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!}
Carlen says
I just want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I really enjoy your blog. I share it often with friends who have organizing type questions, and often times there is a post that answers their specific question.
The internet today is flooded with information. Way too much information, if you ask me. I’m a bit ADD and I get overwhelmed with the millions of websites that pop up when I google any specific topic. That’s why I like your blog, it’s my first stop when I have a question or need an idea.
Those nay-sayers are just jealous that they didn’t think of writing such a fantastic not-rocket-science blog in the first place!
Candis says
I know that might seems weird, but before your blog I didnt know that being organized and funcational was NOT rocket science. I live in a cluttered disfunctional mess. Now I know that I just need a simple process to keep me organized, my stuff my not look at the Martha Stewart Magazine, but you taught me that was okay. So thank you for teaching me that living an organized simple life is NOT rocket science. 🙂
Laura says
Ditto on the blog love. And the posts about Nora are some of my faves. Keep on keeping on!
Mama Murrey says
Looks like you’re getting lots of defense anyway!
Here’s a quote for you–
“I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.”
–Booker T. Washington
Maybe praying for Those People whenever you think about their ugly words would help keep you from dwelling on it. Blessings on you as you fight that battle, and remember that far more people enjoy and are helped by your blog than are finding fault and “bein’ ugly.”
Mama Murrey says
And by the way, I really appreciate that you either don’t get nasty comments or don’t keep nasty comments where readers can see them. There’s enough stress in life without having to read rude comments on a nice peaceful blog. I don’t want to carry someone else’s offenses.
If you can tell the comment or email is a nasty one, I’d encourage you not to keep reading. Delete right away so those words aren’t left to clang around in your head for months.
Suzie says
I always tell my little girl that happy people would never say or do hateful things. Only an unhappy person would put out such negative comments. And because they are unhappy with their own lives we should feel sorry for them and forgive them.
And why would a stranger go to the trouble of writing those things, when its so easy to just not read it and go on? It seems like the ones who made the most cutting remarks may know you personally and have some jealousy of your ambition and success. Just a thought.
Rock on.
Abbie says
Unbelievable. I enjoy your blog (if I didn’t, I would quit reading it and move on – I wouldn’t find it necessary to write a nasty e-mail to you). I for one enjoy your down-to-earth attitude. I love, love, love the pictures of Nora. I especially loved the “evil eye” picture in today’s post ; )
I am old enough to be your mother and Nora’s grandmother, and I still learn a few things from you.
Keep up the good work and don’t let negative people get you down!
Julia says
I too love your blog. Love the ‘realness’. My son was born the same week as Nora and I love her updates (he also has adorable curls on the back of his head and multiple times a day throws amazing tantrums ;). I also love the simple approach you have. Thank you for sharing all that on your blog. 🙂
Maria says
I come to your blog especially because it is not rocket science. I love all of your simple, yet not necessarily easy ideas. I especially love your recipes. I like the way you keep it real and uncomplicated. Keep the wonderful pictures of Nora coming. They are so cute! Yours is the #1 blog on my list that I read daily. Thank you for all your hard work and creativity. You are truly blessed!
navya says
I am a staunch follower of your blog From India. Everyday I wait for a post from you. Usually your posts are short and sweet and I read them just as I go to bed as it is usually 7.30 pm when your new post reaches me. I cannot believe that someone would take the time to write a hateful email , if they don’t like your blog they should just not read it… Loads of well wishes from a fan in India.
Barb says
Andrea, your blog is wonderful! Because you keep it simple and real, it’s easy to put your ideas, tips and advice into practice. I appreciate all of the uncomplicated, go-to recipes as well. I find your posts inspiring. They encourage me to continue to strive to do better and more with what I already have. Which by the way, in today’s throw-away society, is something of a lost art!! Thank you for being so generous to share yourself, your life and your family’s with all of us. Please keep doing what you’re doing.
Lynn says
My parents always told me, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. This is your blog. You can put on it what you want. They don’t have to read it.
I enjoy your blog, you, Dave, and Nora. Keep up the wonderful work.
Deni says
Thank you Andrea, for having a simply lovely blog that I look forward to every morning for inspiration, motivation, tips and great ideas. I think we can learn something good from everyone, no matter what their age, status or gender. I’m 40 years old and not to prideful to learn from someone younger or different. Your thoughts and ideas are ALWAYS helpful to someone, no matter how simple. Anyway, keep on doing what you do best because we love it!!!
P.S. Miss Nora is the star of the blog 😉
Angela R says
I am stunned people would write such hateful things. I love your blog because cleaning and organization is hard for me. I have some wonderful God given leadership and pastoral gifts but have to really motivate myself in these areas. You are inspiration for me. Thank you!
