Blogging: My Journey So Far

Blogging is hard and can be overwhelming at times.  It takes discipline to work on a blog and the work doesn’t stop with creating content.  For starters, you are constantly thinking of ideas, promoting the content of your blog, engaging with your audience on social media and it doesn’t stop there.  It’s been a little bit over six months since I have embarked on my blogging journey and I have learned so much in such a short period of time.  Today, I wanted to share with you what my experience has been like and 3 of the many lessons that I have learned along the way. 

1) KNOW YOUR WORTH

When I hit publish on my first post I wasn’t interested in checking my analytics or worrying about my stats/numbers and that included followers on social media.  I am not saying that page stats or my following aren’t important to me, but I didn’t want to obsess over numbers.  I wanted to focus my energy on forging friendships and building a network but when I recently saw my Instagram followers drop, just like that I felt discouraged. 

While it is normal for your following to fluctuate, social media can play a dangerous game with one’s psyche.  There is so much talk about higher numbers of followers equating to brand sponsorship and other opportunities, it’s hard not to feel pressured to grow your following as quickly as possible.  So, when someone unfollows me, I start to assume that it’s because they dislike me, and I start questioning what I am doing wrong. 

Except this simply isn’t true because my blog is a documentary of my thoughts, my feelings and my journey, all of which cannot ever be measured by dollars and freebies, a follow or a like.  So, while being unfollowed is quite annoying, it isn’t representative of my worth.  

2) FOCUS ON YOU

I know everybody always says they want to stay true to who they are, but when you are a new blogger, it’s easy to become a carbon copy and get sucked in the comparison game in the blogosphere.  It’s easy to worry about a picturesque Instagram feed and to buy the latest and greatest just to keep up.  After all, I want my blog to be successful so if the top bloggers are doing something that works, shouldn’t I?

One of the challenges I have with blogging is I take too much time to create content and write a post.  Blogging gurus and courses recommend posting more often to increase traffic to your blog.  By doing this, you improve your search engine ranking or for Google to find your website relevant.  However, I was never a quick writer and I can’t create content fast enough so when I see someone else create content after content, I feel disheartened and the idea of blogging on a daily or even weekly basis becomes very daunting. 

But the truth is, there’s no right or wrong way of blogging because blogging is not a one size fit all.  With a little persistence and hard work, I know I, too, can build a successful blog.  I just need to remember to focus on my own journey and to believe in my own abilities.  So, instead of seeing another blogger’s achievement as a competition, look at it as an inspiration that there is a way to make it in the blogging world and that there is room for everyone in the blogosphere. 

3) SETTING EXPECTATIONS

Blogging has been a fun journey for me, but it also has brought on some of my most stressful times.  Not having a complete understanding of the work involved in running and maintaining a blog has lead to trouble in my personal life.  I was becoming that mom who spends too much time behind her phone or computer, that mom who is constantly taking pictures to capture that perfect photo, and that mom whose life has been overtaken by her blog or social media. 

Like most things you are passionate about, it’s easy to spend your time doing what you love but you and I both know that this isn’t realistic especially when you have other priorities like a full-time job or other commitments like spending time with your friends.  Finding a balance and a strategy for juggling your priorities will not only save you a lot of time but also a handful of headaches.  I don’t have a secret formula for telling you when the best time is to blog or when to engage on social media because it’s honestly trial and error. 

For me, scheduling and writing things down wasn’t enough to help alleviate my feelings of overwhelm and stress.  What I did that really helped me find my routine was I journaled how I spent my time for an entire week.  Not only was I able to see how my days were spent but it also depicted a better picture of how my time was spent.  Now that I know how my time is spent I can set the correct expectations for me and my blog.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

To say, it’s has been a roller coaster ride, is an understatement.  It has been a lot of work, a lot of hours and a lot of trial and error.  Since I started my blog, I knew next to nothing about blogging and a lot of times, I wanted to throw up my hands.  But remembering why I started my blog in the first-place help keep me on track. 

Blogging is a rewarding journey because your words have the power to touch someone’s life and make an impact, but you also only get out of it what you put in.  So, never stop learning and keep chugging along!

What about you? What has your experience been like with blogging? What lessons have you learned along the way?

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75 COMMENTS

  1. Sigrid Chu | 23rd Sep 18

    Hello Maureen,

    Thank you for sharing the lessons you have learned from your blogging journey.

    I have also been blogging for a year now. This past year, I have learned the true meaning of being true to myself when it comes to blogging.

