Tuesday Truth.
Number 40.
I am a person who requires a bit of quiet every day.
Moments of solitude.
It’s in those spaces, sometimes long and sometimes short, that I’m able to question whether I’m living in alignment with my values, my goals, seeking the places where my soul is content.
Recently, I did a midyear review. I looked at the 2019 goals written in my planner and while some of them were still applicable goals that I’d like to achieve, none of the ones about the blog or social media were goals that I am still actively pursuing. I’m not saying I wouldn’t be excited if they happened, they just aren’t where I find my priorities.
I re-read my Three Years of Blogging post and it was interesting to see how much my life has changed in the past six months. There were still many hard mothering moments…moments that took all my focus. There were also plenty of moments of joy. Amongst the sea of time, I had another child graduate from high school and my husband went back to work. And through it all, I kept pace with the ever-shifting winds and adapted.
At the beginning of the year, I thought that I’d take the blog in the direction of mainly only talking about my travels and the photography that goes along with those travels. However, I wasn’t happy only sharing that small piece of my life. I created the static homepage so that I could still talk about whatever I wanted without confusing first time visitors with my random posts.
The reason for this is because I kept hearing and reading “if you’re talking to everyone then you’re talking to no one.” In other words, you should be an expert in a subject or two not a jack of all trades conversationalist.
So I tried.
But I did not enjoy it.
And honestly, I don’t feel like I’m talking to “no one”.
I’m talking to you.
The one who shows up to read my words. The one who listens to my tales and shares with me tales of their own. The tales of humanity. With all its up and downs. Its comings and goings.
I mentioned before that I was getting some engagement on a few older posts. In fact, Love Letter to My Daughter accounts for about 40% of my views for this month. In my moments of solitude, I realized that if I had a post that was going to appeal to many, this is the type of post that I would hope that it would be. A post that pulls back the veil, that lets you inside, that shares about my life as a person on this planet. A glimpse of human nature
What I realized is that what I love most about blogging is the relationships. I realize that some may come only for the travel or only for a recipe I share or only for a challenge that I engage in but I’m hoping they’ll stick around for the conversations too.
Today’s quote goes on to say:
yet it sends our living roots deeper into the living heart of the living earth.
Clearing away the dead branches is always important for growth.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s truth!
Our lives changes, we evolve, and therefore it makes sense that our blog does too. I wonder if anyone’s blog ever ends up being what they originally envisioned. The people we meet online and the relationships we develop are what keeps us coming back – as it should be, I guess.
I’ve never seen this quote before and it resonates with me. Letting go of what doesn’t work for us is fundamental to growth, however I like the image of solitude creating a silent storm that makes letting go so much easier.
I suspect most blogs don’t end up as they were originally intentioned. Except maybe those started with a specific goal vs. an evolutionary conversation. The relationships are definitely my favorite part. 🙂
The image of solitude making way for that growth is what drew me to this quote. I’m happy that it resonated with you.
Amy, I had to stop and think on this quote. A new concept. Spending time in solitude allows us time to reevaluate our priorities. I appreciate your candor when sharing your evolution. It gives us permission to do the same. A great analogy with the dead branches:)
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Erica. While I do love my moments of solitude, it was thought-provoking to find a quote that put it this way. Thank you for your kind words about my candor. I find that I am much happier when I am sharing my tales vs. when I am just sharing information. 🙂
You could not be more spot on about the nature of blogging. I find that my most engaged posts are the ones where I pull back that veil a bit too. It’s hard to do, and I have been thinking lately how I need time to just sit in solitude and maybe write through everything going on too. Thanks for sharing this, Amy! This quote is sooo true. <3
Thank you, Mackenzie!! I think there are many people who are actually engaged in the stories people share. I was struggling because all these things I would read were about giving itineraries, shopping guides, “x” things to see, do, eat, etc. if you wanted to monetize and while I do some itineraries and “x” posts, I still wouldn’t want to write them without sharing personal stories. I actually stepped away from the monetization process and feel so much better. If it happens at some point, it happens. 🙂 I think you do a wonderful job at sharing what’s going on in your days. I’m sure there’s tons more than goes into most posts, especially given the move and schooling!! I think you should do whatever is on your heart and if you want to write through everything going on, you definitely should!!! xx <3
Yes- I’ve realized so much of blogging is about just sharing in that relational human element! It’s what others seem to be drawn to. Your posts always feel so personal- even the monetized ones- something I do love about your blog ❤️ the authenticity always comes through!
Thank you – this means a lot! This is motivating me to really spend some time after this semester to share a little more vulnerably what’s been going on. Thanks always for your conversation and encouragement ! 💕
Love the quote. I’m with you Amy, blogging is about the relationships and the interactions. It’s interesting to look back isn’t it and see where we’ve been and how we and our blogs change. I must admit that I feel my focus is changing too and I’m keeping my mind open to it all. Hope you have a wonderful month. xx
Thanks Miriam! 💕. It is always interesting to look back and see the journey. I look forward to seeing where you’re focus is leading you. Being open to it is an important step. I hope that August has started out wonderfully for you!! xx
Thanks Amy. xx
I so agree with you Amy, I love sharing my posts with “everyone” but only a few buddies truly understand me 😉 Not that I am all that complicated 😂 I just have a few of you that I really feel connected too and value your responses!
I’m realizing more and more that while it’s great to set goals, it’s also important to keep things flexible. We are constantly learning, growing, changing… and it’s perfectly reasonable to expect our goals to evolve with us. What might initially seem right or logical may no longer be with as time moves along… and that’s totally okay. At least, that’s what I tell myself. 🙂
I definitely think flexibility is key.
…and somehow that post led before I was finished. This is why I don’t reply from my phone. 😂😝. I think your comment is spot on!
I consistently read blogs that are the sort covering a broad range of subjects. I am interested in the arts — food — nature — and I read some blogs that are all one or another, a niche blog… Overall, though, I most enjoy the blogs I click the links on without knowing exactly what I’ll get. Will I laugh? Will I cry? Will I see something completely new? I want to think and learn and enjoy what I read.
I agree completely that the best bit of blogging is online friendships made and sustained. Reading about what other people are experiencing and how they react to those events — that’s the real stuff, that’s what keeps me coming back.
I think it’s great that there are so many styles of blogs to find and great when you find ones you really enjoy.
I do love the real stuff. Everyone sees the world through a different lens and I love to know how they see it, and what they think, and how it makes them feel.