Some careers have more of an impact on you personally than others. I’ve had lots of different jobs, ranging from a career in management, which meant often being dry humped on a crowded bus. (Thats London for you) to being a mother. Which although isn’t a job I do believe it should be classed as a career. I certainly put as much passion into it and want to succeed the same as if it were a job. Now I’m 6 months into being a full time blogger I wanted to spend some time reflecting on how it has been for me. More specifically the way I feel it has changed me.
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I’m really good at talking about myself.
Although this isn’t a strictly new development! Jokes aside what I actually mean is that now I am able to look at what my skills are and talk honestly about them. I was always so aware that I may sound big headed doing this in the past or even struggle to actually see any skills at all in myself. Recently I don’t feel like that. Im not good at everything. Far from it. But there is nothing wrong with knowing your worth and being able to discuss that with brands or for any likely collaborations you may be working on.
I’ve learnt to not over think things.
This is hugely about being in social situations. I am not great at putting myself out there. That is the downside of my brutal sense of humour. Sometimes people just don’t get me. I have had so many experiences where I have not been understood and its left me feeling awkward and unliked. This obviously has dented my confidence. Blogging is slowly giving me that confidence back. The fact that some people I meet have seen my Instagram and already ‘get’ me helps. Alongside the fact that I have gained some self acceptance in the last 6 months.
Self taught computer and photography skills.
I love taking pretty pictures but what I don’t love is all the widget, plugins meta ‘who the hell are you’ box stuff that comes with blogging. I have really had to spend my evenings reading and You Tubing what things are and what things do. There is always the risk I will lose everything at some point (still haven’t learnt ‘backing up’) I guess the next step for me would be gaining the confidence to actually ask for help but I’m not there yet. I feel proud that I have achieved all that I have by myself (In terms of learning) and now I can even help other bloggers when they are stuck.
Cutting the negativity out.
Its hard to be ruthless and just cut out the things or people that are having a negative effect on you. Often doing so will initially cause more negativity. For me the blogging world should be one of lifting each other up, supporting each other and if someone can’t do that for you then its important to step back. Learning to be kinder to yourself. I think we are always going to be are own worst critics but constantly suffering with imposter syndrome isn’t healthy. I tackle everything by not over thinking things anymore. Because ultimately all that really matters to me is that I have healthy, happy friends and family and all other things may come and go.
Seeing the beauty in the everyday.
I often take snap shots of my day, from whether its being in my garden or at the park with the boys. As I always want to have a pretty Instagram feed and blog it has given me the ability to see how lucky I am to be living so close to so many amazing places. I have stopped taking for granted where I live. Much to Si’s delight as I used to insist on lengthy drives to visit pretty places, when in reality they are right on my doorstep!
I can feel myself becoming more confident, or just so much happier at least, now I am 6 months in. I really love blogging for so many reasons but especially for the friendships. I’ve said it before but there is room for everyone so if you are thinking of blogging then don’t hold yourself back like I did for far too long!
Do you think blogging/social media has changed you? Let me know in the comments!
Cara
Really enjoyed reading this post and to see what a difference blogging has made to your life.
Using social media (particularly Instagram) has definitely changed me. It has given me a real confidence boost to receive positive feedback on a photo or a blog post I have done.
Although I still don’t feel worthy being connected to people with thousands upon thousands of followers, that’s a self confidence issue. I still feel like a stalker when I comment on a blog post, photo or story of people who don’t follow me back, but i will always do it as if I can provide genuine positive feedback to people and put a smile on their face how great is that!
This post encourages me to keep posting and writing blogs to help building my confidence and making new friends in the process. Thanks for a great post.
Author
Ah thank you Sophie! Don’t be intimidated by people numbers, all that stuff doesn’t change that quite often bloggers are nervous and happier behind a screen. Well thats the case for me anyway!
Cara, I only recently started following you because I not only love your insta feed but your stories are absolutely amazing and your sense of humour is on point (at least to me it always makes sense!).
I have been thinking of blogging for about a year now. What stops me? absolutely nothing. I think I’m stopping myself. I don’t have a family and recently also started a single life again (not an easy thing to deal with). So there is plenty of time. I just need to find a good platform to start from. And need to stop being afraid to put myself out there.
What website have you used to create your page? How often do you post? And do you now plan your posts in advance?
Author
I use WordPress for my blog. You should absolutely go for it! What has anyone got to lose really!
Absolutely love this post Cara! It really inspires me to want to continue to Blog I’m just worried I would be boring compared to everyone else do you have any useful tips? Xx
Author
Just be you! I honestly worried I would be boring, and maybe I am but I still write anyway!