Jennifer says
I’m new to your blog, but since finding it I’ve spent many lunch breaks reading through the archives.
As a newlywed setting up a real home for the first time and living far away from my mom and sister (who are the only ones who would be patient enough to listen to a tale of how I organised our closet), I’ve loved feeling like I’m not the only person in the world who thinks about all the everyday things you blog about. I’ve learned plenty from your site, and even if it’s something I already know – well, it’s nice to hear someone else validate the idea! So much of what’s valuable in a blog is the ability to help people feel like they’re not alone in even the humdrum of normal life.
I read several similar blogs, but yours is my go-to blog if I want to be inspired and interested without risk of feeling inadequate in comparison to the seemingly perfect lives and homes of others! Your ideas and tips are great, but I follow your blog partly because I enjoy the tone. I always feel encouraged by what I read. Don’t change a thing!
Heidi says
Also, YOUR BLOG ROCKS!
It is having your content presented with such honesty and care that keeps me coming back for more. You have helped me and I am so garteful that you take the time to do this. Thank you!
Heidi says
I will never understand why some people who don’t like us or something we do feel compelled to waste both our time telling us all the things that are wrong. What a sad and empty day they must have that they can take that kind of time and energy and waste it like that. I say to them: the easiest way to not be bothered by what we write is to just stop reading and move on, geesh, it’s not rocket science!
Barb says
JEALOUSY, JEALOUSY, JEALOUSY!!!! Those kind of people want what you have Andrea, but can’t, so instead they will throw the darts and hit hard so they can feel better themselves, which in the long run they don’t. They lead miserable lives! They will one day realize when they ( or will allow) let Jesus come into their hearts, what a dishonorable thing they have done to God by hurting one of His lambs. Keep “penning” your thoughts, ideas, etc., I for one look forward each morning reading your post; it has helped me many a times get through the day! Nora, you did a great job with those eyes!!!
Sherry says
Hi Andrea. I am also a professional organizer and I follow several organizing blogs. I want to tell you that of all the blogs that I follow yours is by far my favourite. As you said above and have indicated in a previous post this year, you are REAL. You are not striving for perfection which is what holds so many people back from achieving their dream of having a simplified life. You are honest and up front when you are promoting something and you don’t portray yourself as having all the answers. You share with us your fears and failures and that makes you so much more relatable. The Nora pics are just icing on the cake! It may not be rocket science but even I have had my share of “ah-ha” moments reading your blog.
Patty says
Andrea- Keep doing what you are doing! Last I checked no one has to read your blog is they don’t want to!!! Shame on them for feeling the need to write such a nasty comment. Have a wonderful day!!
Deb says
Personally, I don’t want a blog that is rocket science or tries to be with label making that requires a cricut, laminator and four shades of paint to label something in a clear container! I love the simplicity of your blog and it is YOUR blog, you can put up pictures of YOUR kids and YOUR family.
It is weird how the negative comments stick and the positive ones don’t in our minds. It is something to think about though and should cause all of us to be slow to hit the send (enter) key, there are real people with real feelings behind every post. You NEVER know someone’s entire life especially online and graciousness should always be our default.
Have a great day and keep on blogging, which I am still amazed you find time to do with the child who never sleeps! 😉 You will be the first mom ever to appreciate when their teenager sleeps until noon!
Aggie says
I read/love your blog because it is SIMPLE. Sometimes we tend to overlook the simple things and your blog reminds us of that. Plus, your organizing tips are awesome for people who struggle with organizing, like myself. Please keep your blog just the way it is.
Julie says
Seriously??? It should be a simple solution for the unhappy reader!!! SIMPLY DO NOT READ the blog if you don’t like it!! It’s as easy as that!! I guess some people were never taught…if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.
I happen to love the blog especially the recipes…
Beverly says
I know you said comments were not necessary but I had to. Thank you for being you. I LOVE your blog, LOVE that you keep it real. You’re right that some of your tips aren’t new ideas and I LOVE that as well, because often it is just the reminder that I need to tweak an area of my life. You don’t need to be like any other blogger you’re doing an excellent job at being AD.
“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.” I think your approach to this is great, but reality is your human and it is hard not draw attention to the negativity of others.
To flip it around this person paid you a compliment, they follow your blog even though they apparently don’t like what you have to say.
Take that as a another reason to continue what your doing.
Have an AMAZING day !
Paulina Reys says
hello.
I follow your blog for some time and really like. I think its plain language, frank, honest and accessible.
I wanted to tell him not to call these people they say are people all empty and uninteresting. And bad!
