Happy Birthday (or is it “Blogiversary”?) to me! Keeping Mommy Sane is now officially one year old!
I can’t believe an entire year has gone by since I started this little venture, which was initially intended to be a creative outlet, a place where I could unleash my inner writer and write what I know (and sometimes don’t know). Not to sound trite, but I honestly had no idea anyone would actually read it. And if you’d told me that I’d be featured on Boston.com, The Bump, Women’s Running and Scary Mommy, among others, and have the opportunity to work with some exciting brands and companies, I would have seriously thought you were joking or completely delusional – or both.
So today, on my one-year blogiversary, I am reflecting on …
- Not everyone will understand why you blog, and that’s okay.
- People you never would have expected will turn out to be your biggest supporters; unfortunately, the opposite is also true.
- I’ve the fortune to meet some wonderful new blogging friends and discover some incredibly supportive and welcoming blogging communities.
- But at the same time, the blogging world can also be like high school at times — cliquey and judgmental.
- Blogging has opened doors that I’m pretty sure would have otherwise remained closed.
- I know someday I’ll be thrilled to have this running diary and online scrapbook of my kids at this time in their childhood.
- Your friends and family will appreciate it, too. I’ve had so many friends tell me they love the blog because it lets them know what’s happening in my life.
- You may end up communicating with your blogging friends more often than your IRL pals.
- It’s okay not to fall into a blogging genre; I’m not quite a “mommy blogger” (hate than term, BTW) or a “healthy living blogger” or a “style blogger” or a “running blogger.” I’m a hybrid of all of these, because that’s who I am and what I’m passionate about.
- As someone who has worked in the communications field for a long time, I am amazed at the truly awful PR pitches I’ve received this year (yes, PR rep for a Colorado-based freeze-dried meat company, this vegetarian is talking to you).
- I don’t know why, but I’m still not 100% comfortable ‘fessing up about the blog to friends and acquaintances who aren’t familiar with it.
- I find it a little unsettling when I see someone found my blog by Googling my name and the word “blog.”
- I guess I kind of thought blogging about running would help hold me accountable, but I never thought it would be such a powerful motivator! I can honestly say I don’t know if I would have decided to try half marathons if it wasn’t for you all!
- I thought my blog would focus more on sappy essays on motherhood; I didn’t know I’d get more joy and pleasure from my funny or snarky posts (like this).
- Or that I’d find writing posts like this and this would be so cathartic.
- Or that my post about what to wear in Disney World would be – far and away – my most popular entry?!
- Blogging has helped me develop a thicker skin (thank you, blog trolls!)
- It’s okay to only post when I really have something to say.
- But at the same time, you can’t take yourself too seriously.
- The most important thing — which I think about with every post — is to genuinely be myself. I tell people I write as if I were talking to my girlfriends. I hope that’s how it comes across.
Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, sharing and following me on this journey! I’m so excited to see what Year Two has in store … and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cheryl says
Congrats on your first year! Here’s to many more!
Jessica says
Thanks, Cheryl! So glad our paths have crossed thanks to the “blogosphere” ๐
Sharon - MomGenerations.com says
Your list is so accurate. I’ve been doing this blogging thing for 6 years and I have a veritable diary of grandkids’ milestones, events, cutest things on earth… and my feelings all wrapped up in it like a big, cozy blanket. I often read things I’ve WRITTEN that I otherwise wouldn’t REMEMBER. I love this. I, too, get pitches that are so inconsistent with who or what I am; quite the learning experience. AND I agree about the self-motivating thing… a Half Ironman, 2 marathons and countless races later, with support from across the country and the world. What?! Blogging is what I do now, even if my retired teacher friends have no idea what I do and don’t care to! All’s good. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO YOU!
Jessica says
Thanks so much, Sharon! You have been such a huge supporter this past year, and I truly have appreciated every single word of wisdom and encouragement.
sheri says
Happy blogiversary! I love the blog…especially for you “hybrid” status.
Jessica says
Thanks, Sheri ๐ You Rhody gals have been such a huge help and support this past year!!!
Dollops of Diane says
Woo hoo!!! Congrats on an awesomely, successful first year! I’m grateful that you started your blog so that our paths could cross. I still remember fondly our first “date” ๐
Jessica says
Thanks – me too! New friends … what a wonderful perk of becoming a blogger ๐
Emily @ Random Recycling says
Congrats on one year! It’s an accomplishment many blogs don’t make.
Jessica says
Thanks so much, Emily ๐
Karen says
Congrats on your first year! I just celebrated 5 years blogging and it’s def something I never thought I’d do for this long. But I love it. (And I’m still learning everyday!).
Jessica says
Thanks so much! And 5 years, that’s incredible! Some days I’m surprised I made it to a year ๐ But it’s been a fun ride so far.
Joanna {Baby Gators Den} says
Happy Blogiversary!!!! I loved your list. I totally agree with the searching by name and blog, that weirds me out! I’m glad I met you via blogging. PS, the new look is awesome (I subscribe via RSS so I haven’t seen it!)
Jessica says
Thanks so much ๐ I had a little graphic design fun one day. And I’m glad I’m not the only creeped out by the whole name Googling thing. LOL.
Jennifer says
Great list! Happy Blogiversary!
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says
You have done SOOO much in a year! Impressive!!!