The New Year seems like a good time to evaluate and reflect on my blogging journey (more like expedition!) over the last 12 months.
Blogging has been a blast! Since publishing my first post back in February I have gained over 700 followers, published 200 posts and connected with so many of you from all corners of the world.
The Highs…
Starting out I had no idea which direction I would go. I had a sassy web address, a desire to write, a passion to be authentic and an insatiable appetite to help others see how fabulous they truly are too. It was exciting and scary and fun and overwhelming all at the same time and I was a total virgin at all of it!
I started #itsthelittlethings as a way to document the little things that made me smile throughout the week and now it’s become a bit of a catchphrase for when something goods happens around here!
I’ve written some articles that have made my soul sing and they seemed to have deeply resonated with you guys too – Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful was such a pleasure to write and a message I try to live by.
I’ve talked honestly about myself in the Things You Need to Know About Me series and shared my experiences about how the death of my younger brother completely changed my life and was the motivation to start writing.
In my monthly round up (Monthly Musings) I regularly share new blogs I have stumbled across that I feel are worthy of a look – this has been so successful and something that I enjoy doing so much. Connecting with others is a great bonus that I didn’t expect when I started blogging. I even became pen pals with one of you lovely readers.
The lows…
The last few weeks I have definitely felt a little ‘off my A game’ blogging wise. But hey, it happens to us all I’m sure. The pressure of juggling a full time job (and life) alongside a blog is hard. And whilst it is a great hobby, unfortunately it is the thing that suffers when time isn’t available.
Also as a result of not being around so much lately I have noticed a drop in my monthly stats – despite never being hung up on the numbers previously, it’s hard not to feel like a bit of a failure when they dip.
Sometimes you have an abundance of ideas. You find inspiration for posts on every corner it seems. Then some days you stare at that blank white screen and…nothing. Just nothing. Even when you do write something, some days you hit that delete button so many times and question the validity and worth of what you have written that you don’t publish it anyway! My post on Why Do I Write When It’s All Be Written Before came from such a moment of unworthiness and thoughts of ‘who am I to even think I can do this’.
Also it seems there’s an unwritten rule, expectation if you like to define your niche and put yourself into a category; lifestyle, food etc. Can I not just be someone who writes to inspire people to find their smile, find what makes their soul sing and help them become the best version of themselves with the occasional lifestyle type post thrown in every now and then?
Final thoughts…
One thing I have learnt about blogging is that there are no hard and fast rules. My blog, my rules. Blogging to me, is about writing and creating content you are passionate about.
It’s about finding your voice, your slant, your style and running with it.
It’s about sharing your experiences and thoughts and asking others what they think.
It’s about connecting and sharing and reading and creating and not taking it all too seriously!
Can I get a hell yeah?
So keep creating and writing. Stay passionate and authentic. Be true to yourself, be amazing and continue to share the love.
Merry Christmas you gorgeous people – see you in the new year!
Nicky 💋
👌👌👌
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Love that Winston Churchill quote, it’s one of my favourites!
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Yes – it’s a good one!!
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Hi Nicky,
Great post, thanks for sharing your experience.
I have only properly started posting in September 2016, so I am still in that stage of finding my feet.
Best of luck to you!
From
Ru
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Keep doing what you do! You need to not concern yourself with what everyone else is doing – you just be you ❤
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Hi,
Yup, thanks for the advice. It is what I am trying to do.
I you are enjoying blogging as well.
From
Ru
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No problem. Keep smiling 😀
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Enjoyed your insights
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Thanks – I have tried to be as honest a s possible 🙂
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just posted my first blog this morning and don’t know where it will lead, but i know i have always enjoyed writing and my last year of social media studies and practice has fueled a passion and lovely obsession… great blog and truly inspiring
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Thanks SpinDoc – look forward to seeing where your blog is headed! Just be you 🙂
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Wonderful Read!!
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Thankyou so much 🙂
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Lovely post Nicklaus. Blogging is not for the faint hearted but there sure is a great supportive community. Wishing you many blessings for 2017. 😍
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It sure is tough some days 🙂
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This is a great post. ☺ xx
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Thankyou my lovely 💛
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Congrats! That’s a great accomplishment! And I totally feel you about trying to juggle everything….I definitely get overwhelmed as well. Wishing you continued success in 2017!
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Thanks – it’s good to hear that others feel the same way 🙂
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I can relate with the struggles of coming up with fresh ideas and especially finding the time to write. Great post. Best of the season and a Happy 2017!
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Really? Your articles always seem to be bursting with enthusiasm, I often look to you for inspiration 🙂
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I’m happy to hear they come across that way! The process is often frustrating, but once I hit publish, I’m generally relieved- but only for a day or two until it’s time to start again. Have a wonderful 2017 Nicky!
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Love this! xx
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Thanks Ruthie!
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This is a wonderful post! I love how you weren’t so afraid to display the history of your blog! Keep it up! 🙂
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Thanks – we have to be honest, there’s no point pretending to be something you’re not 🙂
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Yeah. That is so true. Honesty is definitely the correct policy!
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I love this!
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Thankyou so much 💛
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True and relatable most of them blogging does have it’s high and lows ……Merry Christmas and a happy new year😄😘
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Good to know we all experience this at some time. Thanks for commenting Debbie 🙂
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You’re welcome Nicky
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Beautiful reflection. I agree that sometimes you just have to get in your feet and write. Even if you don’t know exactly where you’re headed.
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More often than not that seems to be the way it happens 🙂
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