11 years blogging & thoughts

I have been writing and keeping some version of this lifestyle/craft blog for the past eleven years. At 36 years of age, and after 11 years of this, I have learned what I want this space for. I WANT THIS SPACE FOR ME AND MY MEMORIES. At the core, what I am is a documenter. I work through things by reflecting, writing, and creating on them, and this a big part of where I house all that information.

I’ve also learned that the influencer life is not for me. This space is not to convince you of something, or get you to buy into me. I’ve seen first hand all the opportunities the internet can afford to those who take advantage of it, but that’s just not me. I don’t want blogging and content creation to occupy my thinking 24/7. I don’t want this blog to demand of me that I “SERVE IT or ELSE”.

I’d rather lose followers than lose myself to keep them. It would be cool if you wanted to read what I have to say, but if you don’t, that’s OK too. I love that this space is not dependent on readership, or how many clicks it gets, or popularity.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN THE COOL KID AT THE TABLE, SO WHY START NOW? I have been the over-sharer at the table, but only in order to make those around me feel less alone. I’ve also been the inclusive one at the table - scooting over and squeezing in just one more genuine person willing to laugh and talk and eat and share, to give as much as they take.

Deciding to go back to teaching and make it my career has been nothing short of transformational. No, I don’t get to make my own hours, and no, I don’t get to be my own boss, but I do have structure and security. (YAY!) I have breathing room and white space and solid breaks of time to be creative and live my life and not be a slave to an audience I’m trying to serve.

I love that I am able to add to this space when I’m inspired and energized to, and THAT’S IT. When I create content and share, it’s because I want to. …and when I share, it’s because I learned a lesson or I want to document a happening or express gratitude to the universe or process thoughts and feelings...

I friggin’ love this long form so I still do it.

My one little word for 2021 is FUN, and that’s what I want to have with this web space: FUN! I want to keep it simple. I want to keep it light and engaging. I want to fill my creativity with ease.

11 YEARS BLOGGING, THIS IS WHERE I’M AT WITH IT.

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FOR MORE:
Austin Kleon’s post about blogging for 15 years rang true to my core (nobody says things like him), and Elsie Larson’s take on the good ol’ days of blogging also had lots of truth nuggets to it.

PAST POSTS:
5 years blogging & thoughts | 4 years blogging & thoughts | 3 years blogging & thoughts | 2 years blogging & thoughts | my first ever blog post