From APRIL 2015
Have you ever felt like something was missing? Yet, it was hard to pinpoint? I mean, my husband and kids are happy and healthy, my marriage rocks, I have a beautiful home, I seem to appreciate the little things in life and although small, a beautiful extended family. Sure, rough spots popped up now and then but no matter what they were, we would seem to overcome them due to our faith and unyielding love.
Yet, no matter how happy my life was, there was still an ache in my heart. An ache that I had no purpose. An ache that I didn't feel I was making a difference. An ache that friends weren't as loyal as they used to be. An ache that two of my children would be going off to college in 18 months and I really didn't know what I was going to do with myself as a big majority of my life is dedicated to my family. And ache that the positivity I tried to exude often wasn't reciprocated in this world. Couple those aches with an anxious personality, increasing social phobias and curve-balls and there were days I felt like it wouldn't even matter if I got out of bed.
Yet, you know what always kept popping in my mind was that so many of the blogs I was a fan of DID make a difference in my life. Many of you bloggers would make me smile with an inspirational post, a rocking' outfit, a yummy recipe, words of advice and basically just seeing that there was still so much good in the world. For the past three years, every time I finished reading a blog post by a favorite blogger, I thought to myself, why don't I start a blog? Just maybe I'll brighten someone’s day and jotting down my thoughts in that kind of format might be therapeutic.
I walked into our living room one day and said "Honey, I'm starting a blog!" A week later, I hit the publish button, then again, the next day, and the next. Guess what, I wanted to get out of bed. Blogging inspired me! Heck I even lost 3 pounds the first week because I was so busy blogging in my spare time that I was forgetting to eat. I became even more organized and prioritized even better than before. When people started commenting, I felt like hey, even if I just make one person smile that's something!
I found the blogging community to be so kind, so supportive and so unselfish. I found myself wanting to get up early in the morning just to check my feed so I could comment on other people's blogs and let them know their content had meaning to me. If you're taking the time to write a blog post, you're a special person and it means that your whole heart is in it.
I mean, it's not that often that I blog about something serious but even if it's just a funny post, a fashion post, a family post or yummy post, it's something. I may only be a minuscule speck in this whole wide world of Internet but it's my speck and it saved my life. Maybe not literally but figuratively, just like so many unintentional adventures in our lives, it lifted me up out of the pit and gave me a safe place to stand.
Cheers to this fun ride called Blogging, cheers to YOU, who put your heart and soul out there every day and cheers to those who take the time to read and truly smile with you.
xoxo
4 Years Later FOLLOW-UP
As I re-read this post, everything in it definitely resonates but it’s even magnified. Blogging has allowed me so much. It has brought me the best friendships in the world and the pleasure of meeting strangers that now have become the best of friends! Some of these ladies, I talk to almost every day! It has strengthened my work ethic. It has allotted me, along with my husband, to resign from a job that brought me no joy and even though I now often put 50 to 60 hours of work into the blog each week, each part of it brings me happiness! One of the best parts also about it, is, it does not define me, it’s not something I have to do, it’s something I want to do! Soon, we will be complete empty nesters and I feel, with a renewed sense of confidence because of blogging, that this new chapter just affords more opportunity for growth. material content, new ventures and always an expanding heart for those of you who read and who I call friends!
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I'm glad you shared this! Sometimes, without knowing what's going on "behind the scenes", it's easy for readers to think bloggers' lives are perfect. It's actually really nice to know that you're all "normal" people with ups and downs just like the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so much fun to read! I love your positive, sunny attitude!
I am so glad you decided to jump into blogging and even more glad we found each other! You are definitely a bright light in my day and I wouldn't want it any other way xoxoxoxoxoxox
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you blog now because the blogging world is a little brighter because of you!! I look forward to your positivity and encouragement and am so thankful for you!
ReplyDeleteSarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
You inspire me daily sweet friend. This post really hit home with me and I know it will touch others. Thank you for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeletexoxo
This post totally resonates with me! The blogging community is so positive and encouraging and I'm glad that I "met" you through blogging! You are always a ray of sunshine and have such a positive outlook! That last quote is perfect!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
You bring sunshine to my blogging world. Your insprirational and interesteing. I started blogging while my daughter was in college. It gave me some relief of the empty nest syndrome that I struggled with. I remember telling my husband that I was going to start a blog and he did not even know what a blog was. Haha. I dont talk much about my blog around my family other than my daughter or husband because everyone else thinks its weird and to this day, none of them even read it. They just dont get it. They even think I have a problem when I want to talke photos of food or a selfie. Haha.
