Before I had this space of my own, I was what you would call a non-blogging blogger. As soon as my eyes would open on a Saturday morning, I would immediately jump out of bed, make buy myself a large coffee, grab my laptop and dig in on my favourite reads from the week. It was something that I looked forward to, and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit just how much joy and entertainment it brought me every single weekend.
At the time, I didn’t know how to comment or how to “follow” certain blogs, and the only way I kept track of new ones I found was either by adding their blog name in my notes or taking a picture of their blog with my phone so that I could google it later. They had no knowledge whatsoever that I was following along with them in their journey, or that I was even cheering them on when their blog hit certain milestones. Shout out to my firsts- Katie, Stephanie, Whitney, Erin, Veronika, and Amanda!
I guess it was only a matter of time before I decided to see if that same joy and entertainment could be found in creating a blog of my own. And let me tell you, it was love at first…post (despite the hundred million times I wanted to throw my computer across the room because I couldn’t figure out any of the “behind the scenes” mumbo jumbo).
With every hit of that publish button, I would immediately scramble to find my new number for my total amount of posts.Why? Because I couldn’t wait for this blog to hit it’s very first baby milestone of it’s own; the 100th post. Well, as it turns out, this is my 101st blog post, which means that I’ve officially hit the 100 mark. While some have probably gotten here a lot quicker than I have, you can bet your bottom dollar that I am just happy to have gotten here….now.
Looking back as a non-blogging blogger, I never fully realized just how much time, thoughts, memories and, let’s not forget, randomness that goes into blogging. It really ain’t easy, and I’m sure I haven’t experienced the half of it, you know, since the blog is still just lying on the floor trying to learn how to crawl.
With that said, I knew the day I ordered this shirt from Whitney I wanted to write a post dedicated entirely to why I “blog so hard”. Why do I come here daily? Why do I take the time to share those memories, thoughts, and randomness? Why do I come here and actually care about what it is that I’m filling this white space with?
And what better day to share those answers than today, on my 100th 101st post.
I do it for the memories.
This was the main, and in fact only, reason why I started this blog in the first place. While other factors have since contributed, this continues to be the number one reason for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved it when my dad would break out the video camera, and it wasn’t just so I could dance around and act like a fool , it was because I loved knowing that one day I could look back and see me acting like that fool be instantly reminded of that particular day- one that I probably would have had no recollection of otherwise. This has become a place where I can share anything from a random weekend to a significant moment in life, and it’s great to know that I can come here anytime and bring those memories back to life.
I do it for the interaction.
I never fully understood what all those bloggers were raving about before; the blogging community. That was, until I received my very first comment. Over time that one little comment turned into talking with so many others on a daily basis, which turned into realizing that there are people out there who you’ve never met that can actually make your day a little more brighter every time you hear from them. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank each one of you who have helped make those days brighter.
I do it because along the way I’m learning more about myself.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way I learned that I actually enjoy writing. Who knew? You know, I may not be the best writer, or the best photographer, or have the nicest clothes, or (definitely not) the best cooking skills, but every single time I come here I am realizing that I still have something of my own to offer. And it’s worth sharing.
I do it to get out of my comfort zone.
It’s a big step broadcasting yourself all over the internet. Sure, I may not be dishing out my darkest, dirtiest secrets, but whenever you put anything out there, you’re opening yourself up to criticism, judgment, and even feelings of not being good enough. Day by day I’m gaining confidence because I’m doing something that is a little outside of my comfort zone and trying something that I hesitated to do for years.
I do it to push myself.
I know it may seem strange, but this place makes me want to do better things. I want to be that better writer, I want to learn how to use my camera, I want to actually start cooking more, and I want to buy all of those handbags so I can come here and write a blog post about them. Apparently I’m getting off track here. But in all seriousness, while some may see that as me wanting to be someone I’m not, I see it as me wanting to be the best possible version of myself. I said it a few times here before and I’ll say it again, I do not want to coast through my life. I want to experience as much as I can, and I honestly believe that for the first time since I can remember, I’m starting to feel a little push. And it’s all because of this space.
So although I don’t have thousands of followers, or thousands of page views, or even if I don’t broadcast this blog to everyone I know, you better believe how proud I am of this place and just how much joy and entertainment it brings me. And I guess at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
Happy lil’ milestone, blog!
Tell me, why do you “blog so hard?”
oh, i love this! i love the amazing people i've connected with and the awesome support you get from the community. doesn't matter if you've had a shit day or a great one; you always have people cheering for you and that means a lot.
happy milestone to your blog 🙂
-kathy | Vodka and Soda
Weeeeeee!!! I'm so honoured to be part of this!
Congrats on #101. You look beautiful and I'm lovin' that tee (Go Whitney!).
I think I blog for all the reasons you mentioned–overall, I just really love it and am totally hooked. It's a important part of my day that I ENJOY making a priority 🙂
Keep up the awesome blogging, Renée!
Well I just love this more than you could ever know. Glad to have been one of your firsts. It sounds so scandalous.
Well I just love this more than you could ever know. Glad to have been one of your firsts. It sounds so scandalous.
Gorgeous pictures! And congrats on 101 posts— I'm sure there are many more great posts to come 🙂
You look so great in those pictures!! Maybe it wasn't the tan I want. It's your skin. Your skin is perfect!
Your reasons for blogging are definitely the same reasons I blog! Yay us!
Congrats on 101 posts 🙂
Such a great post! I'm pretty new to blogging but have found it to be seriously addicting!
aw I love this! I liked that shirt when she advertised it and I love your take on a post based on it! Glad you gblog!
CONGRATS on 101 posts! That's so awesome!
It's all about the community 🙂 I love the people that I've connected with and the ones that are out there to connect with still. I love that shirt! I finally caved and ordered the latest IWYP shirt (even though I'm trying to clean out my closet). Congrats on the milestone!!!
Love love love this post! So glad to have met you friend!
Our reasons for blogging are very very similar! You SHOULD be proud of your space, friend! 😀
1) I love that shirt!!
2) I love this post!
I think my reasons for blogging are pretty much the same as yours…it's so good to be able to look back on things, and see not just pictures, but how you really felt about what was happening etc. And of course, the blogging community is the best 🙂
Congrats!! Those are a lot of my same reasons for blogging. The people I have met and talk to on the daily are pretty special and awesome! Being able to look back at the things I have done are pretty special.
Congrats on 100 posts! I'm so far away from that, but looking forward to hitting that mark myself. And I love your shirt, I must have that!
I just started blogging a few months ago but I love it already! Once I finish school in the next two months I plan to blog more than the twice a week I commit to now. It just makes me happy to share things with others and of course the positive reinforcement is always good! It's amazing to connect with others I wouldn't normally have the pleasure of knowing!
congrats on 100 posts!! love this shirt!! I do love blogging so much as I approach year 2! 🙂
I love this shirt!!!! And I totally agree with you! I blog for the same reasons. 🙂
I have been trying to figure out how to explain why I want to blog to my mom that thinks it is a waste of my time and scary. I think you said it perfectly and I will be showing her this post for sure. Thank you!
Congratulations, Renee! ~<3