I Feel Like a Fraud
re My videos and posts are often super upbeat. I try to be very encouraging. I talk all the time about how important an organized and decluttered home is and how that can help in so many areas of life. These things are all true, but what you see from me online is just never the full picture. Honestly, what we see online from any content creator is never the full picture, no matter how honest the content is. Keep reading or check out the video here for a bit of a life update from me!
Last year I did a video where I talked super openly about the chronic health issues I had been having. I'm one year out now from the emergency surgery, and I'm honestly doing quite well! I still have some issues with IBS, but now that they aren't complicated by a hernia, things are fairly manageable! I would say the hernia was about 80% of the problem, so I'm just overall much better and much more functional now.
Other Struggles
However, that doesn't mean my life has been super easy and perfect ever since. In fact, it's been an extremely rough year. Sometimes when I make videos, I feel like such a fraud. Sometimes there are all these bad, stressful things going on in my life. Then I film a video where I'm smiling and talking about “12 Things that you Forgot to Clean.” When I put it in perspective, it feels like nonsense, LOL!
I want everyone to know that I'm always authentic in my videos. I don't lie. The things I talk about are all true, and they are important. But they're just never the full picture about my life. When I have major things going on, it seems so silly to talk about dusting a ceiling fan. But the videos you see or blog posts you read are only about 2-3 hours of my life that week. And those 2-3 hours are when I'm always at my most put-together. I have the makeup on, the nicer clothes. I'm happy, smiling, upbeat. I'm not trying to mislead anyone, but it's just not the whole story of my life. How can it be when it's only a couple hours of it?!?
Here's the thing– content creation is a strange job! It can be very personal because I put so much of myself into it, and when I watch videos, it can feel like the person is talking right to me. And it feels like I know them, LOL! And I do think you all know me– but just the part of me that I put online.
For example, before I filmed the other day, I had to stop at Target for something. I literally had to wait in the parking lot to try to compose myself because I was crying so hard. Then I walked through Target with tears streaming down my face. When I got home, I literally had to wait to put on makeup because my face was such a mess.
And then I filmed three videos, and you'd never know I had been so upset just a couple hours before. But I wasn't trying to “lie” about what's going on in my life. If I were in any other job, I'd still have to show up for work. Just because I had some bad personal issues going on, I wouldn't just be able to take off for days on end. Content creation is still a job, and I still need (and want!) to show up for you guys and give you my best self.
Why I don't always talk about the bad things.
- It's not really that helpful to anyone. Most people are on my site or my channel for help with organizing their homes and their lives. Organization is something I'm GOOD at! Sometimes I just want to focus on what I do well and what I can actually help people with. Blabbing about my problems really does no good for anyone (other than if I have something helpful to share for someone going through a similar situation). But for the most part, it would do no good for anyone to share.
- It can feel trivial. Talking about how to best organize a drawer when many of us have some pretty huge things going on in our lives just hits funny. Absolutely no one escapes “issues” in life. We all have problems and difficulties. But creating a clean, functional home is still important. Your home affects your mood and mental state so very much. And it affects the people in your household. Creating a peaceful environment is NOT unimportant, although it can seem that way when compared to some other big things.
- It isn't always my story to share. My health problems actually were my story to share, so I did. But something going on with my kids, my parents, my husband or close friends…that just isn't my story. This applies in real life as well as online. Sometimes it's just not okay to talk about everything.
You're not alone.
I think it's always helpful to remember that we're not alone in our problems. Everyone has them. I will sometimes see influencers traveling with their kids, and I just wish I could travel with mine like that. I can't. But I'm only seeing the happy photo. I'm not seeing a kid have a meltdown, or one get motion sick. It doesn't mean that other things didn't go wrong or that everything else is perfect. Sometimes we need reminders of this because we only see the happy moments.
What I've learned to do when the bad times come.
Reach out for help. When I've had major struggles in life, I always wish I had reached out for help sooner. We often try to power through and handle things on our own. But that's rarely the best way.
