Blogging: I feel like I jumped into the deep end and then realized that I didn’t know how to swim.
I love blogging. I do. I love my blog design, I love writing, I love getting comments. I think I’m getting better at it the more I do it. I hope I am. Maybe I’m not. The more I do, the more I realize I don’t know.
I have never been a guest blogger. I have never published a guest post (except from my mother or daughter, so that doesn’t really count). I have never done a giveaway. I’ve done two reviews but haven’t been paid for them. I guess I’m a Mommy Blogger. What does that even mean?
I’ve never been to a blogging seminar or conference. I have tickets to go but I shuffle back and forth between being super excited about it and being terrified. I have no business going to these things. Do I? Maybe I do. I don’t know. I want to learn. I want to do more… get better. I want to meet everybody I talk to and follow and admire. I will most likely cower in the corner of the room and not speak to anybody. Then I’ll regret it.
I want to be the one chosen to drive a new car, to take a fabulous trip, to review computers and cameras and televisions and cell phones. I want my voice to be heard. I have opinions. Good opinions. Does anybody really want my opinions? I wonder.
I jumped in with two feet. Now I’m learning to swim. Sometimes is so cold in this big pool… people swim right by you never bothering to teach you what they know or give you a push. Other times the water is warm and inviting… and the people in there with you become true friends and mentors.
I think I’ve found my addiction. Writing, blogging, tweeting… it’s what drives me. It gives me a high. It makes me happy.
I still feel like I’ll always be two steps behind everyone else, but maybe everyone feels that. Other than a handful of people, does any blogger really feel like they’ve “made it”? Is it the followers that make someone successful? Is it the amount of comments or posts they’ve done? Is it the offers to guest blog… or write for a popular magazine or website? Is it being chosen to be a Brand Ambassador for a well-know product or company? I don’t know. I wish I knew. I wish there was a standard to strive for. If there is… someone tell me when I get there.
Meanwhile, I do what I do and I enjoy it. It’s become part of who I am. Not too shabby.
i have recently found your site and i am glad i did. while i am a new blogger, i have learned alot about being vulnerable from your posts. i hope to one day be a guest poster on other sites as well, but i prefer the loyal following over internet kudos. take care and you are doing great, i'm glad i get to meet you via social media
You know, I went to BlogHer 2010 and I was pregnant and had my husband with me so I didn't party much, but I still really enjoyed it. I think you can enjoy those things even if you aren't a big blogger or socializer, if you go just to learn and observe for yourself 🙂 I am hoping to go to BlogHer 2011!
I equate blogging to traversing through a black hole…
And unless you have the unbridled success of The Pioneer Woman it's hard to measure the where, what, when and why of the blogosphere…
I enjoy your blog and find it humorous and thought-provoking, depending on the topic. Keep up the good work and bring a friend (or your hubby) to the conference.
best way to do things according to ms. frizzle "take chances, make mistakes and GET MESSY!" You are doing this JUST fine hun! Keep plugging at it and you'll get an offer to do a bunch of things. People ask for guest posts all the time just present yourself. The more you do the more followers you'll get and the more followers you get hte more attention you attract to companies willing ot help you with giveaways etc. I'll be doing my VERY first giveaway once i have received and reviewed the product! It is gonna be GREAT fun i think!
All I know is that I'm learning a lot from you.
It sounds like there's an opportunity to write a newbie guide to blogging? That's where you can write down what you know so far and research what you do not. Get input from successful bloggers and anyone else who wants to offer tips to successful blogging. Then create your own e-book or a type of Idiots Guide to Blogging.
Now that sounds like something you can sink your teeth into.
You are paving the way for others and paying it forward with every blog you post.
I think the most important part of the whole blogging thing is just to enjoy it. Otherwise, what's the point? Oh, and if you want to guest post somewhere, I might just have a place for you. 🙂
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm not giving up, it's truly become something I look forward to every day. It's just nice to know that people are actually reading what I have to say… and enjoying it. The fact that I had Scary Mommy comment on MY blog, wow… that made my day.