Last night as I was taking a shower (my favourite place to contemplate), I was thinking about blogging and why I even do it in the first place. Sometimes it can feel like a chore, which is when I try to step back and refresh my thoughts. I love it, but at times I start to compare myself to others, wondering why so-and-so gets more comments on their posts, or how that pretty girl seems to have a photographer to take outfit photos at her disposal 24/7 (which I still don't understand, by the way!). I started to think that maybe I wasn't interesting enough, or maybe my content was lacking. Then I remembered that I started blogging to share my life and inspire others, in whatever way that happens to be. I blog for you, but I also blog for me. I've always been genuine, and no matter how many comments I get or how many people follow me, I can always say that I am and always have been my true self. I can get so caught up in my silly thoughts sometimes, and then they all come crashing down... Like when I received this email not even 5 minutes later, subject line: "Your blog changed me.":
"I just wanted to let you know that since I found your blog, it changed my life and made me unafraid to do what I really love in life and what I think gives me joy. I was lost in many ways and one of your posts about how you think we all make excuses not to change our lives made the most sense and opened up my eyes from the barriers that I was creating for myself. Thank you so much for all that you gave me! It means the world to me. "
I sat there for a moment and took it all in, with a humble smile on my face and watery eyes. Something so simple and sweet that someone said (at the perfect time, I might add) had lifted my spirits and made me realize that I was doing something right. I had helped someone. My little words written on a single page of the internet had inspired someone to change their life. I felt at peace and thought this is why it's worth it. No amount of comments or followers could compare to that.
Sometimes all it takes to brighten someone's day and set them back on the right track is a kind gesture, a compliment, or in this case, an email. I think that everyone should remember that and know that no matter how well you think you know someone, or how perfect they may seem, you don't truly know what their internal struggles are. Take the time to do or say something nice to others. Your words of encouragement just might change their lives.
That is really lovely that you got that email! I agree that blogging is about being yourself and who you want to be, not contesting with other women!
ReplyDeleteAnd you should know that you are inspirational!
xx
rivasoave.blogspot.co.uk
This is such a beautiful post! Congratulations on that lovely email. It is amazing how a few words brighten up a person's life! <3
ReplyDeletexoxo
Meera
Love this post and love reading your blog doll xx. Its bloggers like you that made me finally take a leap into doing it myself. I suffer from anxiety and agoraphobia so finding the strength to put myself out there and share my rambling thoughts with others was a big deal for me. Thank you for inspiring me xx
ReplyDeletehttp://beautifulworldoflennynb.blogspot.ca/
This is awesome. I had chills all over while reading it. I can definitely relate to you in sometimes questioning myself about "why do I do this?". I love it when things like this (the email) happen at just the perfect time. Amazing :)
ReplyDeletexoxo, me
how sweet :) I don't think it will matter how many blogs are out there on the interwebs, because we are all trying to inspire each other. Blog-world is such a lovely community (excluding the haters!) but we simply can't read them all, and I agree that it doesn't matter how many readers or comments you get.
ReplyDeleteIf you are wanting to inspire people then keep doing what you are doing. You might have a smaller readership in this corner of the internet compared to others, but maybe your blog is the only inspirational one they follow.
We all have the ability to impact one another's lives, in every interaction we have, no matter how big or small :)
(happy for you!)
I've had that on my blog too, it's really what makes it all worth the trouble.
ReplyDelete/ Avy
http://MyMotherFuckedMickJagger.blogspot.com
♥
I love getting those encouraging emails...it makes me blog that much more!
ReplyDelete& you do have a wonderful blog here :)
Such a wonderful email to receive! You deserve it, Dana. You're amazing and it shows in your blog.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. It is amazing how something so little can change your perspective or remind you of something you had forgotten :). xo
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this! Your blog is great and keep up the awesome work!
ReplyDeleteRee
www.reeracoma.com - check out current giveaways
Sometimes I compare myself to other blogs too, including yours, but I remember how happy it makes me to get even one comment on a blog post knowing at least someone is reading and enjoying.
