When I started blogging I didn’t know what to expect. I doubted myself as a writer and I didn’t think anyone would read my blog. I wasn’t sure if I’d inspire someone…but I do know that I had something to say. I knew that if I stayed true to myself and shared my gift it would work out. Fast-forward to a year later and it did. I'm glad I never gave up.
"I’m glad I never gave up." - click to tweet
I’m still working on figuring things out. Still working on expressing myself and really being transparent. But I’m glad I stuck with it. I wasn’t as consistent as I wanted to be; but I started. I wasn’t as open as I could’ve been; but I didn’t let fear stop me from sharing my story.
I think at some point we all let fear creep in and these feelings surface. We question our purpose and sit back and wonder why we even decided to start in the first place.
Well, I’m here to tell you this: Start. Keep going. Take a break if need be but never give up. God didn’t create us for ease. He gave us all a gift for a purpose. He never said it would be easy but He did promise He’d guide us and give us the desires of our heart.
Once this really sunk in, things began to unfold. I absolutely love blogging! I became completely engrossed once I got the hang of things and became comfortable with facing my two most prevalent fears: writing to inspire my readers and taking photos that capture my audience (aka being comfortable in front of the camera).
If you've ever wanted to start a blog, now's the time. Don't let the fact that there are millions of blogs out there scare you. Not one blog is the same. Pray about it, make sure it’s really what you want to do, then brainstorm ideas to create content that serves a purpose for your niche. The top three things I learned during my first year of blogging are to do your research, be consistent, and practice patience.
I'm still working on doing all of the above. If anyone tells you they’ve mastered it, they are lying. No one is perfect and there will always be daily struggles. Even the most experienced blogger is still learning. Every day won't be great. You won't always be inspired. Don’t let fear, excuses, and words of discouragement (from your mind or from someone else's mouth) stop you.
"Face your fears. Share your story. Repeat." - click to tweet
What advice do you have for someone who is considering starting a blog? What tips can you add that you wish you knew when you first started? Comment below!