THIS TIME 8 YEARS AGO
Around this time 8 years ago, I finally took the plunge and
started a blog. I dived into the vast unknown with little to no expectations (other than
to write a bit of stuff down to get it out of my head and into a more
understandable format).
I knew nothing about blogging or bloggers. I hadn't even heard the term
"Midlife" - it was something I encountered along the way when a few amazing
women found me and took me on a journey that has now been part of my life
since November 2014. I've learned so much along the way and today I thought
I'd share 8 lessons I discovered in the process....
1. YOU DON'T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT
Anyone can start a blog - well, anyone with a laptop, or phone, or tablet.
You don't need to do a course to get started, you can find heaps of
information online, and then you choose what feels like a good fit - do you
want to
blog for free
or pay for your blog? What do you want to write about? How often do you want
to publish a post? Do you want to be a lone wolf or join a
community?
As you progress along the blogging path you learn so much and you tend to
naturally slide into something that's a good fit. You'll blog more (or less)
than you first thought, what you write about will often change as your life
changes, you'll make friends and lose them (if they quit the blogging
world). Blogging is fluid and anyone can jump in and see if it appeals to
them.
2. YOU'LL PROBABLY NEVER BE "DISCOVERED"
I think all bloggers have a secret nook in their hearts that hopes that
something they write will go viral, or be discovered by someone famous who'll
share them with the world. Sadly, this doesn't seem to happen (well, not to
anyone I've encountered online). Several bloggers I've "met" gave up when
their blog didn't grow exponentially - they just lost their drive, others of
us have continued on because we're content to be
small cogs in a giant machine.
What I've come to like about not being "famous" is that you get little
boosts now and then when you're written about in a magazine or in the
newspaper - it's such a fun thing to see yourself on paper rather than
online.
Not going viral also means that trolls aren't interested in you - nobody is
trying to cut you down or argue with you. Instead, you're surrounded by
people who are on a similar journey and want to encourage you as you
progress with yours.
3. LIKE MINDED PEOPLE ARE UNIVERSAL
Once you decide what you're going to blog about, what engages your mind and
heart, you hit the publish button and send it out into the world. Most of us
expect our words to never be seen (the internet is an enormous place), but
then we find a connection. Someone reads what we wrote and leaves a comment,
someone else follows us on social media, we connect back and find a group of
people following them who are similar to us, and we join a community.
I've been so blessed by the women I've met over the years, the friendships
I've made, the heart to heart connections that stretch across the world.
Women all over Australia, in Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe. Different
cultures, different lives, but similar stories, similar hopes, and a similar
desire to make this stage of life really good. To embrace all that Midlife
has to offer and to share what they've learned with others as an encouragement and
inspiration.
4. YOUR BRAIN WILL GET A WORKOUT
I've learned so much since starting this blog. I've learned how to write in
a way that's easy to read, how to structure a blog post, how to format it,
how to do the background HTML (I had no idea what that even was when I
started!). I've learned how to create an image, a quote, a logo, a brand -
and where to use them.
I've also discovered which forms of social media work for me - and which
ones I choose to avoid. My brain stays engaged with what I'm reading or
discovering and often I hear in my head "there's a blog post in that". Other
bloggers inspire me with their words and push me to think harder and see how
their thoughts translate into my world.
5. YOU CAN MAKE A LITTLE POCKET MONEY
Unless you're a famous blogger, you probably won't be making a living from
what you write. But, you can make a little pocket money on the side. Quite
often emails pop up from companies who are interested in collaborating and
happy to pay a fee for the privilege. It may not be big bucks, but it's a
nice little reward for all the hard work that goes into writing a blog post.
Many emails are discarded - most are wanting something for nothing and are
sent to thousands of bloggers, but every now and then you receive something
that just feels like a good fit for both parties, and that's when 'the magic
happens' and a collaboration is born. I don't collaborate often - I feel it
takes away from the authenticity of my blog, but occasionally something fits
well and is a nice change to my voice - and gives me a little bit of spare
change.
6. YOU'LL FIND YOUR VOICE
Blogging gave me my voice - it gave me a safe space to write about what's
important to me, to share my life and the ups and downs that have brought me
to this point. It showed me that being a middle aged woman isn't something
to worry about, rather it's something to celebrate. I could share my story
with others who were doing the same - different stories but on a similar
theme. We aren't invisible, we aren't 'over the hill', we're relevant,
vital, and still have so far to go before it's time to close our
laptops.
I love that different Midlife women are on different journeys. Some are
travelling, some are into fitness and healthy lifestyles, some write novels,
some are retiring, some are discovering the joys of de-cluttering, or being
less busy. As each discovers new facets of themselves, they share those
insights and it adds depth to what I want my voice to say too.