There's also a time and a place to dwell on your problems, but don't get stuck! When I was having all my health issues, sometimes I was literally bedridden. But I would still work on my laptop and do what I could. I did have some moments of self-pity, but I tried REALLY hard not to stay there because that does no one (especially not me!) any good.
An organized and tidy home doesn't solve all your problems. Yes, it makes your home more pleasant and peaceful. But problems still happen. No matter how perfect your home is, it cannot fix everything, and we will all still have struggles. Just because I don't talk about all my problems doesn't mean I don't have them! And the same goes for literally any other content creator you follow online. No one's life is perfect!
Hopefully this encourages you! And hopefully it helps you see social media through a more accurate lens. We're all just doing the best we can!
Copyright 2025, Get Organized HQ.
Mary D Says
Ty, for sharing. All the best. Bless
Theresa Says
Girl, you are a treasure! You’re straightforward but also know some things are nobody’s business but your own. We’ve all been there. I remember years ago driving and crying my heart out over a heartbreaking crisis in my life, then drying my eyes and putting on a smile because I had to pick my kids up at school and I didn’t want anybody else to know. What I’m saying is you certainly are NOT a fraud, just a fellow human being. Take care of yourself.
Kristin Gaines Says
Thank you for sharing. Something that bothers me about social media (not yours) is how everyone just shows the good all of the time…no one talks about the bad days, the crappy times, when the car breaks down and the dog throws up all over the house or a loved one has a serious medical issue…it’s all unicorns and rainbows. I think it can be quite damaging and we don’t even realize it. It can make people feel like everyone else is living a better life. Thank you for being real. And your upbeat “how to clean and organize” videos can be just what the doctor ordered on those darker days for many!
Fran Morris Says
Thanks for sharing that life isn’t always perfect even though your videos are so upbeat. I’ve also walked thru stores with tears streaming down my face, and I’ve learned how to pull myself together when I need to. My husband of 50 years was recently diagnosed with dementia. It is so hard to watch the man I’ve loved for most of my life slowly change into someone I don’t know or understand. Organizing my home, mostly downsizing, is something I can control – what I keep vs get rid of, how long I work, and so on. Share as much of your story as you want to – there are people who understand and empathize.
Kathy Lapinsky Says
Thank you so much for sharing. It is truly helpful
Sherrie Olson Says
Thank you, you are encouraging. I feel as a Christian that I have Imposter Syndrome because my house is such a mess that people wouldn’t believe it, a lot of it is due to having ADHD and OCD. With the OCD I’m impulsive in other areas that if anyone knew they wouldn’t think I’m a Christian. So no, you’re not an imposter, you’re just doing your job. I wish that I could really be doing my job! (among other things).
Best,
Sherrie Olson
Carolyn Gildberg Says
I was so very moved by your “I feel like a fraud” blog. I am a retired RN who suffers from Seizures due to untreated PTSD it took over a year to get me to the right Dr in the right place to diagnose me. No one believed me until I had a Stress EEG. My seizures were daily & I0 to 13 times a day & each a grand mal. I have one or 2 now & no where near the intensity.
It has left me very debilitated & caused me to retire @ 65 instead of 70.
So I started having Tupperware parties on line ~ I put the cutest pic of me I could find & did very well with the teachings from My Director. As the years have gone on I too have felt like a fraud, no one has any idea that I am a 250 lb grey haired chair bound woman with no teeth. In this new climate of decreased funds, lost jobs & fear of losing social security being a possibility I feel like a fraud trying to tell them how they really need my product…
Marie Says
Laura, I appreciate your transparency. I heard this in Celebrate Recovery: Everyone has a struggle, and if you say you don’t, you struggle with lying.
I agree that we don’t share everything with everyone.
And we can comfort others having the same struggle with the comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Hugs!
