Why I Blog... And Why I Don't

I used to blog.... and I loved it. It was the perfect way to connect with creative people that I may otherwise never meet. People that loved being creative, sharing family stories, faith, fun and pictures. I LOVE pictures. Posts without pictures are tough for me to get through. ha! (So enjoy a few pictures from the last few years as you read through this.)

My little girl at the tulip fields a few a years ago. 

But here's the problem... I got caught up into the "you must do 'this and that' to be considered a successful blogger" lie. I focused too much on growing and networking as a badge of a successful blog that I lost my joy in writing and sharing. I forgot that blog is successful when it meet's your own expectations, not others.

Mums hold a special place in my heart. 

Hubby brought me some on our first date!

I was not turning my blog into a multi national empire. (Now don't get me wrong. If you have done that and fulfilled a dream, more power to ya! You are an inspiration to me!) But that wasn't my main goal in blogging. My main goal always was to have a creative outlet and connect with people that have similar interests. I lost sight of that. The failure and comparison game was ugly and I got discouraged.

My little one with my mom on her first ferry ride several years ago. 

I took a break when life got busy. And that break became longer and longer until I felt I needed to just shut it down and reevaluate why I blogged... and why I didn't. I realized that there is no right or wrong way to do this. There may be more effective ways, but not wrong. In the words of the Nester from long ago ( I'm pretty sure it was her...) "it's my blog and I'll ruin it if I want to!" (insert parody singing here.)

Seattle waterfront.

Don't get me wrong. I want to be the best blogger that I can be. In fact I will be the best blogger that I can be. I wont get overwhelmed in trying to catch up with others. 

This is my journey. 
Their is theirs. 
And I want you to join me for the ride.


So here's the deal. If I get 10 followers or 10,000 I am determined to keep blogging for the right reasons.

I will enjoy it.
I wont stress over it.
I will keep this as a creative outlet.
I will not over commit.

I also will not blog for the wrong reasons.

Lincoln City

I will better myself, my home, and my style of writing/sharing on the blog. I do want to grow as an individual through this.

And if Hobby Lobby wants to partner with me down the road to create my own line of home goods I certainly wont complain. Hey a girl can dream, right? {wink}

What are your reasons for blogging? 

Are you a hobby blogger 

hoping to make this a full time job? 

If so what steps are you taking 

to make this dream a reality?

I'd love to hear your story!

All photos are taken by yours truly unless otherwise noted, and are exclusive content of this blog.