7. YOU'LL HAVE A RECORD OF YOUR LIFE
I've always kept a journal that I update weekly. It's probably more of a record of my day to day life than my blog is, and I've rarely looked back at what
I've written over the years. Blogging expands on that, it takes a thought
and lets me tease it out, it takes an event and lets me work through the implications. I look back at some of the topics I've written about and I can
see how my life has changed over the years.
The woman who started this blog at 52 was a little bit lost, a little bit
disappointed in life, and quite uncertain about what the second half of life
would hold. I remember feeling like the best was over and there wasn't much
to look forward to. Blogging encouraged me to see that this stage of life is
a gift that keeps on giving. I'm happier, more content, and more settled in
myself than I think I've ever been - and blogging played a part in that
journey. It gives me a timeline to look back on and to see how far I've
come.
8. SHARING YOUR JOURNEY BRINGS GROWTH
When you share your struggles, work through your successes and
disappointments, and share them with others.......you grow. When you're
vulnerable.......you grow. When you listen to the wise words and advice of
others......you grow. When you read what others have been through and risen
above.......you grow. When you understand that every day is a gift and you
focus on sharing your blessings and lessons......you grow.
I'm so grateful for the lessons I've learnt (often the hard way) and the
growth that's come from sharing them with others and hearing their feedback.
I don't think I'd be who I am today if it wasn't for my blog. I worry
sometimes that I've been too open, or too real....but that's me, and
allowing myself to be vulnerable has brought with it so many blessings that
far outweigh the scariness of being authentically "me". Blogging has
definitely brought me so much more than I could ever have imagined when I
pressed that Publish button for the first time 8 years ago.
WHAT DOES BLOGGING MEAN TO YOU?
Do any of these lessons resonate with you as a blogger or blog reader? Do
you have any insights to add? I'm always open to learning more.
RELATED POSTS
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You've summed it up really well. I remember when I first began it really was about finding my voice more than anything else. The connections I've made along the way have been fabulous bonuses.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - that pretty much covers it doesn't it? I think I would have thrown in the towel long ago if it wasn't for the friendships and the shared journeys.
DeleteLeanne, your eight lessons are entirely on point. #'s 3,7,8, speak directly to me. I used to keep a daily journal and I love to take photographs, so my blog was naturally born from those two hobbies. Like most folks, I stumbled around in the dark until I figured it out. Then, the community took me in and I was hooked. The blogosphere is a good place to find yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are here, I am glad you keep it real, and I applaud your ability to generate a little income or recognition now and then. You were one of the first bloggers I 'met', and I look forward to your posts; always thoughtful and beautifully written. Thank you for the inspiration you provide about blogging, but most importantly, about living.
Hi Suzanne, it's such a joy when like minds find each other and connect isn't it? I've loved your blog since I first discovered it and your photographs and what you share from your life resonate with me. I think we're at a very similar age and stage, so commonalities just grow our connection. xx
DeleteOh so true! I wasn't expecting to make so many wonderful connections when I first started blogging. I thought perhaps a few family members would read it and that's about it but I did find a great community along the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne - I was completely anonymous on my blog for the first few months - I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but as I "met" people and settled in, I loved the community and the encouragement. As time's gone on that community changes as older bloggers leave and newer ones appear.....but that's what friendships are like - always growing and changing.
DeleteLeanne, as you probably know, I don't have a blog and I follow very few blogs but yours is one that I read every Monday morning. It's my cup of sunshine. I love your writing, your vulnerability and your authenticity. That's what keeps me coming for more. Yours posts are very relatable and enjoyable. I am so glad to have found your blog. Keep up the good work and congratulations! 👍😊❤
ReplyDeleteOh Yvonne, what a lovely thing to say - thank you xx I've really enjoyed meeting you and 'talking' since you found me. I really do aim every day to find the sunshine and not to get caught up in the gloom and doom. Life throws us a lot of ups and downs, and all we can do is choose our attitude and response - the circumstances might not change, but choosing to face them with a drop of positivity really helps me find gratitude for this life I've been given. xx
DeleteThank you so much for this blog. I have been thinking about starting a blog, not for financial reasons. This just confirmed what I was thinking to do and that you can have fun with a blog and don't expect to get rich financially from it, but in terms of human connection.
