One of the greatest things I started in 2014 was thisΒ blog.
I wrote a post a while ago about deciding whether your blog is a hobby or a business, and the importance of knowing the difference. Having said that Simplicity Relished is a hobby, I’ve felt the need to share why I do it. If it’s not for money, then what is it for?
So often, we bloggers get caught up with numbers, growth, approval and our own sense of influence. While none of these are badΒ per se, I think they can make us lose sight of all the wonderful things that blogging can bring.
So in what ways has blogging enriched my life? After considering it for a while, here’s what I’ve come up with.
1) Meeting incredible people, some even in person!
I can’t say how fantastic it has been to connect with readers and bloggers. I have such deep admiration for people’s ideas, creativity, words of wisdom and reflection, photographs, and adventures. When readers comment thoughtfully on my posts, I’m forced to think a bit deeper about my own ideas. And of course, I’ve met a few wonderful fellow bloggers in person, and could not have been more amazed by our instant connections. Blogging has opened more relational doors than I could have expected.
2) Developing a non-academic writing voice.
I’ve loved to write for a long time, but pretty much only did so for school. Blog writing is different, to say the least. It’s so important to connect with readers on a personal level rather than to impress them with the complexity of ideas. Developing my own blogging voice took some time, but it now feels as though I’m writing and sharing ideas with old friends.Β I know that this is an important skill, both online and elsewhere!
3) Becoming more intentional and exploring new hobbies.
One of the reasons I started blogging more seriously was that I knew it would force me to be more sensitive about my surroundings, and to be more committed to doing the things I love. Whether it’s traveling, cooking or entertaining, I’ve been more intentional about developing those passions in order to share about them on Simplicity Relished. As a hobby, blogging has encouraged me to more persistently pursue myΒ other hobbies as well. A win-win!
4) Expanding my understanding of what it means to be an adult.
Meeting friendsΒ through blogging has helped me realize that being “grown up” (i.e. done with college) doesn’t mean that I have to take a traditional career path or race towards a prestigious advanced degree. Sure, I’ve met people who are in graduate school or other traditional careers, but I have also met those who are pursuing their dreams in other ways. This has been eye-opening, humbling, and ultimately freeing.
5) Finding inspiration.
This is a no-brainer! Reading about new ideas, testingΒ recipes, perusing travel stories and ogling gorgeous travel photographs have all been sources of everyday inspiration! Through the blogosphere, I’ve been inspired to try new things and visit new places. Bloggers who share words of encouragement for life, health, faith and wellness also remind me everyday of what my values are. I’ve so enjoyed learning from other bloggers!
6) LettingΒ go of perfection.
When you’ve blogged for a while, you realize that the comparison game is a killer of joy. You also know that you’ll make mistakes: write that low-quality post, accidentally offend, forget to spell-check, run out of photos, and much more. Letting go of my desire to be perfect has meant for my blog to be an imperfect space. It has meant that while I have high expectations for myself as a blogger, I don’t always meet them. And that’s okay. My work is still on the internet, and people are still reading it. Imperfection doesn’t have to hinder me from doing this!
Are you a blogger? In what ways has blogging enriched your life? I would love to know!
Just popped over from Helene In Between, and I so agree with all six of your points! Another reason that I love to blog is the journaling aspect of it. I have been blogging since 2010 and love how old posts they bring back such vivid memories of those moments. I have captured so many little things that I would have otherwise completely forgotten.
Thank you Rachel! Glad to hear it resonated with you. And I definitely need the reminder on a regular basis!
I love this list, Daisy! These are the same reasons I love blogging, and it’s a good reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Jasmin! I really appreciate it. And those things you named– are also fantastic reasons to keep blogging. Absolutely priceless.
Thank you so much Jenna! And you’re right– whether I blog a lot or a little, I sort of can’t imagine life without it either (what does that mean?!? haha). Blogging has definitely made me realize how much I just LOVE cooking. π
Exactly. I’ve been inspired by people who are doing something a little different. It’s so refreshing and a huge change from the mentality everyone had in college!
Thank you Shannon! The support is so encouraging. Seeing people compliment each other makes my day!! Thank you for reading and for being a blog friend, Shannon!
So good to hear Jennie!! Blogging has definitely made me try new things– even techie things, which are not what I’m good at π I really appreciate you stopping by!!
