Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Learning Through Blogging

I have been a follower of my favorite blogs for years now, but it was not until March of this year that I threw myself into writing my own blog. One day I just had this sort of epiphany of "Why am I not blogging?" All of a sudden I was working on a blog design and brainstorming posts. I was glued to my computer and Jordan was like "What is going on?" I don't really know what made me go "I'm going to blog!", but I think part of me knew that I was capable of creating a blog that was enjoyable for others, just as the blogs I followed were enjoyable to me.

It's been eight months now. And although the on-going, never-ending need to post quality content daily can get a little overwhelming at times, this blog has become the most enjoyable project I've ever worked on. Not only do I simply like to write and photograph, but it has already taught me more about myself and what I'm capable of.
1.) I'm a perfectionist.
Ok, so I may have known this a little bit already. But seeing Jordan's exasperation as I have to perfect every little detail has made me realize that maybe I'm a little bit too picky about...well...everything that I post on my blog. But I mean, is that so bad? Besides the fact that it could drive me or my boyfriend crazy, it ensures that I am 100% happy with what I do. It means that I only post what I think are attractive, quality posts that my readers will enjoy. So what if I have to reshoot the same product shot 174 times?

2.) I think big.
Blogging has brought me into the biggest, best network I could've imagined. Before I started this blog, I had no idea how huge the blogging world was. It really blows my mind that every single day I find a new amazing blog written by a creative woman who has the same interests as me. It is so inspiring! I've been able to reach out to and keep in touch with these girls and it makes me think every day of what we could be capable of. My ideas and my dreams are starting to soar because I know that if we all worked together we could really DO something.

3.) I'm modest.
I guess I have been modest my whole life. I am my biggest critic and I never think what I'm doing is good enough. I really never could've imaged that I would be this successful at blogging. It's still amazes me to see my follower counts rising because I still have that "Really? You like little old me?" attitude. Of course I have dreams of blogging with growth and success but I've always been so humble about my talents that it's hard to accept that my dream is actually happening. I need to start accepting that maybe I am sort of cool, at least to my readers. ;]

4.) I'm still learning.
I am really happy with my blogging journey so far, but I do find myself occasionally struggling with where I want to go with this blog. I see so many bloggers really getting personal with their readers. There was a point when I felt that I should too. Then I realized that I shouldn't be blogging like other bloggers. I should be blogging like myself. And well, I'm a shy girl. There are very few people in the world that know me really well, so to air out everything to people I have never met would be sort of impossible for me. I don't look at this blog as a place to "vent" but as a place to inspire. As I continue to learn what works for me and who I am as a blogger, I'm also learning who I am as a person.

21 comments:

  1. I'm glad you plunged into the world of blogging, you're blog is fabulous! I'm still trying to feel my way through all of it, and figuring out what is appropriate to write about and what isn't is kind of a grey area. (When to get personal, when to stay strictly business-related?)

    it's definitely a learning experience for sure! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. What a great post, I really identify what what you're saying and appreciate your consistency and quality. You're very inspiring for myself and my own blog. I've only been at it for four months now, but I love it. I would have never guessed your blog is only 8 months old, good for you! It looks wonderful. I'd love to hear what you think of my blog and if you had any pointers.

    <3
    -Aly @ www.therosealley.com

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  3. Since beginning to blog in March this year, I've really enjoyed it too! Have met several people with whom I feel I have become friends - and as an old newbie, it's a privlege for me to meet so many younger folk who are prepared to support me.

    I'm hoping to increase my Follower count to 100 by Christmas, and then feel I'll be justified in offering my blogging friends, who may or may not be fellow toymakers, a guest spot. So, do hope you'll be kind enough to visit www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com where I tend to post about how I make, mend and otherwise create soft toys and then try to sell them at www.coldhamcuddlies.etsy.com. Do hope you'll give us a visit!

    Meanwhile, thanks for the encouragement I've derived in reading your post. Just wish I could figure how to get buttons, badges and other widgets on to my blog!

    Cheers.

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  4. Anonymous2:40 PM

    I've been blogging since July and I love using it as a place to rant. Though, I think that I use it to fulfil my obsessive neatness, because when I post and it's all nice and neat, I feel a little better about myself, ha! If only life were that easy!

