mumturnedmom is four!

Four years. What can I say? mumturnedmom is four, I’m a bit of an old fart in blogging terms now! Four years is quite a long time to have maintained this little corner of the web. But, it’s mine and I love it, and I’m very proud of it.

I’m a little late with this post, mumturnedmom turned four on 16 December. But, that’s okay. If this past year in blogging has been about anything, it’s been about slowing it down: refreshing and refocussing and getting my priorities right. 

I’ve taken a few long breaks, and even when blogging consistently, it’s been at a more relaxed pace. This has suited me better, and made life more balanced. 

It’s been another good year. After my first year of blogging I reflected on the amazing blogging community. My second year was all about finding my feet as a writer. Last year, writing was the focus again and taking a step back. 

A while ago I wrote a post about being a blogger and reflected on the reasons why I blog and it came down to memories, connection, creativity, learning, opportunity, validation and inspiration. 

This remains true. 

But, this year has also been about learning what I’m comfortable with and where I want to go next. As a result I’ve spent (far too much) time analyzing, reviewing, procrastinating, worrying and not nearly enough time writing! I have been planning though, which can never be a bad thing. Reviewing what works and what doesn’t. What people enjoy reading, what I should do more of. And, as (if not more) importantly, what I enjoy writing, and what I don’t.

And after all that? There are four simple conclusions I’ve come to:

To thine own self be true

The most unique thing you have is you. Your voice. Don’t try to be someone else. You can’t sustain it, it isn’t authentic and people will see through you. Be inspired by others, but don’t try to be them. Aspire to the blogs you love, but don’t lose sight of why you write yours. Strive to be the best you can be. Work hard. Or take it slow. Just BE YOU.

Comparison is the thief of joy

Comparison isn’t always a bad thing. If it motivates you and encourages you. If it gives you purpose and makes you optimistic. But if it becomes a voice, telling you that you’re not good enough, then it will suck the joy out of everything. Don’t let it. Your blog is your space. Fill it with things that make your heart sing, that make you happy. Write about what YOU love, not what you think you SHOULD be writing. Let it tell YOUR story, no one else’s.

Don’t over analyse, keep it simple

I am the queen of over analysis. I am introspective by nature and will agonize over every decision. Every choice. Every word I write. It paralyses! I have a list of draft ideas that would keep this blog ticking over for months. But, I get stuck trying to decide which to write first, is the timing right for that one, has someone else just written something similar to this one, is that one of any use to anyone, anyway… You get the idea. If you have an idea, just write it, which leads me nicely on to…

There is no wrong or right, just write

You write a blog. You have a reason for writing your blog. So write. There is no right way to do this, no right reason for doing it. We are all different, we all have different motivations. Your words are yours, they might not be the same words others would choose, but they are not wrong. They are just yours. Cherish them, craft them, use them. And JUST WRITE *scribbles note to self*.

Four years. It’s been a journey. It IS a journey. I’ve learnt a lot, I’ve changed a lot. I’ve had ups and downs. But, this blog is still here and still a huge part of my life. However, and this is SO important. It is not my life, it is a fun addition to it.

For as long as this continues to be true, I will be here writing. And, I think that as long I listen to my own advice, it will be.

So here’s to year five. I’m excited to see what it brings. I hope you will join me as I find out.