    I now see other successful bloggers as an inspiration. But I also know that I am not them, in the same way, that they are not me. I have my own priorities, strengths, and goals. And that’s what I need to focus on and plan for. What worked for them may not work for me and that’s okay. I have my own journey and I forge my own path. What’s most important is that I do what’s right for me and what’s true to me.

    If I stay true to myself, I know I’ll be alright.

    Best,
    Sigrid

  2. Tina Jr | 15th Jul 18

    Go ahead lovely sparkle…

  3. Jamie | 13th Jul 18

    This post is spot on. Blogging is a wonderful outlet but it can also be overwhelming and consuming. Getting wrapped up in numbers can be discouraging too. But, it’s all a process and you’re right- scheduling helps so much. <3 Jamie

    http://Www.mommyinflats.com

  4. Jamie | 13th Jul 18

    Entered! I love the watch you chose- so gorge on you. <3 Jamie

    http://Www.mommyinflats.com

  5. Tamara | 9th Jul 18

    Great points! Very lovely read – I definitely struggle with the commitment it takes to run a blog. I started my blog in 2011 and due to a lot of life circumstances, it has become put on the backburner. Now trying to get back into it!

    Tammie
    whatoftheday.com
    @tamarasputri

  6. Chez-rama | 2nd Jul 18

    You said it well! and you said what it was going on my mind. ! I am too new blogger .Three months for me :). As for your blog, I think for a start you are doing great job. This what matters. Consistency and commitment are the key. while I cannot tell much from my experience and I cannot say it is roller coaster since I have being in a personal roller coaster and this is nothing comparing to my personal roller coaster ( a health issue I went through for almost 8 years) . This is to prove to myself. I can do something and I can prove to myself and to other that I exist and no matter how this journey is hard I can survive and I can prove to myself that I can do anything and everything. however, I see your point, I have being let down the second I announce I will be blogger. I lost number of friends on SM . But, It is okay a friend can come and go but life keeps going.
    http://www.chez-rama.com

  7. Julie Caron | 28th Jun 18

    You’ve said exactly what I’ve been feeling. I’ve been blogging for about 4 months now and it’s a real roller coaster ride. Some days I’m really excited about a post I want to publish and some days I feel really discouraged. It definitely takes up more time than I expected and the family isn’t always on board with what I’m trying to do… so that’s a balancing act. Thanks for writing it, reading it made me feel better. 🙂
    Oh, ps. Are you using the Daisy Simple theme? So am I.

  8. Lisa | 28th Jun 18

    It really is hard to find that balance. I’m like you say you are…not a natural writer. Sometimes I wonder what am I even doing writing a blog. LOL I went through a time of publishing 5 days a week and could feel myself burning out so I cut back to my original 3 days and I’ll throw in an extra if I feel like it from time to time. It helps me keep the stress in check. “Comparison is the thief of joy” is one of my all time favorite sayings and what I find to be so true about blogging and I think it’s a double whammy being a woman. Great perspective here, Maureen! XO

  9. Roxanne | 20th Jun 18

    You’re a boss, Maureen! Thank you for this inspiring and SUPER REAL post! I appreciate and agree with every word! There is no “right or way” wrong to blog as long as you’re being true to yourself, and you find a groove that works for you! I’m so happy we found each other through our blogs!
    –Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

  10. Gentry Adams | 19th Jun 18

    I have been blogging for a few years and love it so much, but there are times I do get frustrated or wish that it was easier- usually I just wish I had more time for it! I’ve made so many amazing friends through it though that I can’t imagine not having it in my life. Thanks for sharing your advice and experience!

  11. Monica | 19th Jun 18

    So nice!!! Love this post

    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: CANNES UNSEEN

  12. jane | 19th Jun 18

    Blogging is not an easy job.
    It requires a lot of time, hardwork and creativity.
    Love this personal side of you

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

  13. The Style Second | 18th Jun 18

    What a great post! Definitely a good reminder that we need to remember why we started blogging, and though the numbers are important, we shouldn’t be too caught up in them!! Love this! So glad you linked this on your IG!

  14. Miss Cellany | 18th Jun 18

    Dear Maureen, I’m writing a response to your post because my feelings about blogging seem to be different from yours and from others who have left comments. I have always liked to take photographs that have then sat about in cupboards hardly ever being looked at. A friend suggested that I blog my garden through the seasons and that’s what I started doing – for MYSELF. I didn’t expect followers, I don’t look at numbers, I blog as often or as little as I want and I enjoy it. If I found it hard work I would stop. I am making a visual diary of my life and if it is of interest to very few then that’s fine by me. Perhaps it’s because I’m in my mid seventies that the media thing is of no concern to me.
    I’ve looked at some of your earlier posts and seen photos of you with your super little boy. I would use the blog to make a wonderful record of him as he grows, something that will be very precious to look back on. If blogs had existed when my children were growing up I would have been busy capturing every precious moment.