ReplyDeleteCindy the community you can become a part of is one of the biggest joys of blogging. I find it so hard to meet like-minded women these days, so to find them through my blog has been the gift that keeps on giving. You can make a little bit of pocket money, but there are millions of blogs out there and IG, and tiktok, and youtube - and people selling their souls for views. I just can't do that - I feel like I lose the essence of my blog when I try to make it more saleable.
DeleteIf you do start a blog, I hope you come back and share your link here so I can visit. And if you want any help or suggestions, feel free to email me any time. As as Nike would say - Just Do It! xx
Dear Leanne, you always share important truths. Finding my voice is so meaningful for me and yes, the connections made by sharing my voice are precious, I have Anne Morrow Lindberg's book Gift From The Sea on my coffee table where it has offered inspiration for many years. Thank you for this blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Judith - I'm so glad we met and your words often encourage me. It's such a lovely thought to know that someone on the other side of the world understands what I write about and my reasons - and that we "get" each other. Anne Morrow Lindberg says some very profound stuff!
DeleteHi, Leanne - So much of what you have said here strongly reasonates with me. I began blogging on January 1, 2016 so I am about a year behind you. I completely agree with what you say about making connections, finding like-minded bloggers, refining your voice and discovering growth in sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - I think I found you very early on in your blogging journey and it's been lovely to be friends for so long. I love that we could share each other's life over the years and your encouragement has been an absolute blessing to me.
DeleteI love this list, you really summed it up! I love the friendships I've made and things I've learned from so many different bloggers all over the world. I like that I can look back on all this in years to come and revisit these memories. I love, especially, taking a trip and then sharing it in words and photos, that's what really brings me joy.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen - it's such a great way to share our lives and to interact with others who we would never have met without our blogs. I'm so grateful for the lovely people I interact with each week and I really enjoy reading about their lives and seeing the world through their eyes too. Blogging has been an absolute godsend for me.
DeleteCongratulations on 8 years of blogging! Not everyone hangs in there this long. Yes to all 8 lessons you've listed here Leanne. I have gained so much from my 10 years of blogging. I've learnt a lot about a lot of things, including myself. I've met people all across Australia and the world, some in person. I've attended conferences, interviewed a well known journalist, had my words appear in magazines and in online forums, guest posted on other blogs, been nominated for awards, won some awards, done some public speaking, travelled alone, and much more. It has changed a lot now but like you I'm still here. I'm not as invested as I was back in the hey day but I still love it. It's under my skin and in my blood. So I'll keep going for now.
ReplyDeleteThat last part about not being as invested rang true for me too Min - I still love my blog, but it's a smaller part of my life these days. I can't see myself giving up any time soon, but I certainly don't invest the time and energy into that I used to. I think I've watched so many bloggers come and go and burn out in the process, I just want it to be a part of a balanced and enjoyable second half of my life - and so far it ticks all the boxes for that. :)
DeleteHi Leanne, you've covered most of my feelings about blogging too Leanne. Like you, I started blogging to get my thoughts out of my head and had given no thought at all to my words being read. I still remember my shock and excitement when I saw that somebody had left a comment. These days I keep blogging mainly because of the connections.
ReplyDeleteI remember how excited I was when people asked if I could open the comments on my blog so they could leave one (I was so scared about getting negative spammy stuff!) It was an absolute joy to start connecting - and it's never stopped. It's definitely what's kept me going for all these years :)
DeleteI enjoyed reading about how blogging has enriched your life and all the benefits with it. And I couldn't agree more about the "going viral" thing. I would never want to go viral! That would mean trolls and nasty people all over you and I'd never be able to write in peace and quiet again! I love these small communities around link-ups and that's good for me and it's probably what keeps me interested in blogging. But as you know, I'm still not settled with it, how to do it etc except I don't care about all those "shoulds" anymore. My blogging is indeed fluid but now that I can settle down after studies and more, I hope I'll find my way with it too. You mention being vulnerable and that it makes us grow.. I've always felt I overshare at times and that's one reason why I've often deleted posts or changed things. Hopefully I'll learn with time to find a balance.
ReplyDeleteHi Susanne - I don't think I could handle the pressure of being "popular" or going viral. To try to continue to produce content that appealed to that particular audience, and to handle the negative stuff - it would just do my head in. I like that it doesn't matter if 10 people or 1,000 people read one of my posts - I just put what I'm thinking out there and hope it resonates with a few people. I also think that when we lock ourselves into one particular "niche" we miss out on the diversity of sharing other stuff. I love that you have your life, your photography, your music, your studies - they're all so interesting and all deserve space on your blog. x
DeleteNumber 8 hit it on the head for me although I was nodding yes along the post (except for making any money or having my post noted anywhere - I will NOT Compare & Despair) I've never really considered blogging to be about growth but yeah, it totally is.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I tend to be very open in my blog and sometimes worry it's too personal. But then I make a connection with someone and that makes it feel OK. I'm at 7.5 years, so hopefully I too will still be blogging at my 8 year mark.