ReplyDeleteIt is so therapeutic for me and Im blessed to have made many sweet blogging friends like you.
Lisa
Sweet friend, you know I can relate on so many levels. It was a pleasure to read this post today and I felt myself nodding along. Thank God we all found this space to connect. You make a difference in my life every day!
ReplyDeleteLove you!!!
xo,
Kellyann
And I for one am SOOOO glad that you decided to start this little blog, Girlie!! Just think if you HADN'T decided to push that publish button! Wow! Your life is such a blessing and our friendship is such a blessing to me, too! I love you and thank you for pushing that publish button! Such a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you decided to blog, Andrea! Your blog never fails to make me smile! Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am SO glad you decided to be a blogger!! You have been brave in your decisions sweet friend and I cannot imagine you not being the joyful soul you are today.
ReplyDeleteYo estoy súper contenta de seguir tu blog...acá en Costa Rica creo que no es muy común tener uno...pero a mà como me interesa la decoración, moda y otras cosas entre en este mundo y no me acuerdo como pero creo que se comparten muchas cosas en común y sobre todo se hacen amistades a la distancia...También pensar que no solo uno pasa por situaciones negativas en la vida y que de alguna forma hay que superarlas...Me alegra mucho también haberte encontrado en este mundo virtual...Abrazos
ReplyDeleteShirley, eres una alegrÃa y te creo mucho por tu apoyo y cariño. Abrazos de nuevo a ti mi amigo!
DeleteWhat a great post, Andrea! I totally hear you on the frustrations of friendships and the difficulties of building deeper connections as well as an identity outside our family life! I'm so glad you decided to start a blog and that it's been so rewarding for you!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I love this, and your honesty just resonates here! I started blogging at a crossroads in my life, too, and it has become a therapeutic outlet for me over the past five years. I love that your personality has a true place to shine as you share your joy with all. Happy Monday, friend!
ReplyDeleteThis just makes me all warm & fuzzy.... blogging has been incredible to me too. The friends I've made through the year doing it - its just been the biggest blessing.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you authenticity is what drew me to your blog in the first place. You are always so willing to share you heart. You brighten my days with your sweet smile and posts.
ReplyDeleteWow! Such a nice way to see this little blogging world of ours. I feel a lot of the same way too!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this Andrea. The comments and friendship just make life a happy place. That sounds so silly, I know. But I do look forward to these relationships. As virtual as they are, they still touch me deeply.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was saying the same thing to my hubby about the time involved. I work WAY more hours at blogging than I ever did as a dentist, yet it's something I LOVE!! In so many ways.....
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
So wonderful. I'm glad you found something that resonates with you so much and something you enjoy as work. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you hit publish and that I found you!!! You are a shining light in the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, oh I am so glad that you started this awesome blog and met you through blogging. You have really inspired me in so many ways. You bring such happiness and sunshine to others. Thanks for sharing this uplifting post at our Cooking and Crafting with J&J. Enjoy the week.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julie xo
I can so relate to this post. It's so close to m story! I had those same feelings for several years around the time my sons left home. I never thought I put my whole life into them (although I was a very involved mother), I worked on my education, had a career,etc. But when they left I felt I had no purpose which led to deep depression and then to my blog. I often feel I am not saying or doing anything of importance on my blog but I am sharing my happy place where maybe for a minute someone can forget their troubles and see only the silly side of life! Great post!
ReplyDeletePeace!
Cheryl
I hear you. It's interesting how the blog world changes and evolves too.
ReplyDeleteWOW, this made me smile ear to ear. LOVED reading your original post, because I don't believe I had seen that one before. Blogging does give me a purpose beyond the normal titles of Wife and Mom. I love connecting with others like YOU, and it's a really special bond we all have and seem to understand one another. Thank you for sharing this, needed it today :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reflection on your "why"! Of course a lot of bloggers will totally relate to this. I kept saying "this would make a great blog post" and eventually Katie just pushed me to do...now do you think she ever reads it? LOL. Someday, maybe😉. Happy Monday beautiful blogging tribe sister. XO
ReplyDeleteAndrea, what a wonderful post. I was shaking my head in understanding. Your bright, positive outlook, fashion, home, recipes always bring a smile to my face. I am so glad that you have this blog, it is one of my favorite blogs and always brings happiness. You do this blog thing well my friend!
