Truth be told, I've never seen myself as a writer. In high school there was nothing I hated more than a writing prompt. I sucked. I would stare at the topic and think I'd rather rip out each of my toenails, one by one, than write this essay. I think I just hated being critiqued and the thought of the reader cringing over my words. And now here I blog, for the whole world to see. Now instead of being judge by my punctuation {because that's the beauty of blogging, I type/write how I speak and sometimes that means lots of !!! or run-on sentences} I'm now judged by my character, my choices, my lifestyle. Some might think that that makes this type of writing even more scary but I say, bring it on!
Over the past four years that I've been blogging I've seen tremendous changes in myself. What was once just a place to share wedding ideas has become a place that allows me to share my story with the world, inspire others, make people feel like they aren't the only one out there feeling a certain way and I hope, at times, makes people laugh. I have always received my share of criticism and for the most part I do not let it bother me. Half the time I've forgotten the negative comment by the time lunch rolls around the next day. Id don't care if people think, "oh she's a drunk" all because I posted ONE picture to Instagram where I had a beer on a random Wednesday afternoon. I don't care if they think my outfits are stupid when I post an #ootd. I don't even get upset when they leave nasty anonymous comments about my decision to share certain {potty training} stories.
The way I handle the negativity is easy. For every one person that says something nasty there is a long line of people behind them sending, "thank you" emails or "I've been there" comments or even words of encouragement that help ME. And that, my friends is worth all the Negative Nancies. If I can help one person or make one person feel less alone then my job as a "writer" is done.
And this is a two-way street we're on. I wish I could follow and read and respond to all of the people who do the same for me but I just don't have enough hours in the day. I try to respond to each comment {that has an email attached} the best I can and I have formed some great friendships this way. Engaging with my readers is what is important to me and makes this whole transparency thing worth it to me. I hope that my readers feel like I connect with them and I never want to be seen as the blogger who let blogging go to their head and can no longer respond to comments or emails. I've seen way too many bloggers get a big head over their "fame" and I hope to never come off that way.
So I may do a sponsored post, a review, a giveaway, etc and I know that that gets annoying to read day after day and sometimes can even feel like that's all that's out there anymore. I get it, you want content, so do I. BUT just know that there is a reason, a purpose for each and every post that gets published. You may not want to read about Huggies Little Swimmers and you might hate Wendy's Flatbread Sandwiches but guess what? Those posts might pay my electric bill this month. It might just be extra money that Kendall and I go get ice cream with. Either way there is a purpose. There is always a purpose.
Well, I will say that I love reading your blog. As a mom, it makes me feel like "thank goodness I'm not the only one". I say keep on keeping on. I think you're brave to share your life, but you are helping others; whether through the idea of not being alone or maybe with a laugh. You're awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and following along knowing I'm not the only one!
ReplyDeleteAnd I lose readers with every review/sponsored post, but that's just how it is! You can't please everyone!
I love reading about your successes and struggles in mommyhood. That is what made me a reader and I know you'll continue to share your stories. As you said, you can't please everyone, but there will definitely be many following along.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Not everyone is going to like you and you can't please everyone. Words to live by, especially when blogging.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog so keep it coming:)
ReplyDeleteboom.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog because you are real. Period. You don't sugar coat, you don't gloss over the hard stuff, you don't act as though life is perfect all the time and you have it all together. You're real. I relate to you and your words. Plus you have super cute kids that make my uterus ache so there's that too ;)
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC post!!! I always read (you know you are one of my absolute favs!) and I need to comment more because I feel like you are reading my mind- lol! You write from the heart- open and honestly, and that is what I absolutely LOVE about you. You are also kicking major butt as a mom of two and I just wanted you to know that! Lots of hugs and job well done sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome about responding to comments and ig comments. You rock!
ReplyDeleteI value your reviews and if you get paid for them more power to you. You are, after all a SAHM, any source of income helps. I read you because I can connect with you and I feel we are on the same page a lot of the time. Keep the posts coming, whether they be your real life or a review. I won't miss a post.
ReplyDeleteI've never commented but love your blog! I'm a pretty average 29 year old, midwest Ohio girl pregnant with #2 so you make me not panic so much ha! I can relate since you keep it real. Even staying home is not all sunshine and roses, it has its own set of struggles like working does. Thank you for reassuring me that I'm not a terrible mom for not treasuring everyday I get to stay home...some days are filled with poop, literally and figuratively.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile! Keep blogging just the way you do!
ReplyDelete