O N E year B L O G anniversary

One year ago I hit PUBLISH and my life changed.  Today I am celebrating my one year blog anniversary… blogiversary and I am feeling, well, a bit emotional.

I can not believe how much I have learned in the last year (and I know everyone says that- but it is soooo true).  I started this journey with such limited knowledge and only a dream. I set goals for myself that I thought were lofting and have met a few.  I have spent countless sleepless nights writing blog posts in my head only to publish a handful. It has been is a W I L D 365 days.

There were so many days I wanted to quit (like yesterday) but I was determined not to be one of those statistics.  As almost over 80% of blogs do not make it past the first three months.  I am nine months past that- GO ME.  But in all honesty that statistic has been one of the greatest  motivators; I didn’t want to be one of those who gave up because it got hard.  I wanted to see this out and now, more than ever, I am determined to make my blog successful.

SUCCESS

Defining success for blogging can be so subjective as it really is a moving target.  Some days success is writing and publishing a blog post, some days success is not deleting my blog and some days success is getting contacted by a national brand or being featured on an established well known Instagram account.  But success is constantly changing… and that has been the greatest learning since I began my blog one year ago.  Those goals I set on day one are no longer relevant; partially because I have accomplished some and partially because a handful of them were created with very little knowledge or experience.  But that’s okay… the fact that I can even say that is a success!

learnings

I could talk isolated instances of learning… like when I had to move my sight from the UK to the US or when I hosted an event and no one came #embarrasing.  But I know that the life lessons and growth I have seen in myself and in my brand are what really showcase my learning.  When I started this I thought I would throw up some photos of me in cute clothes… WOW.  No.  All things No.  While that is part of it and from the outside likely to seem like the only part that is actually the least of it.  My greatest learning has been the importance of accepting myself.  Of being proud of what I put out there, of the message I send and of the brand I am creating.  If you have  been along for the whole time you know the blog has taken many turns… some better than others but all with the true intention of creating content that is authentic and organic.

Comparing myself to my fellow blogging peers (who have now become my friends) has been a struggle; I am human.  But what I have learned is that we are all on our own journey.  And while our paths may cross, and often times do, we all have different goals, different passions and different dreams.  Each one of us is fighting for success. Along with that I have learned to importance of collaboration.  Are these other bloggers my competitors???? …. I mean sure.  But when I meet these amazing ladies I feel nothing but inspiration and  motivation.  And so I use that inspiration and motivation (and a few tricks and tips)  to drive me forward;  In a saturated “market” of blogging it is important to stay in my lane. to be true to myself and remain authentic and real.  I know that my learning is not done.  Almost everyday I learn something new about this journey.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane… it all started a year ago in London.

thank you

I have met some incredible people along this journey who have helped shape and define my blog.  But at the heart of it are a few people who deserve a mention and much more: Brendan, whom without his support and love none of this would be possible.  There truly are not enough words to thank him nor will I ever be able to repay him for what he has sacrificed in order to allow me to follow my dream.   My photographers- the women who have captured my life on camera- both here in Denver and in London.  Family- both mine and Brendan’s.  Declan-for all the inspiration and motivation because at the end of the day being his mama is the most amazing journey.  And my friends… the  new ones and those who have stood by for years.

up next

I wish I could answer that.  I wish I knew where this journey would take me (sure would make planning a lot easier).  But what I do know is that I am excited about the potential for the next year.  I am ready to learn more, to achieve more and to inspire more.  I am anxious for what comes next and while I  can’t tell you exactly what that is I am confident it will be riddled with tears, laughter, learning, falling, success and growth.

Thank you for sticking around this long… I hope you stay a while longer!

I think I am ready to call myself a blogger… what do you think?

With Love,