Janae answered this question on her blog last month in 3 parts, and it got me thinking about why I blog.
You all know why I started this blog of mine. And as I approach my bloggiversary next month, I’ve had lots of time to reflect and think about why it is I do…what I do.
For starters, you have to know…I did not choose this “career” for myself, nor did I even have “blogger” on my radar as an occupation to add to my resume.
I had views of grandeur…work as an apparel designer, start my own clothing line…make lots of money, dress & style Celebrities…live the high life.
Of course, it hasn’t worked out that way. But I did have my stint in the fashion world. I started out as a Costume Designer and worked at it for 5 years. Taught Design classes for 10 months, and then designed Apparel for 6 months.
And for the most part, I haven’t stopped designing…for myself, and my girls at least.
A lot of people, myself included, didn’t think that this whole blogging gig wouldn’t last this long. I was expecting that I’d blog til I got bored, and then wake up one day and find myself at another 9-5 job.
That ain’t gonna happen!
Each day I wake up, I’m excited to work on my blog. Enthusiastic to speak my thoughts, my fears, my accomplishments, my dreams…to give my creativity free reign.
My alarm is set to an ungodly hour…4:30 am, and I know the hubbs hates it! But I can’t imagine starting my day any other way.
When I blog, I feel like I’m making an impact…on your lives, but more importantly…mine.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day, and I told him that I feel like I always have too many thoughts and ideas, than I have time to post for. And this is so true! We’ll be sitting at dinner and I’ll be staring out in la la land cuz there are tons of ideas in my head.
Not many people understand why I choose to blog…
“But you’re not making money?”
“You’re choosing to utilize your time on something that might not pan out, and you’re not getting income?”
I get it, I really do…but what I see is something that most people don’t. Yes, I’m not making money…now. But this lil’ bloggy blog of mine, will someday. Most people want instant gratification…and some don’t wanna have to put in the work to become successful.
I do.
I know the hard work it takes to become a success. And the reality is…overnight success is few and far in between.
But I’m happy to do it. I see a vision in my horizon, and everyday I know I’m getting an inch closer.
I can feel it.
Loss of sleep, Dreaming of my blog & future posts, Large amounts of coffee in the am, Spacing out during meal times, Writing at ungodly hours of the day….
Bring it on!!
Enjoyed reading this post, Louise… you are a gem! Hard work and passion will always result in good things. I admire your dedication and look forward to watching the continued success/growth of your blog!
Thank you for this. I’m not a full time blogger…yet..but jumping into the unknown of small business ownership with no guaranteed paychecks. The most important is the vision…even if the rest doesn’t see it. You seem to see yours. I see mine. There is a reason for everything. Hard work does pay off. We just have to believe that..:)
Hi Emeline! Yes…it can be so scary sometimes! But you’re right…the vision is the most important…and along with that, the drive! Cheers to motivation and chasing your dreams! Thanks for coming by, really appreciate it =) XO
I too get those comments – people are a bit confused as to why we’d spend to much time writing and photographing and creating when there isn’t any money in it. Or not yet. As if money was the only measure of success or fulfillment.
Costume design – one of the few regrets that I have about moving back west after 10 years in Toronto was NOT taking a week long costume design course as the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. I learned to sew as a kid and LOVE the thinking in 3D of it.
Money shouldn’t be the only measure of success…but most people don’t realize/understand that….and the diff between those that “fail” and “succeed” at their dreams…successful people aren’t afraid of hard work, they see the benefit of hard work, and want to do it…people who are more likely to fail only want the end result, the money, the fame…they are lazy, and don’t want to do the work…that’s def not me!
OHMIGOD, yes!! You shoulda taken that course! I bet they gave great sewing and design tips! I would have loved that too! I worked for a company that mass produced costumes. We sold costumes that were upwards of $250, but sometimes the detailing was compromised. Nothing like the costumes you see on broadway…now, that would have been a great experience! I’m working on the girls’ costumes right now, and it is def a fun project! Sometimes stressful =/ hehe, but otherwise FUN! XO
Hive Five, Louise! I love your spirit and enthusiasm for blogging.
Right back atcha Katie!! Thx for your support! =) XO
4:30!?!?! I could not imagine!! Good for you for being so dedicated!
hehe, I know right?! A lil’ cray cray, but that’s how I operate, thx Ashley! XO
Love this. I remember Janae’s post and now I love that you answered this tough question too!
Thx Christie! =) XO
Great post! I’m right there with you. I never want to do a 9-5 job again! And one day we’ll both be very successful!!
Right?! Never again!! I see our successes in the horizon Kellie! It’ll be great! So glad we can motivate ea other! XO
I love this. I had no idea about your past so it’s fun to learn more about you. I’m SO impressed you get up that early. If I had, I would have been able to join the party this week. With that kind of dedication you are sure to be a success.
It’s always so cool to learn about ea other huh?! Yep, that’s what I used to do =) It is a bit too early huh?! But it works for me…I’m an early bird..like to get things done. Do the linkup this week! I wanna hear what you have to say Kristina! Thx for believing in me =) XO
Love this post! 430am is cray cray, but i do get up a bit earlier than usual at 7am and I too LOVE writing about I love and sharing it with others who feel the same way! Such a fun way to connect in this world where its hard to feel connected. I also hope to one day do this as my job, but until then, or if never, i will still love doing it for me!
xoxo
I love that you said, “-fun way to connect in this world where its hard to feel connected.” It totally is! Struggled with this a lot, and still do sometimes. I feel like, with blogging, I can let loose a lil and be creative, in ways I otherwise, wouldn’t express publicly. I heart blogging…almost like I have wings =) And yes, keep doing it for you…I HEART NERDS! <3 hehe Thx Megan! XO
I told my husband that if I never made a penny off of my blog, but it touched even one person’s life then I would be happy — and I mean it! The rewards I get from the blogging community don’t even have a pricetag on them. I’m so grateful to get to do something I’m passionate about almost every day!
Not to say that I would turn down the opportunity to make $$ off my blog, but if that is the only goal then I think content and creativity start to suffer.
I hope that all of your blog dreams come true
Yes…obviously I’m trying to turn this blog into my own business…but I know that, that isn’t my only goal, and I think everyone can feel that too. When you do something from your heart, and are passionate about it, then there is only good that will come from it. Thx for your support Alyssa! XO