I firmly believe that life lessons can be found in most things (yes, even in Body Toning class). I never thought I would have an epiphany from blogging, but that is precisely what has happened…here is the story.
This is officially the 100th post on Simply Stephanie Blog. With this being a milestone I stopped to reflect back on how far SSBlog has come. To date, we have nearly 19,000 total views and approximately 400 subscribers (marketing plug: next giveaway at 500!). Most of these stats really started accumulating when someone (not naming any names) got her rear in gear and began consistently blogging. That motivational blessing occurred on May 5th of this year- so those stats reflect mostly a two month period. Pretty amazing; on May 5th we had approximately 20 some subscribers, for comparison.
When SSBlog originally started in January 2011, I believed I was totally prepared to enter the blogging world and grow wildly from my incredible writing and irresistible charm. I struggled at trying to find a niche, and desperately attempted to write what I thought others would want to read. I wasn’t fully prepared to turn my life into Keeping Up With The Konar, and didn’t know if I was creeped out or flattered with the people who found said life entertaining. The result: I flopped, my stats reflected it, and I ran from the blogging world and didn’t write for three months.
Those three months were spent reflecting, researching and reassessing. Given my competitive nature, I stepped back up to the plate in May with a new game plan. In short: my homework paid off, my stats reflect that, and my blog has gained momentum.
My epiphany is this; everything in life happens exactly when it is supposed to, when we are ready for it, and when we can handle it. I was unprepared, undeservedly overconfident, and simply just not ready yet. Therefore, it wasn’t time (despite my lack of patience and me thinking that it was). Although I’ve heard all of these words before, they have not really registered on a personal level until now. Additionally, never say never- I learned something amazing from “failing” at blogging.
I move forward now with a different perspective. If something hasn’t happened yet, regardless of what area of my life it may be in, I reflect back on myself for the “why.” Am I ready for it? Am I able to handle it? Am I prepared? If the answer to all of these is “no,” then how can I possibly expect something to happen?
I’m incredibly grateful for all I have learned over the past 100 posts and hope that you have been able to take something from them as well. I’m looking forward to what the next 100 bring, and to watch the change that occurs both on Keeping Up With the Konar and with SSBlog. Thanks for watching reading, and stay tuned- the best is yet to come.
Stephanie
Congratulations! It’s been a pleasure reading!!!
BRAVO!!!!!!
Thanks so much!
Excellent. I say your doing wonderful, Stephanie. I’m glad to check my mail and find a new post from you.
Thanks so much John! That made my day.
Popularity is a fleeting thing. Best to write about what means most to you. Genuine believers in your stories will find you.
And isn’t it best to have followers who have similar beliefs and support you for them! I couldn’t agree with you more.
Congrats Stephanie! I also had a slow blogging start. I think it all changed when I started to read and follow other blogs. At the beginning, I was too absorbed by the creation of my own content. But blogging is not about throwing your contribution to the world and expecting people to find it because it’s so awesome. I think it’s more about the constant exchange and inspiration we get from other bloggers out there. Anyway, I like your reflection and it will probably inspire me for my upcoming 100th post
(I’m up to 69 for now!)
Ooo, you’re getting close to it! You are exactly right too. You have to be passionate, but the world doesn’t revolve around you. Once we get the bigger picture, it does seem to open many doors!
Thats great, congratulations!
I’m a firm believer in the right time, kismet, karma, synchronicity, etc. Since I started paying more attention to it, it seems like I’m living more of the life I was meant to live. You’ve obviously gotten a handle on that, too — kudos!
Besides blogging consistently, what would you say contributed most to the increase in interest in your blog? Just curious
Hi there! I have to say, I missed writing. It is my “outlet.” It’s a stress release for me and I love doing it. I missed writing, I just wasn’t writing from the heart. I was writing to try to please others. How about you? Why do you blog?
Wow you’ve accomplished a lot! Congrats
And I totally agree with you!
Congrats on your 100th post!
Good for you Stephanie.
Congrats on the 100th post. But know that the contribution you make exists in each moment that a reader comes by and finds some meaning or joy in what she encounters. That’s true and important whatever the stats. Keep writing.