It's assumed that every blogger only buys cute things for their home so they can show it off on Instagram...that every blogger is too busy writing their next post than just 'living their lives'...and that all of us are just hiding behind a computer screen making our days look way better than they really are.
For me, blogging is only a hobby; it is NOT my life. It's a fun outlet for me. I started my blog about a year and a half ago for me, and I'm happy to say I'm still doing it for me.
I wanted to be able to look back when I'm 80 years old, and read these stories to my grandchildren. To show them the letters I wrote to my future husband at the age of 21, to show them how proud I was of myself when I got my first big girl job, and mostly to show them my love for life.
I firmly believe there are NO RULES to blogging. You do not have to rock all the latest trends, you don't have to write 5 days a week, and you most certainly don't need to compare yourself to that huge blogger who "has it all together", because believe me...she doesn't.
I find so much comfort in the long emails with blog friends, who talk with me about their accomplishments, thoughts, and even their struggles. I'm so joyful when I can find a friend in this blog world that I can relate too so much that its almost scary. I especially love when I have had the opportunity to MEET a few of them face to face.
Sure, there are nights where I just don't feel like writing a post, so guess what? I just don't. Spending time with my husband after work is important to me, and I have learned how I can fit blogging into my life without taking away from my life. I like to write a bunch of posts ahead of time when I can, so I have more time with the people I love. Just like any hobby, blogging takes time...and its no different than any other hobby...like exercising, reading, etc. We all have our priorities :)
So, I admit it...I'm a blogger, and I freaking love it.
Love this post! So true! There's nothing I hate more than reading those "do's & don'ts" of blogging. It's my blog and I can do whatever the heck I want!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have been able to find a good balance that works for you! I think it's so obvious when someone starts writing for everyone else and not themselves and that's usually when I start clicking away.
Just what I needed to read! I haven't done much posting lately because I felt like if I did, it needed to be GOOD. According to who?! I like my ramblings and the little things about MY life that I love :) I'm also so thankful for the friendships I've gained through blogging - I can't believe it's almost been 2 months since we got to "meet" and officially hang out! Can't wait to be back and do more adventures with you and Erin!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister!! Love this! This was just what I needed today! =D
ReplyDeleteI love this post!! And I completely agree! My posts have completely changed after having Charlie...but then again, so did my life. I guess I blog for myself but also for my family. Distant family members of Derek's family always come up to me at get togethers and say how much they enjoy reading my blog and catching up with Derek and I (and now Charlie). It always helps to know (at least for me) that there is somebody out there reading the material I'm writing!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!!!! (Which is why I haven't blogged in two weeks!) ha. I'm just livin' life! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your heart and outlook on life. Being a blogger is so much fun. It is an creative outlet and a way to preserve life's memories for down the road. It has been a pleasure watching your life unfold and seeing all your accomplishments through a computer screen. I am not saying that it isn't hard or a lot of work and can be a comparison game, but at the end of the day, it's fun. When it's not anymore, it's time to take a little break. :)
ReplyDeleteYou said it!! Last year at this time I would freak out if I didn't blog everyday Monday-Friday and now I am happy blogging twice a week! It is such a fun hobby and I love it too!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I got caught up in the contest of it all and kind of got fed up with everyone (or so it seemed) trying to one-up each other and make up stuff so it was interesting. Now that I've been off it for a (long) while, I really miss the creative release and all my friends. I do think I'll start back up again, but this time for ME (like you do SO well!!) and not worry about who is following me/what everyone else is doing.
ReplyDeleteI definitely love blogging--already I've found out from going back and reading old posts that I totally would have forgotten all about certain little stories if I hadn't written them down at the time!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. I often find myself wondering why I don't have more readers or commenters on my blog and I always justify it by saying that I follow my OWN rules. I don't blog five days a week, I don't have a set topic or a theme, I don't even have a professional layout. Though I find myself getting caught up in those details, I always remind myself this blog is for ME, not for people who might read it and that puts my mind at ease. Also, I love the way you blog - don't change it!
ReplyDeleteI always struggle with the "no blog rules" thing. I feel like I HAVE to write 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) but sometimes that just isn't possible. At the end of the day, I gotta live my life!!! Great post, my friend :)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, yes, yes! It has to change from I HAVE to write a post to I WANT to write a post. I'm just writing about my life and if anyone wants to follow along then that's fine and dandy :) Life is just so much more fun when we actually Iive it!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, with everything you said! I've gone through times when I've forced myself to blog five or more days a week, but then I end up not liking what I've written. It's a hobby and I want to enjoy it, not feel tied down by it.
ReplyDeleteYay!! Love this post!!! For me, blogging is a hobby and quite simply, I think it is fun - and as soon as it stops being fun, I'm outta here!! :)
ReplyDeleteI blog because I have a terrible memory. It's sort of my family's diary!!!! - LOVE YOU, KAYLA DEAR
ReplyDeleteAmazing post! I find myself having an inner battle because I don't blog every single day, or instagram and tweet the crap outta my every day doings, but then I remember I am living in the moment and not every moment needs a picture to go with it. I too started to journal our wedding and it's hard to walk completely away from it after all the amazing relationships I've made.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister...this coming from the girl who hasn't blogged in 2 months. Haha. I absolutely love blogging and do it for the same reasons as you, to document life and build relationships.
ReplyDeleteI love this! And totally agree. I love blogging, but right now it's JUST a hobby, and it does take time, but I also have to remember to make other things a priority too.
ReplyDeleteNo rules is totally right-- those posts actually drive me insane. It's one thing for people to get advice for the people that DO want to monetize their blog, but that's not for everyone. I used to feel the 5-days a week pressure hardcore, but I've lightened up about that and take a day off whenever I want to! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what?? I kinda slash really love this post. It's true....I want my blog to be a reflection of me...not the definition of me! And I'm the same (as you know)...if I don't feel like writing a post...I don't!
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