Blogging Isn’t Easy

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image by Victor Hanacek via picjumbo

I’ve been in a blogging funk for the past couple of weeks. It’s not that I’m not inspired. I have a long list of recipes I want to make and posts I want to share, but I’ve just been feeling down about my blog. One thing that is contributing to this is the comparison devil. Bloggers talk about this all the time- don’t compare yourself to other bloggers, especially not ones who have been blogging for a lot longer. This is so much easier said than done! I am fully aware that comparing my blog to others is completely unproductive, but I think it’s human nature to compare yourself to others, and something I struggle with in multiple aspects of my life. This comparison, however, usually leads to “why am I even blogging?!” and “should I just quit?” thoughts.

A yogi-friend of mine has a great quote that she shares in her classes- “keep your eyes on your own mat”. Of course, she is referring to a yoga mat and the kind of comparison that often seeps into your yoga practice, but I think it’s a great metaphor for life. Your mat represents your journey and will never be like what the person next to you is doing on his/her mat, or in his/her life. Stay focused on your journey and your path.

For me, blogging has been filled with really high highs and some pretty low lows. I’m not sure anything in my life has been so emotionally back and forth as blogging as been.

There are exciting days like when I got accepted as a Fitfluential Ambassador, or when I finally got accepted to the Glam Media network! Or the day that someone wrote a comment on my Instagram saying “Your blog leaves me endlessly inspired and healthfully satisfied.” Like, WOAH! If I am having that much influence on even just one person then I think this blog has been a success many times over.

There are also low days and weeks when I feel like no one (except my family- hey guys!) is reading my blog or making my recipes. I want to create honest conversations with readers and other bloggers, and my goal from the beginning has always been to show people that healthy eating can be still fun and delicious.

That being said, this blog has taught me so much about myself. I have learned things I never though I would- DLSR cameras, photoshop, and coding are just a few of the skills I  can somewhat maneuver. I have made some great blogging friends that I interact with regularly (still hoping to meet some in real life!). I have challenged myself in the kitchen like I never would have before- hello flan! And if nothing else, my blogging journey has taught me not to be so hard on myself, to celebrate the small victories, and to keep my eyes on my own mat.

So, if you’re thinking about starting up a blog, do it! The positives definitely outweigh the negatives and you will learn as you go. If you have a blog already, then know that you’re not alone if you’re ever feeling uninspired or down in the dumps. And if you are a blog reader, I want you to know how much I (and all the other bloggers) appreciate you stopping by and commenting. The idea is to start a loyal community around a shared interest, after all.

I am excited to be heading back to Philadelphia in June, in part because I know being back in the States will help me with my blog a lot. I will be able to reach out to bloggers in the area to meet up, and can participate in more sponsored posts and campaigns through The Recipe Redux and Fitfluential. Regardless, I’m hoping my blogging mojo comes back soon!

I want to hear from you (if you have a blog or not): What do you think about blogging inspiration and creating community online?