Hi Pat - I'm always surprised when someone wants to offer me some pocket money to collaborate on my blog (and then feel pressured that they need to get some bang for their buck!) Blogging for me will always come back to sharing my thoughts with others and engaging and learning from other women on similar journeys. I always find your posts make me think and I've learnt a lot from what you've condensed from all your reading and research.
DeleteCongratulations Leanne on 8 years of blogging which helps me remember my 8 years is in January. As long as you enjoy what you are doing that is the main thing - we can be celebrities with our grandchildren who think we are wonderful so that is more important. You've had some moments in the sun though with published articles. The blogging world has certainly changed since we started and yes, I remember some bloggers who started thinking they would be the 'next best thing' and then gave up a few months later. You've got staying power and here's to another year of blogging for you! x
ReplyDeleteHi Sue - I thought of you as I wrote this because we started around the same time and have cheered each other on through the ups and downs of discovering what we actually expect from this strange way of communicating. I've enjoyed seeing you stretch your parameters into FB groups, youtube and podcasting - while I've just kept pounding away on my keyboard (I guess that's my "thing"). I hope we're both here for the next year and maybe several more after that. I'd rather have the connections and the longevity than the fame and fortune!
DeleteCongratulations Leanne on your 8 years. You were just starting as we were readying ourselves to make our big move away from all we knew, and the one thing I did KNOW was that continuing my blog would give me a daily focus. I'd begun my blog 4 or so years earlier, and it played a few different roles being related to teaching, advice for those whose kids were starting school and more. Link ups (there was one for each day from the Australian Blogging community I had met via conferences etc) were what kept me connected from January 2015 as I blogged daily until well into September 2016 when my link up started. I still can't quite remember how I came to find you, Sue, and Deb over time but I sure am grateful I have. I already knew Min, Sam and others from the community I was part of. So, thank you for your sharing, friendship and congratulations on your place in the world of blogging. It keeps us connected! Thank you for sharing your post for Wednesday’s Words and Pics. It is great to have you be a part of this blogging community each week. Denyse.
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - I'm not sure where we originally connected either - I guess it would have been through a link party somewhere along the way. Parties seem to be a dying art these days - yours and Natalie's are the only two I still visit each week. My blog doesn't really fall into the niche of most of the other parties, so I just keep tonking along doing my own thing and hoping that people will keep coming back to join in the conversation. I'm not sure how many more years I have left in me blog-wise, but I'd like to think that I'll still be here for a few more. Thanks for all your encouragement over the years and for the parties too. x
DeleteCongratulations Leanne, you have done really well with your blogging journey spanning 8 years with lots of highlights. It's a privilege sometimes to be allowed into the world of someone we admire and your posts are always relevant and honest. We need to be cheerleaders for each other as the world of blogging is continually changing. Your thoughts about blogging resonate with me and offer others, who may be thinking of starting out, a great direction to follow. Thanks for sharing your lessons and we'll both keep going on into the future....
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - it's such an interesting journey isn't it? I love how we all do it slightly differently, but still connect on so many levels. I'm so grateful for the Midlife women I've met through blogging - the encouragement and the examples set just inspire me to keep going and to keep growing. I'm so different now to the woman I was when I started - and you girls have played a big part in that journey - so thank you xx
DeleteHi Leanne, Congratulations on your 8 years of blogging and all of your blogging achievements! #3, #7 and #8 are my main reasons to start my blog. I think we started our blogging connections about 5 years ago? I'm glad to see you at my weekly linkup. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - I think it's interesting what motivates each of us to blog - why we started, and why we continue. And yes, I think 5 years sounds about right for when we met - and I'm grateful for your linkup so I can keep in contact with other interesting bloggers.
DeleteSo much of this post resonated with me. I've been blogging off and on since 2006, but I started my current blog to build a web presence as a writer. I've sort of done that (a little) but what's been more rewarding is continuing to develop my voice, making connections with others, and doing a kind of writing very different from writing fiction for publication. Blogging is so much more immediate, and I don't just mean because I can go from blank screen to published piece in an hour. It's more immediate because I'm able to write directly to and for a real, interactive group of readers. I love publishing stories, but they appear many months after I wrote them, and usually what happens is... nothing. If people have a response to them, I never know about it. Blogging is more like a conversation, and it's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet - I think you've summed it up well. I enjoy the immediacy of blogging too - and I like that there's no pressure to produce a certain number of words or to fit a particular genre. The diversity in blogging always interests me and gives me new insights. I really admire bloggers who also write stories/novels etc - way out of my league!