  15. Shea | 18th Jun 18

    This is a great post and I appreciate that you shared the things all bloggers hear, but then gave your own thoughts and what works best for you. I made the decision a few years ago that I would blog just for fun, and not focus on numbers/income/anything like that–that really takes the pressure off and I can do it because I want to, not because I have to.

  16. Treat and Trick | 17th Jun 18

    Such a great read! Wishing you a wonderful blogging journey, be consistent and be different from others I know you would achieve your goal one day..

  17. Kim | 14th Jun 18

    These are such great lessons to learn while you’re blogging! You are definitely not worth the number of followers you have!

    Kim
    Simply Lovebirds

  18. Elizabeth | 13th Jun 18

    A fantastic post that will be relatable to so many bloggers (including me)! Sometimes so easy to say and less easy to do. Agree that the work involved is more than I ever expected. But so is the gratification. And I still occasionally fall into the trap of trying to be what everyone else wants instead of what I actually am. Great advice.

  19. Liberty | 13th Jun 18

    I can totally relate to your whole post, it’s so easy to get caught up in the pressure of stats, comparison, social media etc. but it’s a comfort to know we all fall into that same trap! Congrats your post was chosen as another blogger’s choice on the #blogcrush linky this week, you’re eligible for the “I’ve been featured on Blogcrush” badge!

  20. manisha from modlotus | 12th Jun 18

    this post resonates with my thoughts so well. It’s easy to create content that you love but I get carried away so much that I take sometimes almost a week to finish one post abt 12 hours or so. I have learned to not get so bogged down for perfection.
    https://www.modlotus.com/navy-blue-pants-and-stripe-top/

  21. Katrina | 12th Jun 18

    What a great reflection! I can relate to all those thoughts. Knowing your worth is my favourite. It can be so hard to get wrapped up in the comparison game but in the end we each bring something unique to our blogs. You have a fab blog and I love reading your posts!!
    xo
    Katrina
    http://www.katrinagwenrose.com

  22. Nancy | 11th Jun 18

    It is a lot of hard work! But we all are Passionate about it aren t we! Just be yourself!

  23. Katya | 11th Jun 18

    To anybody, blogging could be the most amazing discovery to find. Who wouldn’t want to share and explore their passion right? I know you will continue showing amazing content and great things to find.

    StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

  24. Grace Liang | 11th Jun 18

    The positive attitude you have is the right route to be taking on your journey. Best of luck!

    Please stop by at http://www.colorandgrace.com every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for linkup parties! Hope to see you there!

    Grace Liang

  25. Stephanie | 11th Jun 18

    I thoroughly agree with you. Blogging is a great world. Knowing self-worth is something every blogger should think about.

  26. Claire | 10th Jun 18

    Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays Maureen, you are one of my featured blogs today 🙂

  27. ratnamurti | 6th Jun 18

    It is quite difficult learning about how much time you can devote to your blog. Sometimes if I have spare time I might do an extra draft or two for the weeks when I am just way too busy. I try to post 1x per week. I have 2 blogs, so that’s 2 posts a week that I need to write. Sometimes it just flows. Sometimes… well, sometimes it doesn’t. One week, myself and 3 other bloggers whom I follow, we all put out a fairly identical post more or less on the same day! I was gutted, then I decided that I just had to carry on irregardless, and that sometimes somewhere in the ether, several of us are having a similar idea. And that is quite lovely really.

  28. Sheena Sy Gonzales | 6th Jun 18

    Honestly, I started blogging because I wanted an outlet to. And now that I’ve gone this far, it’s nice to look back and remember the very reason why you started. Keep writing beautiful things! xoxo

    Sheena | http://www.sheenalovessunsets.com

  29. Kelsey | 6th Jun 18

    love your tips! focusing on you is a really great nugget I totally agree with!

    kelseybang.com

  30. Dorota | 6th Jun 18

    I’ve also only recently started my blogging life and I can totally relate to everything you wrote in this post. Frankly, I even get obsessed with checking all the apps and instagram constantly just to check if I got followers, if someone liked my picture. Sometimes if I get too little views (which I also check constantly) I become worried and obsessed Thanks for this post!
    Dorota
    http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com

  31. Emily | 6th Jun 18

    I can totally relate to you on so much of this, girl! Thanks for sharing. YES – when someone unfollows you, it is totally NOT a representation of your worth. I’ve had to learn just to not take it personally and move on and appreciate making great content for those who actually DO choose to follow me, rather than being frustrated at those who don’t. Love, love, love all of this! Thanks for sharing!

