Jul 12, 2013

A Blogging Manifesto -- Why Did I Start Blogging?



As of late, I have been doing a lot of thinking about blogging. There have been tons of posts written about why people blog, if they're doing it for the right reasons, and more importantly, if they want to get some free stuff out of the deal, and have that be that. There are also websites dedicated to bashing blogs and what they stand for, but also for criticizing their content or popularity.
I wanted to tell my personal story, because blogging has been such an important part of who I have become. I am writing this from a personal standpoint and I don't think I'm some "huge blogger" or anything, it's just something I have been thinking about for a while.

I started blogging in 2010, but didn't fully start blogging as part of my daily routine until January of 2011. It's been a little over two years, and it has definitely been an interesting journey thus far. I initially created the blog because I was unemployed and spent a lot of time browsing vintage on the internet. I had stumbled across a few fashion blogs, and really became intrigued by what people were sharing, and how they connected through fashion/vintage/accessories/life..etc. I always wanted to be one of those people who spoke openly about my life, and what I was interested in, but frankly never had the guts to do so. 

Something finally clicked, and it started taking form when I decided to open up an etsy shop that sold vintage. Something beautiful came out of my unemployed boredom, and I finally felt like I found a place where I could voice opinions, style, and lifestyle choices without feeling burdened by anyone or what they thought.
Once I started writing, I literally couldn't stop. It wasn't just writing either, it was connecting with other people going through the same things I was. Realizing that we're all the same. We are all human, we all have fears and problems...and putting myself out there, was how I coped. Reading other blogs and having readers that were inspired by my story, was and is enough to keep me here, doing what I do.

Fast forward to two years later, and here I am. I am completely enamored with the blogging community, and all it has to offer. I have made long lasting friendships, and connections that I don't think I would have otherwise found. I am happy to say that I found this niche that has turned me into a stronger individual. 

I have been blessed to have a blog that allows me to feel empowered and allows me to put myself out there. Whether or not people like it is their choice, but I know for me it has been a huge growing process and I wouldn't have it any other way. When you can connect with people that you've never even met through words and pictures on a screen, then you're definitely doing something right whether you have one reader, or six thousand readers. 

I've gotten a lot of emails from readers asking where to start, or feeling stagnant in their readership, or comments, and I completely understand where you're coming from. It's always going to be a work in progress, and if you continue to do what you love doing, the rest will follow. It's the same with anything else in your life, if you love something, put time and effort into it, and you will get the credit you deserve.

I do this because for me, it's inspiring and it's worth the time and effort put in. It's not about the free stuff, it's about the feeling you get from being a part of something so incredibly special.
Again, thank you for reading , and don't ever stop doing what you're doing! xo




14 comments:

  1. Great post! I think it's sad that people waste so much of their time bashing on things that other people love or do-why not just leave them alone and let them enjoy what they enjoy? Go find yourself a hobby that you enjoy and hopefully people will leave you to enjoy it. If you don't like that blog, don't read it. It's so simple!

    You are lovely, and I'm glad to follow your blog!

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  2. love this post! and i never understand why people would bash one blogger or another. if you hate their blog then don't read it? it should be simple! :)

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  3. such a beautiful post, my friend. love this - and love that i can say that it's through blogging that i have the privilege of knowing you. i hope one day i get the chance to hug your neck in person!

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  4. This was so inspiring to read! I feel the same way - blogging opened so many opportunities for me and I wouldn't take it back for the world

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  5. I keep coming back to your blog because you are so real. That's what I look for in the blogs that are my daily reads. I'm glad you do it for you, for empowerment, and for enjoyment. When it starts to get dull and like a duty then why do it .. right?

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  6. This is such a great post! Thank you for sharing... blogging can certainly be a roller coaster at times but I don't care if my Mom is the only one looking at my blog, I love to write, to share, and to be connected with amazing individuals like yourself! Keep up the amazing work! :)

    This Lovely Little Day

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  7. that was awesome maria! with love. :)

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  8. Thank you for the inspiring words.

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  9. Great to hear (read) your story :) xx

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  10. Terrific, and timely post! I'm a new reader (already smitten) + a brand-new blogger trying to figure out whether or not it's for me... I hope to be able to look back in two or three years with as much insight as you!

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  11. This is definitely a great post and sometimes I need to remind myself, why I am actually blogging and need to look away from numbers of readers or sth, since blogging in some part is just getting more and more commercialized :/
    But I still love what I do and going to keep it up^^
    Sandra

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