ReplyDeleteAmen- to all of it! Yes yes yes! So so happy for you and so happy that we have connected "virtually"- you remain an inspiration to me and I'm so happy to be in this community too :)
ReplyDeleteCheers to you friend. What a sweet post. I try to describe blogging to my closest friends and Im not sure they get it. Its a beautiful hobby.
ReplyDeleteMy sweet Andrea, happy 4 years of blogging! I am so grateful that we connected! You are such a gem and even though we have never met in person per so I can truly say that I ADORE YOU! You are beautiful inside and out, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.whatwouldvwear.com
I so enjoyed reading this as I've often thot about starting a blog. Could you give me some advice on how to start?
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! I would be more than happy to. Your comment will not allow me to email you back as it shows you are a no reply blogger. So I don’t know how to find you. If you could email me at that email noted in my about page, I would be more than happy to give you some blogging tips! :-)
DeleteAndrea I'm so glad you started this wonderful blog! So much of what you said resonates with me too. I love CONNECTING with all these awesome women in the blog world. I love the ideas, outfits, recipes and heartfelt posts they share. Keep doing what you love and your gifts shine through!
ReplyDeletexoxo friend!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Cheers sweet friend! Blogging has filed a void in my life and I don't know what I would do without it. I am so happy it has connected us, you are such a positive influence on so many and I appreciate you so much! Here's to many more years!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! And isn't that a happy feeling? I am so glad it has been a joy for you. You are amazing at it, and you definitely bring kindness and light to the blogging community!!
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
I love how blogging has helped me have extra confidence, a sense of friendship and community (even when we moved and I really have no friends in the area) and a place to be inspired by others! Thank you for re-sharing this post! I love the blogging community and kindness I have received! That is what makes it so special!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found your way here! I love reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteI am just one of the MANY ladies who love, adore and appreciate your blogs each week! You are so lucky to have found a special group of blogger gals that you talk to each day and travel with! I always tell you that I wish you lived closer because we would be the best of blogger friends!! Congratulations on the past 4 years and CHEERS to the future! Looking forward to all you have in store for us! XO
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
I love this! I can honestly say that you have brought so much joy and positive energy to the blogosphere. You ARE making a difference. :)
ReplyDeleteSo much truth in this post, Andrea, and I and so many others can relate to your journey. You ALWAYS uplift me no matter what you're writing about and your positivity comes through in your sweet voice, which I was so excited to hear for the first time recently. It comes as no real surprise that you put in so much time each week because your posts are varied, professional and well written and it's clear you spend time on research for your posts. You are a joy to visit and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing me here.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Mary.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
I'm so happy to hear that Blogging helped you recover from those darker days. I don't think I read that story before but you have become one of the most uplifting and inspirational bloggers in my life...Now a true friend who I adore and admire! You are gorgeous inside and out! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, 50-60 hours a week, that's a whole lotta time! I'm so glad you found blogging or blogging found you. It truly is a great community and like you, I've made some of the best of friends. It's always a delight to stop by and read your posts and see your pics. Here's to many more happy, delightful years of blogging. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I found you thru Shelly! You are all some of my favorite people and I adore your blog! I am just a faithful reader, no desire to blog, but I enjoy leaving comments and getting to "know" all of you beautiful ladies! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
ReplyDeleteI can relate so much! In 2017 life beat up my family pretty hard. I started blogging to give me something else to think about. To find a way to serve others. Now life is better and blogging is still a blessing. I found my way here via Celebrate Your Story. Blessings, friend!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I started to write in English! Because this international blog community is so supportive!