It really is so so fun to connect! I’m so glad I’ve gotten to now YOU Sarah! Blogging is so special for this very reason. I hope you keep blogging too (or at least instagramming– haha!). π
Thanks Beth!! π
Thank you so much Brittany! I’m really glad this resonated with you. Blogging is definitely one of those things where I need to step back once in a while and “count my blessings”… and remember the wonderful, priceless things it brings to my life! Thanks for stopping by, friend!
Thanks Kaeleen! Glad this resonated with you π
Thanks girl! And yes– creative fires are meant to be kept alive π
So good to hear Brooke! I’m so glad we’ve connected through blogging!
Thank you so much!! That must be fun to share a blog with your friend! My room mate and I tried to do that through college but it didn’t happen, haha. Happy 2015– I hope you continue blogging, friend!
Ah thank you so much! I’m SO glad that you’re rethinking what blogging means to you. I’ve loved meeting you and getting to know you– connections like this make it worthwhile. At the same time, sometimes the toughest thing about blogging is comparing ourselves to others. Instead we should celebrate the friendships we experience and remember that it’s all just for fun:)
What a fantastic post! I agree with everything you said. In addition, blogging has definitely taught me to say no, to see myself and my appearance in a whole new, much more positive light, and that everything is possible if you’re willing to work for it π
Jasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com
Thank you so much Elmira! Yes– I’ve met amazing women through this blog too π Happy New Year!
Thank you Ivana! It’s been so much fun. I hope you continue to blog, my friend!
Thank you so much Jackie!! So glad you agree, and thank you for stopping by. I hope you’re having a great weekend π
I am so in love with this post! I agree wholeheartedly. Blogging has taught me so much about myself, and it’s lead me to discover new passions that have changed my life. I really can’t imagine life without blogging!
I definitely agree with #4. It’s so hard to shake that idea of college -> real job -> settling down. Connecting with other people who either have non-traditional careers or are pursuing paths other than their college majors has really been inspiring and motivating.
Blogging is definitely worth the time it takes and it takes a lot of time. The community alone is my number one thing. It’s nice being a part of something where women are in constant support of other women. Great post, as always, Daisy! Happy New Year!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I so agree. I love that blogging sort of forces me to include creativity in my life–something I want and love, but something that can definitely fall by the wayside when you have a little one–I suppose in some ways it is making me more purposeful in pursuing that creativity. Love that. And meeting so many like-minded people is bonus too! π Thanks for this post!
Great post, Daisy! I have loved blogging, and when I take my breaks, even though I do it because I have no time, I miss it so much! This past month with all of the craziness, I’ve genuinely missed all of you, especially. I would get so happy to hear from you and other blogger friends I’ve made, that it just reminds me how many wonderful people are out there and how awesome it is that we live in an age where we can share and inspire each other.
So keep blogging, lady! I love hearing all you have to say π
– Sarah π
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Thanks Ashley!! Blogging helps us develop in so many ways.
Yes!! So glad to hear you can relate! There are such good things that come from doing this, and I don’t want to forget it!
Thanks Natalie! And I can see that– I’m not a mom (yet) but blogging is definitely a space I can call my own, and I’ve really loved it.
Thank you so much, friend! That is so, so kind of you to say, I really appreciate it! I hope you continue to enjoy blogging and reading blogs– there’s so much to learn and be inspired by. Happy New Year!
Thanks Jenna! These are a reminder to me that there are so many ways that blogging has been rewarding for me– it hasn’t just been blood sweat tears and money! hahaha π
Yes it was hard for me at first too! I actually started blogging to escape from the feeling of being trapped in academic writing, and it’s been so freeing and fun. Happy New Year, Kathryn!
Thanks Shannen!
That is so great Joanna– I’m so glad you started blogging too! π Thanks for being so encouraging! Happy New Year!!
That is so great Kiki! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy blogging and are becoming more brave about it π Happy New Year!!
It’s pretty awesome! And it took me forever to even tell anyone that I had started a blog, much less connect with other bloggers, but I’m so glad I did!
Thank you so much Miriam! It’s really hard not to compare yourself with other bloggers. I can’t say that I don’t do it… but when I remember that this is my own precious space and that there are so many things I’ve learned from blogging, the comparison fades away! You are such an encouragement to me so I’m glad that this post was helpful to you π Happy New Year, friend!