ReplyDeleteYou have definitely inspired me! I'm a graphic design student and I look up to you as a designer. Seeing your client list on your design page, I really hope I'll have a career like yours. <3
Plato once said "be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle". Your blog is genuine and as long as you remain true to your self, there will be always people who admire and respect you. I salute your life's work because it brings so many precious things to the world. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely lovely email to receive - very touching xx
ReplyDeletei love this post because i think we all think about this. i esp love your honesty, friend. you are a personal inspiration to me! and like you, i do much of my thinking in the shower. it's the best place for it. :)
ReplyDeleteI heart your blog, Im always reading but mostly from my phone so Im the worst when it comes to leaving comments. :P
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet and inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
What a compliment, you should be honoured! It gives me motivation to keep on with blogging too. And seriously, your blog is really cool!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for your share on my "Summer is..." post, I'll be posting about that soon!
http://www.tamarasblend.com/
Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteI've only recently discovered your blog since a google search and clicked follow immediately after checking out your other sites. It really inspired me how you've been able to run your own little businesses as well as blog regularly. Now I've finished uni that's what I'd like to do too, so you're kind of my 'real life' icon who's shown me that it is possible for a 'normal' girl like me to have it all! Keep up the good work and check out my site if you get a chance :)
ReplyDeleteLove
gabriellasofia
x
http://hautefuture.blogspot.co.uk/
I love reading other blogs and getting inspired to go out and do something you wouldn't normally try. Your blog is wonderful, you definitely deserved that email.
ReplyDeleteKatie
x
I adore your blog for a dose of pretty. A dose of elegant and graceful and a whole lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI went through a period of time where I had a job that I hated and so followed about a thousand blogs. Yours was one of tons that I followed and enjoyed.
Then I changed jobs and my reader got overflowed and I had to cut down to keep up. I now only follow blogs that I smile when I see I have new posts. Instead of just skipping past the posts to see what's next...I don't see why to keep them in my feed if I don't want to read it.
So thank you for being amazing and bringing the bit of joy to my life!
I have always love your blog, even before starting mine and am glad you keep it original!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome that you got an email like that! It's great how blogs can reach out and touch people in such a way. We all fall into slumps but you'll always inspire people. :) Yay!
ReplyDeleteaw, what a beautiful email to receive, and especially at the perfect time! it is really important to know the real reason as to why we blog. and i think the second we hold on to that, that's when people really start paying attention. just adore your blog, as always! and know that you and what you write are important ;)
ReplyDeletexo TJ
Sooo many people suffer in silence, yet find a way to get thier words out, without revealing too much. But you are right, sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most and can turn a not so hot day into a better one! Great post~!!
ReplyDeleteAww that is so lovely :) Don't worry about figures, you are a great blogger!! xx
ReplyDeletejensbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com
This is my first time visiting your blog..and I must say this post is amazing. I fumbled for the follow button as quickly as possible the second I finished reading! I can't wait to read more from you and I am posting your button on my blog I hope you'll visit<3
ReplyDelete-Taryn
http://sweetsweetnightingale.blogspot.com/
A truly touching post, and so true too! I hope you realise how special you are to so many people... and that all the small things in life make you smile x
ReplyDeleteI love this post Dana. I wouldn't take you for one to feel this way because I for one think you're amazing. I find myself comparing myself to you a lot. You are inspiring in how you taught yourself all that you know and are so creative with your shop and your blog design. I love reading your blog. I need to take a step back many times to do the same. Reflect on why I started my blog. To share my life and inspire others in doing so. It has helped me and it has helped others. It's the only reason I do what I do. It's hard to not get caught up in what others are doing and I too wonder about the personal photographer 24/7. :) Please know that you inspire me and have since the first time I landed on your page. Thank you for sharing this and I loved your post about making the change. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAww, Dana... I relate to this SO much! It's an interesting dynamic when you're doing something as part of your job and ALSO as something you're passionate about, isn't it? It's more difficult and more amazing all at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post. I think the funny thing is that I look at you and am inspired by you and equally feel discouraged (I suppose in a jealous way) feeling like I have such a long way to go - just as you feel with others. It puts it all in perspective, I suppose. Keep doing what you're doing, I love your blog! x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and inspriation
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely message :) and I totally get what you mean about worrying that your blog is lacking.. I often read other peoples blogs and think 'why do i bother? These people are SO much better than i am'.. but hey, even if you only give one person enjoyment thats one more person than you would without your blog
ReplyDeletealso, your blog is great, you have nothing to worry about!