I have this ongoing inner dialog about blogging where I check-in with myself about authenticity, integrity, and what I consider to be a success on a frequent basis … It’s what lies beneath the blog and the images, it’s the real hopeful me.
I strive …
To be authentic I have to be reflective.
To be a good listener to myself and others.
To be able to visualize my goals and dreams.
To remain transparent.
To stay consistent.
To volunteer often.
To remember my motivations.
To write with intention.
To give credit to who I work with.
To keep my heart and mind open.
To focus on growth.
Throughout the last year I’ve focused on my blog as a source of expression and release; which has gained a loyal following for hope and positivity.
Confession: This is a success to me because I measure success with the belief that if I can make one life breathe a little easier while I’m on earth every day than I am successful.
However, this may not be a measurement of success for others when monetary motives drive them; which is okay. No motivation is wrong unless it intentionally harms others. The harmony of connecting all walks of life when looking at the world is what makes us beautiful. We’re different … We’re polar opposite different and it’s the most refreshing realization to have.
My struggle lies with the idea of being egotistical. Conversely, my blogs are written by me, about me, about my life, my feelings, my thoughts, my clothes, my health, and everything else. All of this comes with a glittery bow of creativity and good intention wrapped around it to a glowing screen at a home nearby in front of your face as you read.
That’s what a blog is. It’s about a person, brand, or product and all content is created for it to grow and prosper.
Sadly, I’ve come to the realization that I have to keep a bit of ego in my motivation because I’m writing about myself. I have to pump myself up mentally to believe that people actually want to read about me; my thoughts, my experiences, and everything else I post. If I didn’t believe in myself, there wouldn’t be a blog of mine to read.
Some of the questions I’m asked by aspiring bloggers is about how I do what I do and how do I know what to write or not write about.
The truth is, I don’t always know. I’m a writer so all I have to do is sit down and focus. Then the words rush out of my fingers as if it’s a mass exodus of deep thoughts.
The next topic is pictures; how do I shoot, when do I shoot, where do I shoot, who shoots me, and what do we decide to shoot? Truth is, I work with Anna May the most frequent for my blog. She’s a female and it is a comfort zone for me. I can be real and raw and she captures it. Bonus that her work is phenomenal and I trust her work. I’m able to use them for the style of blog I’m attempting to create.
I check my ego often because of the photographs I post. I use them for a dramatic effect behind my words that are carefully laced together with the intention for the most absorption into your world.
Bloggers can be labeled as “influencers” and I believe a great majority of us are. With this belief in mind I select my words, images, and actions to be the best me I can be for my readers and for myself. If I’m not honest with myself than I’ll never have the ability to be authentic with anyone else, nor any brand I collaborate with.
When you see a product, person, or brand on my blog, I have it there because I actually consume it, wear it, feel it, believe in it, and live it. While I’m growing and trying to accept work from different companies, I’m never going to lose who I am for any amount of money nor social standing. Holding onto my morals and ethics isn’t something I take lightly. By staying true to myself, I pray this will bring me the collaborations and growing connections with readers that I desire.
Spiraling through this topic raises the self-reflecting question, do I really connect with you?
If I’m not than it’s pointless for me to write and for you to read. There’s enough noise in the world that impacts and influences us daily. I don’t wish to be another face nor noisemaker into the great abyss of media in the world we share.
However, if you’re reading this post and it connects with you, I thank you and I hope you’ll share this or write me. I prefer writing because it’s more personal.
Lastly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making it through this long post. I hope you’ll continue your journey with my blog serving as a positive influence, positive sound, and / or positive vibration into your slice of the world.
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