    -Emily | http://www.TheEmilyEdition.com

  32. Jessica | 5th Jun 18

    Such a nice read dear. I totally agree with you, it’s a rollercoaster having a blog. Takes a lot of work and sacrifice, but hey, like anything in life, that’s what it takes to succeed.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  33. Melissa | 5th Jun 18

    This post hits home my love! Every single thing you wrote I can completely relate. It’s hard to create something that is your passion, with hopes to turn it into something big! I think it definitely consist of trail and error and it’s a consistent learning processes! Sometimes I feel all in, while other times I get too distracted on my fails which completely changes my attitude and mood. But I do feel your in the right track, I’m sure you will get there! Keep on striving sunshine 🙂

  34. Ruth | 5th Jun 18

    I honestly follow my heart on this. Sure I wish I had more numbers but I am blogging to help other women see they can beautiful and how they can put together fabulous outfits while being a SAHM! I try not to get too caught up in followers and everything!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

  35. Ashley | 5th Jun 18

    I love this! I think blogging has become such an INDUSTRY, that people forget it’s a personal outlet, too, and staying true to yourself is SO key!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  36. Johanna | 5th Jun 18

    I love #1. So true and it took me a long time to figure out!

  37. Tina | 4th Jun 18

    You learned all of these so early in your blogging journey and that’s great! I feel like it took me a little longer to learn some of these. I know what you mean about the comparison game and within the last two years, I finally stopped caring and comparing myself to others. Blogging is exhausting and because it’s not my bread and butter, I try not to worry about posting often and responding to comments if I don’t have time. At the end of the day, I want to be able to have fun with it!

    Tina
    http://www.justatinabit.com

  38. Savvy Southern Chic | 4th Jun 18

    Blogging is certainly a lot of work! I’d love to grow my traffic and following, but I cannot live on social media or on the blog and I don’t have time for all the suggested ways to grow traffic. So slow and steady is good for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  39. Shelbee on the Edge | 4th Jun 18

    Maureen, this is such a great post! I am so glad that you have shared your experience from the first 6 months of your blogging journey. I know you struggle with finding the perfect balance from our personal communications, but I want to say it here…you are killing it, my friend! I know you often feel lost in this giant blogosphere, but you deliver meaningful and inspirational content every time. You have forged so many amazing friendships already in just a very short time. Just stay true to yourself and your purpose and everything else begins to fall into place. By the way, this post will be a featured favorite on my #SpreadTheKindness Link Up tomorrow!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  40. Julie | 4th Jun 18

    I totally relate, blogging is a rabbit hole that you fall down and no matter how much you think ‘ I won’t compare to others’ and ‘numbers don’t matter’ it’s hard to avoid.
    It’s also an extraordinary amount of work that other people just can’t relate to! Why on earth would you spend so much time on something?!
    I think blogging has to feel right for you, at a pace you are happy with, that will shine through and ultimately make your blog better. You must always be you, you’re doing a great job!

  41. Jessica | 3rd Jun 18

    Hi Maureen
    I have been blogging for over 4 years and I know what you are talking about, these are great points. I can get frsutrated with social media, as I don’t know all of the “tricks” to increase followers, but i don’t stress about it. I began as a hobby blog, something to share my creativity and meet other ladies through blogging. It is alot of work, and I like you, and not a “quick writer’. i love to write, but it takes time. I tell myself, I am doing the best I can, and be proud of what you have accomplished!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  42. Mica | 3rd Jun 18

    I think it’s good to remember numbers aren’t everything 🙂 I still remember being excited about my 10 page views on my first post, hehe! I am glad to have more than that now but it’s just nice getting sweet comments and emails from people – I find the people who read the posts and comment thoughtfully are worth all the page views, as it’s a connection you have there which is better than ‘wow great post’ comment spam and views!

    Prioritising is such a mum thing too – haha !I have a few hours when my boys are asleep that I can work on my blog, so as you said I have to balance that with all the other things I want to do! It’s a work in progress for sure!

