4 Things I Realized During My Blogging Break

I cannot tell y'all how good it feels to be typing right now! I think this little faulty technology-necessitated blogging break was just what the doctor ordered. Ever since I've been without a computer I've felt this incredibly primal need to write that I haven't felt in a long time.  Blogging had become an energy-drainer aka the opposite of what it should be. I began my blog because it was an exciting outlet for self expression and creativity and that's what I always want it to be. During my time off I had a few epiphanies that I thought I'd share with you today!

Some things I realized while I didn't couldn't blog:

1 // I love to write. 

Okay, so this isn't so much a new realization as it is a resurfacing of former passion. Have you ever had that feeling where you just need to write? There are times when I have so many thoughts and feelings rushing around that I can feel this actual physical craving to put pen to paper (err- fingers to keys). So many blogs go heavy on the photographic aspect and stay light in text. Sure, this makes creating posts a bit easier, but I'm too much of a writer at heart to let go of the copy side of things. Therefore, I've decided not to edit myself down simply because I'm worried a post is too long and no one will read it.

There's a true beauty to the act of crafting words and thoughts and feelings together in a way that connects with others. I love to write, and if I'm going to take the time to sit down at the computer I'm going to write something real and meaty and imperfect and worthwhile.

2 // I want to share deeper, more meaningful, more personal content on my digital space.

Have you ever scrolled through Facebook (aka links-R-us) or Instagram and become overwhelmed with the sheer amount of content there is out there? Sometimes I sit and wonder what value all these click-bait-y posts are bringing to my life. Do I really need to read a 100th blog about a sale that's going on? Why am I wasting my time by taking a quiz on what city I should be living in? What value am I adding to my life by reading another post on the top 12 reasons Friends is the best show of all time? 

The internet often feels like a constant machine that operates to churn out post after post. I don't want my contribution to this crazy-saturated space to be white noise that I'm not proud of. I don't want to look back and wonder why I wasted my time talking about a trend in depth. I want to make my voice and point of view mean something. I want to use my brain and write/share content that challenges me and my readers. 

3 // I don't want to make my blog a business

I started this space as a passion-project; an outlet for my creativity. For a while I wondered if I should move into the world of sponsored posts, side-bar ads, analytics, etc. Lately, though, I've had this voice telling me that's not truly something I want (or need) to do. I don't want this blog to be work- that's what my real job is for.

This blog is here to house my brain's constant ramblings, to share where I am in life at this particular time, to be a living, breathing digital memoir of sorts. I want to enjoy blogging and keep things simple, therefore this space will (likely) always be an amateur in a sea of professionals, and that's perfectly okay.

4 // I want to remain a part of the blogging community

One of my favorite parts of living in Charleston is being a part of the Charleston Blog Society. This community is full of talented, encouraging, passionate ladies who I'm happy to call friends. Our monthly gatherings are always something I look forward to attending. I'll continue to blog because I definitely want to continue being a part of this wonderful group. I met one of my best friends (hayy Em) through the blogging/social media world and am always grateful for the IRL relationships this digital world can bring about. 

Phew, okay- I'm done! If you're still reading, thank you! I'm grateful to you for continuing along this (up and down) journey with me and, as always, I'm excited to see where this space will go in the future. Cheers! xoxo

PS: If you want a peek at what I've been up to lately check out these posts from Emily and Annie! :D

-Lanie W.