Thanks girl!! xo
Thank you so much Shireen, I’m so glad this resonated with you!! And that’s really neat that you discovered cooking and baking through blogging π There are so many opportunities that we can stumble upon when we blog! Happy New Year to you!!
Thanks Jaelan! And yes– it took me a while to let go of the need to be 100% accurate with my language (as in school) and to develop a familiar voice that still sounded authentic and sophisticated. (I try, haha.) And yes, it’s so true that as bloggers it’s so easy to compare. We all sit behind our lap tops and only get glimpses into each other’s lives… but you’re right, there are so many people out there to learn from, and I’m loving that. So glad you enjoyed this post. Happy New Year! π
Absolutely. There’s so much to learn here. Happy New Year!
Than you so much Gina! Yeah, I, like lots of other people have spent time thinking about whether this blog should continue, and I realized so many things that I’ve learned and gained from this. Thanks for your encouragement π
Thanks girl! Hope you had a lovely NYE and cheers to 2015:)
Thank you Ashley! There are so many great things about blogging just as a hobby.
Hooray! Thank you so much Terrence π So glad to have “met” you too and look forward to staying in touch π
That’s fabulous and so encouraging to hear!
This is a great list! I love all of them π
All of these are so true Daisy! π I whole-heartedly agree with what you said about letting go of perfection. There are times when we have to take a step back and say, hey, I’m human. I’m not perfect; but I’ll be the best I can be. And number 3 couldn’t be more true! Because of blogging, I’m actually doing my other hobbies rather than just dreaming about them. π Thanks for this post! It was much needed!
Love this so much! Blogging has enriched my life in many of the same ways and I’m so thankful for it!
These are so spot on! I would also add fueling my creative fire! Happy New Year lady!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
Going down this list I’m nodding my head the entire time in agreement. Blogging has forced me to learn, grow and take risks. I especially love number 4! I look forward to continuing to follow your blog through 2015 π
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
This is a great post! I couldn’t agree with you more; since starting a blog with my best friend I feel like I have so much more passion and purpose in my overall life! Thanks for sharing with us about your experience! We’re celebrating our one month blog anniversary with a Graffiti New Years post today on the blog! Cheers to 2015!
xo, Jennifer
Seek Wander Share
Follow Seek Wander Share on Instagram
Dear Daisy, reading your post was so refreshing and filled me with so much peace and inspiration. You are one of the reasons why I choose to rethink my blogging purpose and goals. Not long ago I found myself not starting to enjoy blogging as I was putting so much pressure on me trying to keep up with everyone else and everything around me. I began feeling lost in the rush of posting and having to also keep up with a full time job. The main reason I began blogging was to be able to write, express myself, share my very own personal self growth and also to share my love for fashion and I want to keep it that way so thanks for all the insight you have provided me and for always writing amazing posts. I am very thankful for you and all the wonderful people I have met through blogging and I know in my heart that will always be the most valuable reward I will get from blogging no matter how far I go. Happy New Year and many blessings to you and your loved ones always. Sincerely, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Great post, Daisy. I can relate to what you said completely! I am amazed by how many great people, mostly ladies, I have met through blogging and it is so nice to see and understand what all bloggers go through their lives by just looking at their pictures or reading their articles, isn’t it?
Happy new years to you and your family, Daisy:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
I absolutely agree with everything that you wrote…I have yet to meet people I met online in person, but I hope I can do that some day, at least some of them. I think blogging can enrich our lives…realizing that we have something to share and as you said- it doesn’t have to be perfect! I often feel like I’m posting work in progress, but it encourages me to get the work done, sort of speak. Happy New Year!
This was a really, really great post!! I agree with all of your points so much, especially #2. In school, you’re forced to write in such an unnatural way. I wrote a TON of essays in my day, but I much prefer writing more casually, almost like I’m having a conversation.
Happy New Year!
Jackie
Something About That
This was a great read, babe- and I totally relate to a few of the reasons; I feel like blogging has helped develop my writing voice, my personal style, etc. And it’s such an awesome avenue to meet new people!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Blogging has brought so much into my life…what started as a little something for myself has grown into a huge part of who I am today. I love your reasons burt can really relate to numbers 1, 3, 5, and 6. IT is such a wonderful outlet for my creativity, a way to challenge myself and a way to meet others!