    Hope that you are having a great weekend! It’s a busy but fun one here 🙂

    Away From The Blue Blog

  43. Meredith | 2nd Jun 18

    I love reading about your journey! Your points are so valid too.

    xo,
    Meredith
    NO BASIS IN REALITY | LATEST POST | INSTAGRAM

  44. Jill James | 2nd Jun 18

    You are not alone with the frustrations that blogging can sometimes bring but the key is to have faith in yourself and enjoy your blog. I also guess it depends on the reasons for blogging , they are different for everyone and if it is a hobby or something you wish to earn money from. I wish you all the best in your blogging journey.
    Jill
    Grownupglamour

  45. Claire | 1st Jun 18

    Lovely post-Maureen. I love that I got into blogging and made so many friends from all around the world. Blogging can be so time-consuming too, can’t it? Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop. Have a great weekend and we hope to see you soon 🙂

  46. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom | 1st Jun 18

    Ahh, blogging is so overwhelming and you seriously could work on it 24/7 and still find things to do! I like your idea of journaling how you spend your time for an entire week. I really should do that and maybe I could figure out a better system/routine to be more productive.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  47. Laurie | 1st Jun 18

    It’s still very early days for you Maureen. Keep to it, if you want to succeed enough you will. Can I recommend Yoast for SEO? it’s easy to follow and really helps get your post out there! Please feel free to email me if you need any help xx

  48. Mariann Yip | 1st Jun 18

    Amazing post! Loved hearing about your blogging journey! https://mariannyc.com/2018/05/31/june-goals/

  49. Sheree | 1st Jun 18

    Thank you for sharing this post with us! I love when you mention knowing your worth, many times we need to remind ourselves of that, keep up the great work!

    ~xo Sheree
    poshclassymom.com

  50. Jiya | 1st Jun 18

    Its so nice! Love the way you have explained your blogging journey 🙂 Loved reading every bit of it!
    Great post! Hugs!
    rampdiary | fineartandyou

  51. Amy | 1st Jun 18

    Good tips! Definitely agree about knowing your worth and staying true to yourself. It is important to say and harder to put into practice I find.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  52. Cheryl Tucker | 1st Jun 18

    Great post! Its good to enjoy what you are doing first and the rest will fall into place. I love my blog and the social media part is low on my scale of importance!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

  53. Courtney | 1st Jun 18

    I totally agree with everything you said. It is so much work for sure, and it does not come easy.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

  54. Kathrine Eldridge | 1st Jun 18

    Thanks for sharing your journey with blogging. Love that tee!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  55. Lorna | 31st May 18

    Congrats on sticking at it for 6 months! As a blogging dinosaur (my blog is over 8 years old and I’ve been blogging as a job for over 10) I know how much time, effort, hard work and sacrifice goes into making it work. Keep at it! Most the time people unfollow because of their own needs, they want their following count to go down, perhaps you don’t post enough so they think the account is dead etc and are cleaning up. Never take it personally, it’s a game pretty much. It does become an issue when you’re focused on getting followers all the time. I mean I am at 66k and it’s never enough, there has to be substance and quality as well in order to secure collaborations. Regarding posting more for ranking better in Google, that’s not technically true. Sure it helps for Google seeing you have a regularly updated blog, but ranking your posts depends on SEO. I would look up SEO and learn as much as you can about it if you’re wanting to make any career out of your blog. There’s a lot to learn and it takes years, but it helps hugely! xx.

    Raindrops of Sapphire

  56. Linda | 31st May 18

    very very true, WE can become so obsessed over the craziest of things. Please feel free to stop over at A Labour of Fashion and link up today

  57. Radi | 30th May 18

    Everything you said is so true and funny how we bloggers only can relate and know exactly what you’re talking about.

    http://www.fashionradi.com

  58. Melissa Cuentas | 30th May 18

    What a beautiful post!!! Good that you’ve learned all of this in such a short period of time! To be fairly honest, there’s this human tendency of worrying about the numbers to the point of getting obsessed with them. In a world like blogging, there are people who are going to actually enjoy what you do and follow you along your journey, keeping up to date with it, others, well maybe they unfollowed because of a certain reason, we don’t know but that shouldn’t matter as long as we stay true to ourselves, and believe me when you stop worrying about it and keep on working to create more content, people will love what you do. Also, I know what you mean about focusing on ourselves, again there’s this tricky thing where you follow someone because they inspire you but then, one day you find yourself comparing to them and it shouldn’t feel or be like that, neither see them as competitor, this is an industry where we should support each other and not bring other down. Well, that’s just my personal opinion and what I think and believe in! Happy that you shared this post, I loved it (you can tell that from my long comment, haha)

    Have a lovely day and week ahead! XO

  59. Brooke | 30th May 18

    Great post Maureen! I’ve also been discouraged when I lose followers, but I’ve also learned to not take it personally. Some people are playing the whole game and just trying to gain you as a follower, some just change interests, no big! I’m with you on just staying true to who you are, and having fun!