Jo Says
I can emphasize with you Laura. I’m an 8-time cancer survivor. It’s One Day at a Time for me. I can gratefully say that I am cancer-free today. I also have Crohn’s disease and have been having a flare-up since January. I’ve just started Entivio infusions so I’m hoping for the best. The Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease and chronic. I wish you the best Laura. It’s perfectly okay to Fake it until you Make it! 💖
Judy Says
I totally understand your surroundings and efforts do affect your peace and self worth. however, thanks for sharing that you also suffer from health issues so we can share and lift up good vibes/ prayers for your continued good health.
often, it is helpful to know that my inability to even stand next to bed is not possible but next day might be able to do all laundry. it gives me hope. Even shower,shampoo, getting dressed & makeup can exhaust me.
tks for sharing Judy k
Jane Says
Thank you Laura for reminding us that we are like icebergs in that what is seen is only a tiny bit of what is going on (as there is so much more beneath the water). Controlling what we can by having less clutter and an easier to clean environment is helpful especially when life happens, as it does. Your posts are always appreciated. Thank you.
Emily G. Says
Laura, you absolutely hit the nail on the head with your perspective. Life online is a snapshot, a small piece of the whole picture. Best wishes to you for continued recovery & better times ahead!
As for me, organizing is something that is hard, and I know it’s important because I’m seeing my parents & my in-laws struggle with too much stuff as they begin to look towards end-of-life decisions. Having your encouragement has helped so much over the past few years, and I wanted you to know that you’re an online friend who is upbeat, cheery, and supportive in that process! Thank you.
Anne Duncan Says
Thanks for sharing your story. We all have things going on in our lives that often
is just under the surface of our smiling faces. Often times I tell myself “fake it till
you make it.” The struggles in life are real. I think many of us can relate to your
situation.
Have a blessed day!
Donna Jeanne Schneider Says
Oh my dear what a breath of fresh air!! It is so great that although you are struggling with your health you’re maximizing the help of others so that WE can have an easier life!! Wow!!
I love that you are doing what you’re good at even when you don’t feel great — it is so selfless and loving of you to do that!
Please keep doing what you are doing!! And please try to take care of yourself too!!
Jamie Burton Says
I wouldn’t call you a fraud at all. I think we all do the same. We compartmentalize our lives. We show up to work and we interact with our coworkers and we say ‘how are you? I’m fine, etc.’ when the opposite may be true, or just partially true. We all have our things, our struggles, our interal crises, but we don’t have to share that with anyone or everyone. Sometimes we can just say ‘I’m struggling today, but I’m going to do my best.’
This is your job, and while you connect with your audience, it doesn’t mean you have to share every aspect of your life. I’m glad you’re doing better, and I wish you the best!
Laurie Says
I really appreciate the honesty of this post, which first of all provided inspiration that each of us, no matter the everyday pressures, can work toward an organized household, and that we are being guided by someone who is imperfect and is on the journey with us. I also loved the very appropriate boundaries that you demonstrated in making your decisions about what to disclose and what not to disclose. What you say is so true; and organized home is more calm and allows for greater joy and productivity. Thanks for keeping the tips coming and for your honesty.
Rocquelle G Says
Ditto to what the other three ladies shared ~ and I just *love* the pic of you with your kids!
SZ Says
Thank you for sharing this side of your journey. Wishing you good health, long life, and pride and joy from your beautiful children and family 🙂
Heidi K. Says
Thanks for sharing this with us. It’s not easy to do so, nor to go through what you are going through. I am not the most organized person and I appreciate your approach to cleaning. That everyone is different and to do what you can, and that even though you have a real talent for organization & helping others with this, that you have your bad days, the times you don’t quite get to everything that you want to do, and that you have your own personal struggles that you can admit to, unlike many others who are just showing the good stuff in the internet world! It’s refreshing that you are not putting on a false front, and still making your videos and writing your articles, plus running your business and taking care of your family and your health. That is a lot to do, especially with your health challenges and you are to be commended! That is good that you are genuine and you are showing that you are human, and since you keep trying and are a good person, this is all admirable. Keep up the good work and take a break when you need to. Thanks for the inspiration!