Continue as is. Courage. I also like Nora, is very cute.
 I’m Portuguese and I’m not at ease in English, I apologize.
Kisses
Erin says
Thanks for keeping your blog simple, Andrea. In the chaos of the Internet, it’s nice to have a place to go where I can slow down, relax, and be reminded of how simple life can be.
Cheryl says
Hi, Andrea! I don’t comment often, but I just want to let you know I love your blog. I love all the tips, the simple recipes, the encouragement to stay on budget, frugal ideas, and I love, love, love the adorable pictures of Nora. I also very much appreciate that you show us real. That not everything is easy, that you don’t have it all figured out. It makes me feel normal. I hope that all of us who love your blog and all you share far outweigh the few negative comments you receive. Have a great day!
Stacey says
I love reading your blog and bragging about your success. I’m so proud of you and admire what you do.
Rebecca says
I love that picture of Nora! Perfect picture for a “evil eye” comment! And I think it says a lot about your character to take something that was meant to be degrade and turn it into a moment to ponder and something positive. The best revenge is living well!
Amanda says
I LOVE your blog!!!!!!!
You keep it simple and I think you’re doing an outstanding job!!!!!!
JoAnn C. says
Wow! It’s difficult to not rent space in your head to those folks. They need our sympathy and perhaps our prayers. You are doing a fine job, Andrea, and by the sound of this post you know it. And Nora’s evil eye picture? Too CUTE! Look forward to tomorrow’s post.
Erin says
Go Andrea!
‘Nuff said. 🙂
Linda M says
Please remember that all people aren’t mean like that! Shame on them! We love your blog the way it is….and if they don’t like it or agree with it, why are they even checking in??? I am not a rocket scientist and don’t aspire to be one….and if I have thought of what you are posting about, it doesn’t hurt a thing to be reminded of it…maybe I have been slacking in that area and need a nudge in that direction. I find your blog is practical, honest and very helpful…and I am retired and a grandma….don’t change….we love you and the blog just as it is! Thank you very much!
Sue says
I was so happy the day that I stumbled upon Andrea Dekker (formerly simply organized living, or was it simple living organized, or was it — hmmm … I could never remember — but my point is I found you). I feel for the person that took time out of their day to try and take you down a few pegs — this is a free country — I would suggest they don’t read your blog, or like your page or follow you on twitter — simple enough, eh? (I mean who doesn’t love seeing an adorable baby — and all babies are adorable — especially when you are the mother of 4 teenagers! Ah, memories!) I love when I can pull something out of your site that helps to simplify or improve my life. The person was right, however, this isn’t *rocket* science, but it is *life* science and I’m glad you’re here to provide me with formulas, routines, lessons, test and hands-on experiments! (and btw, I’ve never heard of Ann or Jodi or Sarah or Glennon, but I’m sure they are out there making someone’s life a bit more inspired, too — God bless ’em!)
Andrea says
Thanks Sue — and all you have to do is click on the person’s name (it’s a link to their blogs). Those ladies are all awesome and have so much information to share. You should definitely check out their blogs too 🙂
jen marley says
http://pinterest.com/pin/356980707932774602/
nancy says
I really think people who try and degrade others have serious issues and need to focus more on loving people instead of trying to make others feel bad for their own entitlement. Thats whats wrong today. People have become so self-centered and do not care how they hurt people. This lady is just throwing her ideas out there to HELP others. The people who are mean are obviously not happy with themselves and if they have a problem with your blog, they need to go elsewhere!
Rebecca Miller says
Honestly, I am a pretty gifted organiizer and planner. I don’t need most of the tips they come naturally to me. But oh my goodness I love the Nora updates! She is too cute. They honestly make my blog reading time so much fun.
May sound silly but I don’t appreciate people deciding to inform you that we are just to nice not to tell you we don’t like your content. If I don’t like content I don’t follow and I don’t need someone to tell you on my behalf.
Last thought, we all have different strengths and for some that are brillant at crafting don’t always know how to store it etc. we need all different types of info in this world because we are all so different. Gratefully!
Kim says
I tell me kids when someone is mean/bitter, etc. That they have issues we know not of and then we pray for them.
Teri Bennett says
Seriously!! It is not Rocket Science, if they don’t like your blog, don’t read it.
Personally, I love the blog and read everyday.
Courtney says
Just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being real, for sharing your knowledge, and cute pictures of Nora, they always make me smile!
Chris says
I just read a piece about Brene Brown – who wrote “Daring Greatly”. Basically, the people who are putting themselves out there (like you) are more courageous than the people that make the anonymous comments!