    Thanks for sharing these little features you've discovered about yourself. I'm tempted to write my own when I actually have a decent amount of followers who want to listen! Right now, I'm definitely struggling with followers, but I'm gonna have to find a way to get that count up, otherwise I'll do what I did the last time I blogged and quit!

    BUT, I'm determined not to quit this time!! I enjoy blogging so much!

    kelseruwrites.blogspot.com

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  5. I think that the fulfillment found in storytelling is ancient. I want to be a writer and blogging gives me a chance to do that without being published yet. Your blog is beautiful by the way. It definitely shows that you put tons of time into it.

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  6. I agree that it's hard to be yourself when you blog, and not try to be another blog that already exists. That's what makes blogs so amazing.

    I love what you have added to the blogging world, and you should be so proud of yourself that you have created something so amazing that inspires so many people...such as myself :)

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  7. Love this post! I never knew how big blog world was either until I started a blog 2+ years ago, more for therapy than pleasure. But that has changed over time.

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  8. I just started blogging a few months ago and I think all the time,"Why didn't I start doing this sooner?" Everything you wrote is totally true though!

    My goal is 100 follers...I only have 13 so far...haha. Oh well, maybe one day!

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  9. Its good to hear how new your blog is.
    I have only recently started and am finding it hard to work out what to post about, and definitely struggling with posting on a regular schedule, but I think I'm starting to get there.

    I know what you mean about how big the blog world is, its huuge, I keep on getting swamped by the number of blogs I try to follow if for some reason I miss reading them for a couple of days :p

    Here's to hoping your blog continues growing, and I find the style I'm looking for *cheers*

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  10. awesome post.

    i think the most important thing to remember is always post for yourself and the rest will follow.

    i'm new to the blogging world too. and i hope it continues to grow.

    see you around.

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  11. You are stunning and I agree that its amazing to find so many people in the blogging world that you can relate to. I am so glad I found your blog through the follower's fest!

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  12. thanks for sharing, stopping by from the followers fest, i'd love for you to visit my blog and check out the huge giveaway going on- http://thelovelypoppy.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-follower-giveaway.html xoxo, nicole

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  13. Nice to meet you too - thanks for checking out my blog.

    I've been journaling/blogging for a very long time and sometimes I think that is why I have such a hard time being so consistent. I have to make it more of a priority though because there are plenty of good people to meet on here, like you!

    I tend to struggle with sharing personal details and keeping my blog strictly inspirational and informative, too. But for me, I like to use my personal experiences as lessons for other people... and I'm so used to journaling about my every day life and relationships that I usually get fed up with the balancing act and stop writing for a while.

    Anyway, this is a novel ;) I'm looking forward to getting to know you a bit better and seeing what you're all about!

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  14. Hey! Just wanted to leave a quick comment and say hello! I'm stopping by from The Followers Fest & i am now following your blog! Can't wait to get to know you more through your blog! =D

    Have a great night!

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  15. You are gorgeous, and you have a Lovely blog!!

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  16. such an inspiring, well-written post! i loved getting to know you a little bit more, julie. and you are super cool - i can tell already! love this. :)

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  17. LOVE this post! You are amazing

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  18. Love this post and I am so glad I found you!. Follower from Follow Fest :). Hope to see you around my place sometime. xx

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  19. Ahhhhh This is an awesome post! I am pretty new to the blog world and I am having a blast! I too, like yourself am learning more about myself.. I love it!!
    Yes I so agree - To always post for yourself.

    Thank you so much for sharing! This post is truly inspiring.
    Jackie ;)

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  20. I came across your blog, and I really enjoyed this post. It's nice to read and learn about people every day. It seems like we have a lot in common! I am a new follower, and I can't wait to read future inspiring post :)

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  21. Anonymous1:59 PM

    Just like all of the above people I thank you for this post. I've been blogging for a year now and have the same passion for it as I have for all the creative things I love to make and share. I agree how difficult it is to share a part of oneself and be/or not be influenced by the other blogs out there. But I think if we stay true to who we are, our readers will feel our passion. Thanks for your post, I'll be back!

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Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA