Cheers To 1 Year of Blogging

YOU GUYSSSSSS… I know it’s cheesy and all but exactly one year ago on this day, I sat my bum down and decided to create my own little cyber-home.

I’m smiling as I write this.

I had no clue how much my blog would actually mean to me. It’s so crazy to think about how much I’ve learned, challenged myself, and opened up within the past year. It’s not easy to put all of your sh*t on the line and share for the entire public eye to see/read/judge. But I’ve recieved so much positive energy from friends, family members, acquaintances, and complete strangers that keeps me motivated to keep on keepin’ on.

So why do I love blogging:

+ It allows me to connect with others. Networking is seriously one of the coolest parts of the job. I’ve met so many interesting people with so much talent. The blogging world is HUGE but full of positive inspiration. Now I get that social media might not be for everyone and plenty of people have their negative opinions on it — but I happen to view it in a different light. Here’s what I mean… when I post on Instagram, it’s more than just the “likes” and “comments” for me — it’s a chance to share my creativity (even for just a split second) and reach out to over 13,000 people. AND THAT IS AMAZING TO ME!

+ It allows me to express my true self. Like I’ve mentioned time and time again, I have my hot & cold moments. Most of the time I am superrrrr laid back and don’t say much. Other times I am superrrrr sarcastic and weird. But overall, I keep to myself (strangely private, actually). But blogging allows me to use a writing style in which I feel is really me. I love getting down to earth and talking to you guys. It’s therapeutic for me to sit down and write.

+ It keeps me busy. I’m telling you, no one really understands how much time and effort blogging takes until you ARE a blogger. I mean, most of the older generation lit-er-ally looks at me like I’m an alien when I tell them what I do. When I first started out, my dad looked at me with confusion and said “Well wait, why does anyone want to read this?!” (<< LOL, thanks Pops). If I’m lucky, just one post can take me all day by the time I shoot, edit, and blurt out my thoughts. But I love that it distracts me (in the best way possible) from the monotony of every day life.

+ I found my passion. I never really had anything that I was good at before Balance and Chaos. Like, really though. I remember sitting down with my college counselor and she asked me what my hobbies were. And I remember thinking in my head: uhhh, shopping?? hanging with my girls?? partying?? …I was actually speechless. I REALLY had NO legitimate hobbies. That was a sad moment of realization. Nowadays I take my blog very seriously. I get excited when I hit the “publish” button. I love sharing and growing. It’s my thing and I love it.

Thank you for sticking with me on this ride, people! I hope you are just as excited to see what year #2 has to offer!!

X, j