One Year Blogiversary! {Plus 5 Lessons I've Learned}

Wow!  I cannot believe it's been an entire year since I started my blogging journey!  When I first had the idea to start my own blog, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Many nights have been spent at my computer writing up posts or editing pictures.  It's been exciting and crazy and frustrating and rewarding--sometimes all in the same day!  I've learned a lot about myself and met some amazing people.

When I re-launched my blog a couple of weeks ago, I received so much love and support and encouragement.  I was overwhelmed!  And so, my friends, this post is dedicated to you.

Today I want to share what I've learned (and am still learning) when it comes to this whole blogging adventure.

My family is my greatest support system
My kids and my husband have been so wonderful throughout this entire process.  My kids have been patient as I've taken pictures of activities or of them.  They've helped me make meals and desserts.  My husband has watched the kids countless weekday evenings and Saturday mornings so that I can get my projects and posts done.  He supported me when I told him I wanted to get my entire blog redone and gave me suggestions and opinions because he wants to see me succeed.  There is no way I'd be able to do any of this without my family by my side.

Blogging is not for the faint of heart
Holy crap.  No one can explain how much WORK it takes to run a blog.  I could easily work on blogging stuff all. day. long. and still not get everything done that I want to.  There have been many times when I've just stared at my computer, willing my brain to work and think of a post to write.  Never mind that I've got a family to take care of on top of all my blogging.  There are days when I feel like I seriously have two full time jobs.  Unless you've actually done a blog consistently, it's hard to describe how much time and energy it takes to upkeep and improve.  Don't get me wrong.  I love blogging.  But it is WORK.

I have an awesome network of blogging friends
About six months ago, I asked a blogging friend of mine for advice about how to get more involved in the blogging world.  One of the suggestions she gave me was to join some Facebook groups dedicated to blogging so that I could network with them.  This piece of advice has been invaluable to me because as a result, I've "met" some amazing people!  I've even met some of them in real life and we are friends who have more in common than just blogging.  There are so many wonderful people out there and I've been truly blessed to run in the same circle as them (even if it is mostly a virtual circle).

Numbers don't matter
I didn't really take this lesson to heart until this last summer when I attended a local blogging workshop.  Over the course of the evening, I was able to talk with many different people and get to know them.  Not just about their blog or their strategies, but who they were as people.  Up until that point, all of my interactions with other bloggers had been online.  After meeting them, my whole perspective changed and I was able to think about each person who visited my blog as a person and not just a number.  Would I like to reach thousands of people a day?  Sure I would!  But not if it means that I forget that each person visiting my blog has a life, a family, a career, dreams and hopes.  So please know that I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to click on my links or read my posts.

It's hard to be vulnerable
One of the very hardest things about blogging is letting people into your world.  Letting them see you.  Maybe even letting them see your family.  Taking a peek into your personal challenges and trials.  Acknowledging that you're human and your life isn't perfect and you make mistakes (a lot of them).  Being vulnerable is scary.  But you know what?  It's also super rewarding in a lot of cases because when you're vulnerable, you have the opportunity to connect in a way that isn't possible otherwise.

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Also, I want to thank the Sweet Tooth Fairy for donating some cupcakes to help me celebrate my blogiversary!  They even wished me Happy Blogiversary on my box.  If you are in Utah, you've probably heard of them (although they do have a location in AZ and FL).  They even won Food Network's Cupcake Wars!  So they are pretty darn good.  Just look at these pictures and tell me you don't want one.

My kids thought the cupcakes were really good too. *wink*

Thank you again everyone and here's to another amazing year!