I’ve written about some pretty controversial topics in my days as a blogger. Breastfeeding, diet pop, judging grocery shoppers with carts filled with poptarts, knitting.
Knitting is so controversial.
In all the above cases, I knew I was pushing the limits, knew that I would ruffle some feathers. Only I didn’t. There were disagreements and opinions but it was respectful, no flared tempers or anger.

Well, I finally found some controversy. Turns out I just didn’t have the right topic.

Last Wednesday I wrote an innocent little post about sewing on my daughter’s Brownie badges. HA!

Badge attachment is not an innocent topic. Holy doodle, the people have opinions, heated opinions. You are either on Team Sew or Team Iron. With much debate about where the badges should go and who should be responsible for badge attachment. Talk about Mommy Wars.

On the same day I read Glennon Melton’s post Don’t Carpe Diem, a fantastic article, if you haven’t read it, click on over. Especially if you are a parent.

It was life changing. It gave me permission to let go of all the “shoulds” I have about parenting and broaden my focus. I am happier since I read those wise words.

My favourite part was her imagining what she would say to a young mom when she was the kindly old lady in the store-

“It’s helluva hard, isn’t it? You’re a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She’s my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime.” And hopefully, every once in a while, I’ll add – “Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up — I’ll have them bring your groceries out.”

I held those words in my head as I sifted through all the comments I was getting on my badges post, both here and on Facebook and Twitter, what struck me most were the ones that were exactly in line Glennon’s words.
The comments that said “You go mama, sew those badges.” The ones that offered support for doing things the best way I knew how.  I can’t say that the comments that told me I was some kind of idiot for not using my iron to stick on the badges didn’t sting a little.

That’s the person I want to be, cheering on others doing things the best way they know how, backing them up. I know I can’t agree with everyone so if I can’t offer support, I’ll just shut up.

Incidentally my sewing on badges post got the most number of page views on the day it was published of any of my posts, ever. Badges? Who knew?