you share.
Sarah says
Let me say that I enjoy your blog and have for quite some time. What I don’t understand is if someone has issues or problems with a blog and the content, why in the world are they reading it??
Kim says
Just want to say that I enjoy your blog and your realness…keep it up!!!
mandy says
Mean people suck.
Rock on, Andrea! 🙂
jodimichelle says
Love this! And thank you!!! That’s the first time I’ve ever been called a poet 😉 I’m flattered!!
(And you’re words are always just right for me.)