It feels so crazy even typing out my title for this blog post… 1 year?! Already?! Gosh, I can’t even tell you how much fun I have had sharing all my crazy ideas and getting to know each and every one of you. It is surreal to be able to share what I love and be able to connect with so many of you at the same time!
One of the best decisions I have ever made was taking the leap and starting this blog. A year ago I felt like I was in such a rut mentally, emotionally and creatively. And when you are right-brained like I am, that rut is torturous. I felt like I was just coasting along and living a life that was not mine- or at least I didn’t want to be mine.
To be honest, I never even considered making a blog. The thought of “being a blogger” made me cringe. Just like so many others view them, a “blogger” denoted thoughts of self-involved individuals that got paid to “look pretty” and promote products. I thought of the word “blogger” as kind of a derogatory term. Boy, was I wrong.
I have learned that being a blogger is so much more than sponsorships and “living the perfect life”. Having a blog is like having a personal diary- the only difference is this diary is public. You write about all the things you love, all the things you dream, all the things you fear. It’s about being vulnerable. It’s about being human. It’s about inspiring others to follow their dreams. It’s about creating something that is uniquely you.
Why do we judge bloggers? Because they are confident enough to display who they really are for everyone to see? Because successful bloggers get sponsored to share the things they love? Imagine your life story/ideas/opinions being so captivating that you make an income just letting people into your inner thoughts.
Let me tell you, I get teased all the time for being a “blogger”. I have heard constant remarks about “checking out my blog” in a mocking way. Each time I was teased it made me want to quit. I probably look so stupid! What am I doing this for?
I’M DOING IT FOR ME. I’m doing it to give my life purpose! I’m doing it to challenge myself to think outside the box. I’m doing this for all those creatives that want out of their rut. I’m doing this for all those people that have something to give the world, but are just too shy to try! I’m doing this to show everyone it’s okay to be who you are and share who you are with the world!
One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “be who you were created to be and you will set the world on fire.” This blog is helping me be who I was created to be. An artist. A crafter. A baker. A traveler. A celebrator. An optimist. A genuinely colorful person. All of these things bring me happiness and give my life purpose. Do I make a living doing this? Absolutely not! Maybe someday it could. But does it bring me life? Of course it does!
For all of you out there letting possible ridicule get in the way of you starting something amazing: Let them tease you. Let their words fuel your flame. And then use that flame to SET THE WORLD ON FIRE!
I just want to thank you. Thank YOU for being here, reading this today. The fact that you are reading this while there are so many infinite places on the web that you could be scrolling through, or so many other people that you could be putting your time into getting to know- that you chose ME and my blog is completely humbling. It makes me realize there are people that care about what I’m doing, what I’m making, what I’m feeling. YOU are supporting who I am, and I don’t think there is a better feeling in the world.
Here is to 1 year of happiness!
RECAP OF MY FAVORITE THINGS OF THE YEAR!
Thank you again for supporting me and allowing me to share what I love. For letting me be who I was created to be. And for letting me speak my mind! I hope to see you here for year 2! ❤
Auburn Artisan 
Happy 1 year!!!!! I love your blog and I’m so happy you decided to to say screw the haters and do it anyway!!! 💜
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Aw! Thank you so much girl! That really means the world!!
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I love, love, love this post! I love this blog and you and everything you create. I’m so sorry to hear people haven’t always been supportive on your blog, but I can honestly say my life would now feel incomplete without it 🙌 I can’t believe it’s been a year already either though – where does the time go?! Thank you so much for bringing so much happiness, colour, and inspiration to my feed☺️🌈💕
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Thank you so much for being such an amazing supporter and for constantly giving me inspiration!!! I am so happy that we have been able to find each other through this platform and I am so thankful for our friendship! Thank you!!!
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