I agree with all of these! I think that for me, it is also really kind of relaxing and a way for me to unwind. As a stay at home mom who somedays sees no adults, blogging is a way for me to have “me” time without actually having to go out and find other adults to be with π Its something that I can do just for me, but incorporate all aspects of things I love!!
Love this! and love #6. That’s something I’m working on myself. Or rather getting rid of the idea that I am less because I’m not perfect. So many of your posts have inspired me to do what you spoke of in #1, think deeper about my own ideas and direction. Thank you for all the inspiration your blog provides to us readers! Cheers to 2015! xx
I love this! I’ve often thought about whether or not I would keep up with my blog if I didn’t make money. These points have all been true for me, too.
I completely agree with you on all of these counts! It’s funny because learning to write in a non-academic way was actually a huge motivating factor for me to start blogging and writing on a daily basis. It’s still something that I’m working on, but it comes a little bit easier every time I sit down to write now. π
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
Aw beautiful post dear π
http://www.Shannenandco.blogspot.ie
Blogging has taught me so much, including how to be a better writer and really hone in on my interests. I have been inspired by many other people, like you- Daisy!- and I couldn’t be more grateful that I started my own blog and found a wonderful blogging community. I love your site and look forward to all your posts in 2015! Happy New Year!!!! XOXO
lovejoanna.com
Blogging has definitely inspired me beyond words. Not only on a creative level, but in a sense that it makes me proud to say “I have a blog.” I mean, we’ve all been caught taking an awkward photo only to tell someone “it’s for my blog.” I used to be nervous to tell anyone I blogged. Blogging has definitely made me more confident. Happy New Year Daisy! (:
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
Isn’t it crazy how something like blogging can be so amazing and enriching? When I started I had no idea what a wonderful thing I was getting myself into.
This post is so refreshing. I am very bad for comparing myself to other bloggers, so much so that I feel like deleting my blog. However, you are completely right, it’s okay to not be perfect. I often worry about my content, my photographs and about whether or not people enjoy them, instead of focusing on my own satisfaction of blogging. Sometimes I have to take a step back and remember the true reason why I started blogging- for a creative outlet. Once again, thank you for bringing me back to earth haha. I admire your wisdom and knowledge Daisy, and I wish you and your family a wonderful 2015 π
A great post, Daisy — as always! Happy New Year!
xo Southern Style
Amazing points, Daisy and kudos to another well written piece that I can deeply relate to. You have this amazing voice that reaches out to your readers and I really appreciate that. Blogging has been one platform that I discovered my passion for cooking and baking. It honestly has been a journey of self discovery for me and yes, I’ve met so many lovely people too.
Wishing you a very happy new year, Daisy!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
These are great points, Daisy.
I do love that blogging allows me to write in a non academic way. I’ve spent so much of my life writing technical papers, it’s nice to be able to write about things I’m passionate about without being “clinical”.
I also find a lot of inspiration through blogging. One could argue that blogging leads to unhealthy comparison (and I would not disagree), but I think it also helps me strive to better myself by seeing all of the amazing things others are able to accomplish. And honestly, I think working to better yourself is always a good thing and something that we should always strive to do. π
Happy New Year, friend!
Important lessons! I learned them also through blogging and they improved the rest of my life. Hope that happens to you, too. Happy New Year!
I loved this Daisy! These are awesome ways blogging can enrich our lives and open us up to new opportunities, perspectives and ideas. I love the community aspect of it and the fact that it helps us communicate better online through writing. What an amazing way to look at it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, girl π Have a happy new year!
This is a great list, Daisy! I do think that blogging allows us to meet some incredible/interesting people! I hope you’ll have an amazing NYE! I am excited to see what 2015 will bring!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
This is a really great list. I agree that my blog is a hobby, not a career, and I feel as you do. It’s about personal enrichment not financial gain.
I’ve only been blogging for a bit and I already agree with all of these! You are one of the wonderful people I’ve “met”. Your spirit of humility and spirit to serve others shines through even on the web! Thanks for sharing π
I met one of my closest London friends through blogging! It’s absolutely fabulous that I have developed a circle of friends that I now know in person from a group of women that I met online! x