Tomorrow marks 3 weeks that I have been blogging. These 3 weeks have flown by, but at the same time it feels like I’ve been blogging forever. Many of you have asked what it was that made me want to start blogging, so today I will share a little of my why.
I’ve tried many things in my 40 something years of life. I’ve always been driven and like to take on new challenges. Most all of my endevors have been successful, but none of them have fueled my passion the way that sharing my love of decorating through this blog has. I don’t regret any of the others because they each taught me new lessons and I was able to meet many amazing people through them. But the passion wasn’t there, so then, neither was the persistence.
So now that I’ve shared a little of my history with you, let’s get down to business and go over the 7 reasons.
1. Share my passion with others.
When you are passionate about something, it’s all you want to talk about (or write about). It excites you and motivates you. It drives you to push beyond anything you thought was possible. You know you are following your passion when you can’t fall asleep at night because you can’t stop thinking about it and you wake up excited each morning (despite the lack of sleep). For me, that is decorating a space and sharing it with all of you. For you, it could be cooking, or crafting, or traveling, or whatever else your heart desires. Whatever it is, there are others that share that same passion, and would love to hear your ideas.
2. Help others.
As a blogger, you have an audience and lots of influence. You are in a position to encourage and empower others. There is no greater joy than helping others.
I’d like to share an email that I received from one of my subscribers after I responded to her email about opening a booth at an antique mall.
“Thank you SO MUCH for your encouraging words. Wow! I have allowed “Fear” to take place in my heart and I know deep inside this is not from God. Day after day I dream about it, and before you know it months go by without me following my passion. I have been praying about this and I truly believe this was my confirmation from God in running across your blog. I want to thank you from my heart for sharing your story.”
This is why I do what I do! This is why staying up until 1 am to finish a blog, even when I have to work the next day, is worth it. I feel so blessed to be able to support and encourage others.
3. Meet new people and make new friends.
I have met so many new people since starting my blog. Blogging on things that interest you will bring in people who have similar interests. It allows you to connect to them through a shared passion and build a relationship with them. From followers, to other bloggers, to social media friends; I have met some pretty amazing people, and look forward to building upon those relationships and making many more.
4. Time and space flexibility.
You can write from anywhere and at anytime your little heart desires. As I type this, I am traveling in a car, heading to the beach for a vacation with my family. There are not many other things you can do from any place at anytime. There is no deadline and there are no limits. I can post as much or as little as I want, at the pace I desire.
5. Earn extra income.
Of course, at only 3 weeks in, I am not monetizing my site at this point. But I would be lying if didn’t say this was one of my motivating factors for starting a blog. I have been a Registered Nurse for the last 17 years and I have done well. However, each year my position is threatened, and it is scary to know that you could lose your income any day and not have any other source of income coming in. One of my goals of blogging is to bring in some supplemental income for our family. But even if my blog never brought in a penny, I would still continue, and it would be worth every bit of effort because it brings me so much joy.
6. Allows creativity.
Writing is soul satisfying. It allows you to express yourself freely. You get to start with a blank slate and create whatever your little heart desires. Sometimes, I plan ahead what I’m going to write about; but most of the time, it’s a spur of the moment idea that pops in my head. I grab my computer or a notepad as soon as the idea comes in my head and start writing down my thoughts.
I’d also like to say that it is so important not to get caught up in what you think anyone else’s response may be. This will completely void your creativity. Be real. Be you. Yes, it can be scary to put yourself out there. It’s a vulnerable position to put your thoughts and ideas out there for everyone else to judge. Yes, I care what others think and say to an extent, but I will not allow negativity to crush my passion.
7. It is relatively easy.
Let me be the first to say that I am no pro when it comes to computers. I know what I want it to do, but when it comes down to doing it, I’m a little challenged. However, I’m not afraid to try. There are so many free resources out there to help you get started. You don’t have to know everything before you start. I made up my mind to start a blog 3 weeks ago and set it up that same day. I googled how to do it and BAM! 10 minutes later, I was typing my first blog post. I’ve had a few learning curves along the way, but nothing that I haven’t been able to overcome with a little research and trial and error.
So now is the time to overcome that fear and follow your dream! No matter what it is. And if your dream doesn’t put a little fear in you, it’s not big enough. Dream big, friends! God has great plans for each of us. We just have to pursue them. You got this! xo
I’m loving your style and your blog. Your creativity is awesome. I can’t believe this is only your third week. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much, Nakeya! Your encouragement means so much to me!!
Thank you for this post, its just what I needed to hear. The Lord put on my heart to start a blog a few weeks ago so I did but it has taken me a while to get my website the way I want it. And tonight I was about to say ok, Im done this so frustrating but this post has given me the push I need tks Heather.
Aww, Stacey, I’m so glad to hear this! You should definitely go for it!! I will be glad to answer any questions or help in any way I can. I plan to do a post soon on a step-by-step guide to starting a blog. 🙂