Hello January and hello new bloggers. January is traditionally the month of ‘taking up new things’ resolutions and fresh starts. If you’ve started a blog; hello and welcome to the world of blogging. How are you finding it? It can be a little overwhelming at first, technically and simply by the sheer numbers of blogs out there. If you are feeling a little lost, don’t worry, you are not alone.
At the beginning of January I read many posts on resolutions, intentions, words for 2015 and I was full of New Year enthusiasm. A few weeks on, the weather and my bank balance are looking bleak, my well-being is joining them, I am feeling a little lost.
I’ve never been good on the bigger picture for my blog or a plan. It has never had a direction, it is simply my space on the internet and it evolves organically. I admire those that have a USP, goals etc. Blogging can feel increasingly competitive, but the beauty of blogging is that there is space for everyone and you can make your own shape. Be You; is my best blogging tip, really don’t compare, don’t try to ‘fit in’, don’t want what someone else has. Just. Be. You. You will grow in a way that suits you, that might be in gentle let’s see where this goes, or it might be world domination. Readers will recognise a genuine fit and return.
Looking back over the last year, the space I inhabit on the internet definitely got smaller. I took myself out of blogging spaces that no longer suited me. I joined in less, lost enthusiasm. At one point, I felt a little like a teenager who’d lost their first love, slightly bereft and wondering what next. I found my feet again, just as teenagers do. Discovered new blogs, continued to love some old favourites and stayed within my small sway of preferences and my enthusiasm returned. Just as I know, that despite my January gloom, a walk in the woods, a conversation, an interesting blog post will re-ignite my inspiration.
Blogging has taken me on small adventures, presented opportunities, given me friends and my own little space on the internet. Early in January, I read two excellent posts, firstly by Annie of Mammasaurus. As I type this, Annie is in Kenya with two fellow bloggers reporting on #lastingchange for Comic Relief. Blogging has literally taken her thousands of miles. Secondly, Capture by Lucy, her story is in her post, a brilliant blogging journey in another form. I think both posts have so much to say about blogging at the beginning of another year, a sort of “State of the Union” vibe, no matter where you are on your blogging journey, both Annie and Lucy have good messages.
What’s your blogging message for 2015?
Amanda
Wednesday 28th of January 2015
I think blogging is one of those things that needs to reflect where you are in your life, and so it will always have highs and lows, times when it is high up there on your agenda and times when it is the last thing you have time for.
I love your analogy of losing your first love, that's exactly how it can feel. I started blogging in 2006 and in that time I have had times when I fully embraced it and times when I almost gave up entirely!
At the end of 2014 I wrote about letting go, and my word for 2015 is "Surrender". Then January came along and I was made redundant. Ha, talk about going with the flow!! But actually, it has made me step back and realise that I want to invest more in community and blogging is a major part of that.
I am taking time to go through the past 4 years' worth of posts (on my current blog), removing any which no longer fit in with what I want from my blog and adapting it for the future. I have created a blog plan with a vision and a mission to guide me, and am really enjoying the creative focus this is bringing. I feel like I am finally finding my feet again after several years of stumbling along, unsure of myself. And that makes it so much more fun - whether it works or not doesn't matter, what matters is that it is enjoyable!
Gemma
Friday 30th of January 2015
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful reply. Completely agree, it has to be enjoyable. Best wishes with your plan, it sounds like a good one and I will take a leaf from your book, I think, and create my own.