ReplyDeleteThank you for re-posting this Andrea, it sounds very similar to why i started a blog! My blogging has given my identity back and i love who I've become - still wife and mum (and now nanny) but Jacqui the lady behind Mummabstyish. You should be very proud of what you've achieved - I am. x
ReplyDeleteCheers to you, sweet friend! Such an honest and heartfelt post. I'm so glad you embarked on this blogging journey because your voice and your words are always so encouraging and uplifting. Your comments mean so much to me and I have loved learning more about you and your family. I love what you said that blogging isn't something you have to do. That's the best part because it comes from your heart (unintentional rhyme).
ReplyDeleteAndrea that is exactly how I feel too. The blogging community on our end is fantastic and such a great way for us to connect with like minded people from all over the world. Good luck to you on your next four years!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post Andrea and your message resonated with me as well. Blogging brings a sense of fulfillment that I felt was lacking in my life. I also find that blogging helps with so many other skills that it is enjoyable. More importantly the people do really make a difference and that is priceless.
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
This is such an inspiring post. I may need to get some advice from you on monetizing my blog. I have been hesitant to do adds because I don't like the way they usually look on blogs that I see, but your ads look so clean and neat! laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteBlogging definitely saved me too. I was so miserable in my professional life, it sucked the soul right out of me. Getting to be creative on the internet and getting to connect with so many wonderful women has been amazing!! Since I moved to Alabama as an adult, I don’t have many friends here. Blogging gave me so much more support in my life. I’m so thankful that you hit publish on that first post, and every one thereafte. Because you certainly bring joy and inspiration to my life!
ReplyDeleteLove your post and your blog. I've been reading it for a couple of years and you're one of my favorites. Keep being you!
ReplyDeleteOh Andrea, I could not agree with this more! It's like you took the words right out of my mouth! I'm so glad that you still love it all these years later and I'm so glad that you decided to start in the first place! I love coming to your positive and cheerful space each day... it truly brightens my day! I hope to follow you for many more years!
ReplyDeleteI love you and I love your blog!! You always make my day brighter and I strive to be half as good as you. Seriously, you are an inspiration to me. I'm so very grateful for finding you thru this blog world. The world of blogging is so fantastic and so awesome.
ReplyDeleteI really loved reading this and how amazing that you still feel the same way about blogging now as you did then. I feel the same way about blogging- it is something I love to do and if at anytime I no longer feel that joy I will be okay with walking away. You definitely bring joy to so many lives and I've loved getting to know you over the years. Keep rocking it, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, It's lovely to 'meet' you via the Creative Muster party at Robin's Fluster Buster. I'm so happy you started your blog and that it has brought you so much happiness. Many of the things you wrote really resonated with me. I've been blogging since 2002, and the community that has grown up in those years is a real joy to me! I host a Hearth and Soul Link Party on my site, and it's live now. You'd be so welcome to link up this post if you would like to. I'm sure so many people would find it inspiring as I have.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging does the same thing for many of us and I agree, it can be a very support, wonderful community but at the same time very lonely if you don't make any connections with anyone. I'm glad we have a great person like to share your stories with the world through blogging. Keep up the good work! Thanks for linking up with us at #OMHGWW and hope to see you next week!
ReplyDeleteI love this! thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletexo- maryjo
masterpiecedsofmylife.com
Congratulations! Your post won the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party. Your post will be featured on my blog tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteJanice, your hostess
Thank you so much for sharing this. It resonates with me so much! I became a stay at home mom, and quit my job as a professional pianist, after my daughter was born. While I love the fact that I can stay home with my kids, I lost a lot of my identity in the transition. Blogging has helped me gain some of it back, and gives me more purpose. Thanks for linking up at Sweet Inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAndrea you are awesome! I vibe with your view of blogging. I blog mainly for fun; business grows because my driver is pretty pure. Blogging is fun, freeing and fulfilling. Traffic and profits? Extras, or bonuses, for me.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post reminds me of myself. As an empty nester, I found blogging to be very enjoyable and a way to put my thoughts in order.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have made some wonderful friendships through blogging. The connection with others that wouldn’t be possible without the Internet and blogs. I understand exactly where you are coming from. Well said!
ReplyDeleteVery informative and impressive post you have written, this is quite interesting and i have went through it completely, an upgraded information is shared, keep sharing such valuable information. Blogging a post
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see your blog, also, happy to you are living what you are loving in blogging.
ReplyDeleteNice meeting you and Miss Diva today. Enjoy your new Liverpool Jeans! 😉
ReplyDelete