    Brooke

  60. Chez-rama | 30th May 18

    I hear you! I have being blogging for two months only. I know I am newbie. I am having difficulty knowing if I am doing it right or wrong. So many times I got discouraged because I do not know what I am doing rather than talking about things I love to do and let people hear about it. I hope it is worth it.

  61. Katherine | 30th May 18

    Love your honesty here!! Keep on going because you’re doing a wonderful job! I love reading your thoughts and seeing your posts 🙂

    Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com

  62. Andrea Nine | 30th May 18

    You’re doing so good girl! It is a lot of work but the blogger friendships are my greatest take away and make it all worth it!

  63. Lauren Sparks | 29th May 18

    “my blog is a documentary of my thoughts, my feelings and my journey, all of which cannot ever be measured by dollars and freebies, a follow or a like. “. I needed these words today in regard to my own blog. Thank you. Visiting you today from Shelbee’s link up. LAURENsparks.net

  64. Laura | 29th May 18

    I always try to remind myself that blogging is my hobby and the minute it feels like a job I need to take a step back. Otherwise it can be so easy to compare myself to others. My blog isn’t big and doesn’t have a large following, but that’s ok. I love that it’s totally me! This was a great post to read Maureen!

  65. Laura | 29th May 18

    LOVE this post!!! You are right – so much discipline and organization…and even when I think I’m organized, I usually find that I’m not lol. Hope you had a good weekend!

    Laura
    Black Coffee Beautiful

  66. Marianna Lucas | 29th May 18

    Love that you have learned so much in this short time, and I so enjoy reading your content!

  67. Gina | 29th May 18

    I really enjoyed reading this post and I think almost anyone who blogs can relate! It was so shocking how long a post would take when I first started blogging. I thought I could write one in an hour per day and be done with it but I was so wrong. And yes, it really takes mental work to be at peace when your numbers drop or people unfollow you. I just try to focus on the positives (friendships and other good things that have come from blogging) and move on because there’s really nothing else I can do about it!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

  68. Kellyann | 29th May 18

    Wow Maureen, I had no idea you’d only been at this for 6 months! You are killin’ it! I found myself nodding as I was reading, I can relate on so many levels. Blogging is a hobby for me but it has taken on more of a part time job status since I do feel compelled to post regularly. As hard as I try to ignore numbers and not take it personally when someone unfollows me those feelings of insecurity sometimes get the best of me.
    Anyhow, keep at it and make it work for you, we have to remind ourselves it’s our journey and we need to make sure it’s enjoyable!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  69. Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies | 29th May 18

    I have been a hobby blogger for many years but trying to be a professional blogger has been much harder and much more stressful. It’s lucky we love it so much eh? I try to keep an eye on the bigger picture and not the short term gains or loses xx

  70. Cristina - Memories of the Pacific | 28th May 18

    These are all very important lessons, Maureen! Knowing your worth is really important, I think it’s this point with which people struggle the most. One tends to think that if your numbers aren’t high you are doing something wrong or that people don’t like what you do but it’s not like that. Blogging is an over-saturated market and it’s really hard to grow these days. Also, we need to bear in mind that all those numbers aren’t always real, buying followers is unfortunately a huge trend these days. So we have to keep doing what we love and forget about numbers.

  71. Jodie | 28th May 18

    It is a lot of work, isn’t it, Maureen!! And it’s hard to know what we want to say when we first start out. I think it’s an evolution of sorts, but definitely worth it!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  72. Laura at Fantastically Four | 28th May 18

    Love your insights here about knowing your worth and staying true to yourself. Blogging is so much harder than it appears! Keep it up!

  73. Chrissy | 28th May 18

    Maureen, this post is true perfect timing for me. Like you, I love blogging and I live the connections I make through cyber space but also around town, but I do tend to get caught up in the growth game, feeling the pressure for more followers. I wake up thinking about what’s next and if I’m doing a feature for someone how I can make the most impact for them. So these are great reminders for me. Thank you for the reminder to be me and remember not to torture my family with this constant in my life. Lol

  74. Nistha Saraf | 28th May 18

    So lovely to learn about your journey. Thats quite one babe!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/styling-a-bomber-jacket-ft-the-bleu-label/

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