And on the way home, it hit me:
I don't have to compare my blogs to the others that are already out there.
If my blog is just like everyone else's it will fit in, yes, but that also means it will blend in.
A few of us started to get shy or even embarrassed when talking about our vision for our blog, myself included. And as I was reflecting about my
I've been critiquing DWW all this time by comparing it to other blogs that have been around for months or years or decades even. That's just not fair. Everyone and every thing has a starting place. No one started with 800+ followers. And like Marissa has said before, hosting a blog the "right way" is comparable to having a full time job.
I'm going to be honest: I didn't have a vision for DWW when it first started. I just knew I was a young/new wife and homemaker and that I also work for a living. I thought it would be fun to document the juggling act of becoming a wife, homemaker, co-habitant, etc. I also think that (myself included) so many of us have no freakin' clue what we are doing when we get married. I mean, I had never even lived with a man before (other than my dad and little brother) our wedding. It is so different! Different in good ways and different in compromising ways, but overall DIFFERENT.
So, when I first started reading other blogs, I wanted to be just like them. I wanted to have readers love my writing as much as I loved theirs'. And I wanted people to feel connected to me as I feel connected to some of my favorite bloggers. So, foolishly I started trying to do some of the things that they were doing, forcing me to write about things I'm not entirely passionate about, or use a voice that isn't really mine, or ....the list goes on. I'll be honest, a lot of the posts I've written I haven't even published because after re-reading them I've realized that they weren't "me."
Last night, after hearing all the girls (especially the newbies - I was so excited to find new blogs to read) talk about their blogs and what they do with them I realized my blog doesn't have to be a "fashion" blog to talk about fashion. It doesn't have to be a "lifestyle" blog and avoid all things fashion. In fact, I don't really have to put a label on it at all. My blog can be like me: total, utter randomness.
So, I'm embracing my new attitude and outlook on DWW. If and when I want to talk about fitness, I'll do it. If I want to post a few pics of me strutting my stuff and having my hubs take embarrassing photos, I'll do that, too. If I want to share a recipe or a story or a random thought or do a giveaway, it's okay! Hopefully, my readers will continue to grow and appreciate what I'm doing here. And hopefully they will still be able to relate with the real me.
So, I've started thinking about the things in my life that truly make me who I am:
- wife
- health/fitness nut (not a guru, but definitely a nut)
- teacher
- dog lover
- bargain-rific shopper
- fashion and accessory enthusiast (again - no guru)
So, with all that said (I know - I've said a lot- my bad), I've started thinking about some new posts I can incorporate into my weekly routine and I'm so excited about some of the things on my brainstorm list. I know some of them may turn into flops and I'm okay with that, but I'm just really excited to embrace my own creativity and let this be the platform that it is slowly turning into.
I'm super excited to start sharing some Tales from the Teacher's Lounge on Mondays. I mean, what better place to get a story than a middle school teacher!? And what better way to start the week than with a good laugh on a Monday!?
Thanks for listening to my epiphany and thanks for being a reader. I'm honestly, overwhelmed with joy every time I see that there is a +1 on that counter. It makes my heart smile to know that there are people out there interested in what I have to say.
Love your epiphany! I can soo relate to this, in every way. I'm currently in the middle of asking the Lord's guidance for where my place is in the blogging world since it does take up so much time and there are so many blogs to compare yourself with. Your blog is one of my daily must-reads and I'm excited that you have come to this epiphany. The reason I enjoy your blog so much is because you do stay true to yourself and your interests. It's the lady 'behind' the writing that makes a blog anyway! Can't wait to hear about tales from the teachers lounge too! Have an awesome day my friend!
ReplyDeleteLaura, I love when I see a new post from you. Your words mean so much to me. Thank you so much for your support, friend.
DeleteAs a fellow teacher myself, I love the idea of tales from the teacher's lounge.
ReplyDeleteI love this, and I wholeheartedly support it. I feel like it's easy to get sucked into the blogging world and lose your voice, and I know I've struggled with this too. I love the idea of just posting whatever you feel like posting – and what is true to you and your voice – instead of feeling like you have to stick to one format or voice or whatever. Anyway, kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, hearing about y'all's discussions makes me sad I missed the get-together Wednesday!
We missed you! And thank you for your ki d words.
DeleteLove this Lins! Your blog is just that - yours! I come here to hear/read what YOU have to say! So just continue to be your awesome self! I'm looking forward to reading some teacher lounge stories, seeing more ADORBS pics of your dogs, and of course because I am a shopping junkie, some more of your bargains!! Love ya girl!
ReplyDeletexo
Marissa
Thank you, love. Your support is very much appreciated.
DeleteYES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! i love this and i absolutely love your heart and your blog. i want you to be YOU and i love reading a blog that is YOU!! total utter randomness is the best :) <3 <3 <3 so blessed to know you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support and love. You are a wonderful friend. Xoxo
DeleteYou should definitely blog about whatever you want to!! I definitely know what you mean though but it's important to stay true to who you are and not to lose your voice. Love your blog and I wish I got to talk to you more Wednesday! Let's get together soon :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Angela
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