When I first started I had NO idea how much time, energy & planning that blogging took.
I also didn't expect to lose sleep over it ;)
I spend quite a few hours each week preparing posts, editing pictures, answering emails, reading/commenting on other blogs...it's like a part time job! I'm gonna be real with you guys. Lately, it's been really hard for me to keep up with everything. Now that I've finished college, I'm working at the office more and spending a lot more time hanging out with my friends & family...who live a good 35 minutes away. During school I was usually at my apartment working or doing homework. Now I feel like I don't spend a whole lot of time at home; I'm off LIVING and DOING and BEING, which I am so grateful for!
So that's why last week's Smell the Roses task was to think about what blogging has done for you. Even though I don't have as much time to dedicate to it as I used to, I still love it. Don't worry...I don't plan on going anywhere ;)
What has blogging done for me?
Well for one, it's really pushed me to get out of my bubble. As in axe any comfort zone that I used to have. I used to be terrified of talking to strangers...small talk, asking for favors, anything! I wasn't about it. Now I find myself casually talking to people that I don't know, in hopes of finding out their story & their passions. I make small talk with waiters, cashiers, whoever is standing near me and will listen to me.
I remember one of the first cases of me stepping out of my comfort zone was to ask a random lady who was jogging on the parkway if she would take a picture of Adam & I with our bikes. Secretly I wanted this picture for my blog, but I was so new to blogging that I didn't say that out loud...now as soon as I whip out my iPhone camera I have about 4 people ask me, "Is this going on the blog?" ...yep, I'm one of those ;)
Blogging has also really helped me to slow down and pay attention to things around me. As you probably know by now, I have a type A personality...to the max. That being said, my brain is constantly going and usually on overload. Because of this blog, I find myself actually stopping to admire things or seek inspiration from them. Like this little leaf; I would have totally passed it up before I started blogging!
I've built a TON of relationships through blogging that I wouldn't trade for the world! Who knew that I would ever have Internet friends...and that it wouldn't be considered creepy? HELLO 2012! But seriously, I've met some wonderful women who have inspired me, been there for me, taught me new things...I really don't think I'd be in the place that I am now without some of them :) Yes, this is to you Meg & Lindz!
Blogging has pushed me and helped me to grow as a person. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. I didn't know that blogging would help mold me and give me a drive to try new things, to follow my dreams, to love myself just how I am! I am confident in who I am and in what I do. The support that I have received from all of you BLOWS MY MIND. So thank you...really, all of you, for reading what I have to say, for believing in me & for encouraging me. I don't know if I'd be chasing after my passion for health & fitness if it wasn't for you guys!
And I most definitely didn't know that God would use this little blog of mine to inspire & encourage others...that's my favorite part :)
So tell me, what has blogging done for you?!
Lov this post! :)
ReplyDeletexo,
janmloves.blogspot.com
The giveaway on my blog is almost over, check it out if you're interested! :)
I love the comment about getting you height from your Dad! This post was great! Thanks for the opportunity for me to post my reflections as well! Its so cool what blogging can do! So much potential it is mind boggling.... or is it mind blogging.... he he ... cheesy joke!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
-Simone
@busyasahoneybee.blogspot.com
Yay I like the sound of next weeks task:)
ReplyDeleteAw, that photo of you and your dad is so lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI've never really thought what blogging has done for me, it's a very good question. My initial response would be: it has shown me so many inspiring blogs by other people! xxx
Gotta love blogging :) Love the picture of you & your dad! Too cute!!
ReplyDeleteI am in the exact same boat as you, just graduated and now with a job I feel like I have less time to read blogs but more desire to join the community. I love what blogging has done for me!
ReplyDeletewhat a good post! I had NO idea that I could make real friends through blogging. No idea that I would truly care about what is going on in people lives who I have never met and that I'd look forward to reading their blogs every day. I have loved it!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Blogging is definitely like a part time job - but SO worth it between all the inspiration and "meeting" all the other lovely bloggers out there! It can definitely be overwhelming too...so it's so nice to remember why we do it...thanks for the reminder Jess :)
ReplyDeleteAnnie
The Other Side of Gray
Inspiring? Encouraging? You're definitely all of those things and more! I mentioned you in my June Photo a Day post this weekend (lemon water reference). ;) It's the little things. LOVELY little things!
ReplyDeleteMendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
Awww I love this post :)) yes, please come to Texas!! I live prolly 15 min away from Lindsey, me and that girl gotta get together for coffee. Lol
ReplyDeleteThere's been a lot of Lindsay lovin' on your blog lately! Thank you so much for being my friend on this crazy blogging journey! Our friendship means so much to me, and I'm a better person for knowing you, little sister. I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteBlogging is an experience. Even though yes it does take a lot of time but I think it is worth it. I love the fact that you can connect and reach out to people all around the world! Great pic of you and your dad BTW.
ReplyDeletehttp://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/
Cute/inspiring post! Love the pic of you and your dad!
ReplyDeleteI love the amazing people that I have met through blogging. Such an awesome community to be a part of. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of you and your dad! And I always take pictures with M knowing that I'm taking it for the blog! I guess I need to start decorating the apartment (that'll get my creative juices flowing).
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I'm new to blogging, as in I did my first ever blog post about 10 minutes ago. I'm hoping that I will be able to get as much from my blog journey, as you have from yours. Take care, Taylor x
ReplyDeleteHaha I def get the "Is this going on the blog?" questions from my friends. Only a couple of my friends are into the blogging thing.
ReplyDeleteBlogging does take up so much time and I'm struggling to balance that time out now that I'm out for summer. It seems like it would've been the other way around, but now that I'm nannying, we are on the go a lot.
I'm hoping I'll get into a routine soon...so that I can actually start participating in the Smell the Roses tasks each week. :)
Happy Monday!
My husband wants to know if your dad is in that awesome band?
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
I know what you mean about noticing small things now that I have a little blog of my own. The other day I was eating sushi with my friend and in one spoonfull of miso soup there was a heart-shaped piece of tofu and a heart-shaped piece of green onion. Too bad I was a bad blogger and didn't take a picture! Anyway...your heart-shaped leaf reminded me of that.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love reading your blog.
Haha actually it's a good thing you don't get your height from him...that would be awkward!! I'm so happy that you blog, because I have enjoyed your blog for quite some time. You definitely have a knack for entertaining your readers, and you are just so darn cute! I'm glad you are living life, too though. We can't forget to do that! xoxox
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