DeleteYes to all of this, Leanne. And congratulations on eight years of blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christie - and thanks for being one of the lovely people I've stayed connected with over the years through our blogging endeavours - and through walking similar paths over that time :)
DeleteMy plunge into the blogging world was one of unknowns as well (2015 for me). It has been a great experience: community, like voices, writing as a regularly exercised muscle, finding my voice and a few publications along the way. Great share, Leanne.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's easier or harder to have leapt into the unknown. I've read other bloggers telling how they prepared and researched and had their blogs set up professionally etc - I feel like a complete novice in comparison, but it was also great to start from ground zero - because the only way was up!
DeleteHi Leanne, I love this post because it validates what blogging has been for me. Congratulations on continuing for eight years. Here's to eight more! (at least!) I'm at ten right now and still loving it. :)
ReplyDeleteTen years is amazing Marsha - I'm hoping to still be around then - and maybe I'll qualify for long service leave like I would have in the real world? I'm not sure if I'll still have anything left to write about in another couple of years, but I'll be crossing my fingers and enjoying the ride until I run out of road. x
DeleteI would not want to go viral. I would dread that. I like to blog to document my journey and not be bought by brands I'm genuinely not interested in.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly Julie - going viral may bring recognition and extra dollars, but it opens us up to so much pressure and to unwanted interactions. I like dwelling quietly in my little part of the internet. :)
DeleteI love this. You inspired me to start my own blog (your 'blogging for free' post). I have always wanted to have that "public journal" but never quite had the courage to start (I should have started years ago - even though I am not as prolific as you)! I recently wrote my own "Reasons to Keep a Personal Blog" where I talk about some of my blogging mistakes and my whys of blogging. https://www.choosingeasy.com/keep-a-personal-blog/
ReplyDeleteHi Stella - I popped straight over for a read and loved what you wrote. You have a very easy to read style and I love that you're a thinker who wants to share her thoughts with others (that's why I blog). I've never mastered SEO or Keywords or any of the other whizz bang approaches. I just write from the heart and hope people find me and resonate with what I'm putting out there. Blogging has certainly dropped in views and popularity over the years, so I'm happy I didn't tie myself to the numbers (it would have become rather disheartening over time!) For me it's about connection and meeting like minded people like yourself - and I'm glad I played a small part in encouraging you to blog. xx
DeleteI love this Leanne. I started mine in 2007...I don't even know what caused me to...I think the first few blogs I somehow followed prompted me...maybe it was about the same time I got on Facebook. I don't know, but it's always been about sharing the journey, creating a journal to be looked back on. To share life with family and friends and maybe others who found me. Looking back I think I would've loved to have pursued it in a way to make some money but I just never really found a "niche" and I suppose I wouldn't really want to be stuck in a box unless I could be really passionate about it. I don't think my immediate family really took it seriously and I struggled to know if they would support me with trying to do it for business...though I'm sure they would. I have enjoyed many of the new people I've connected with over the last few years as I've gotten back into it. You being one of them. You inspire me regularly.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirstin - I've never found my "niche" either - I like dabbling in what interests me and sharing it here. I was much more prolific when I started, but now I feel like posting once a week is a good fit. It allows me to explore and share anything that captures my attention, to share parts of my life, and to connect with other like-minded women who are so encouraging and affirming - and you're definitely one of them :)
DeleteHey Leanne, I came across your blog and was so inspired, as I have just (approx 3 months ago) at age 55 started my blog. Something I want to do years ago, However, I spent so many years setting up other peoples websites and blogs (marketing career) that I forgot myself. It is so right, that after a while we can loose focus and interest and get disheartened. Yes, already I feel this and not sure if it is age or expecting more. I know if I had started years ago at an earlier age, maybe I would not feel so disheartened. I will keep going, as I am at home most days now and I do know 3 months is nothing in terms of blogging or making anything realistically a success, And I do enjoy looking at my stats go slightly up each day lol. But, I just wanted to say - I was looking for inspiration and found it from your blog. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteHi - how lovely that you've finally started a blog of your own....but, yes, it's an uphill climb - I often wish I'd started a few years earlier than I did (when blogs were so much more popular). I think in the end we have to blog for personal reasons rather than to be "the next best thing" - I hope you'll email me with your blog's url and I'll pop over for a visit - and I can also point you in the direction of some other bloggers who you might like to interact with to help build your views. Good luck!
Delete