I’m a one year old y’all!!! I just celebrated my one year blog anniversary and I’m sharing with you how to start a blog just in case you’re curious how I started. It may not seem like a tremendous endeavor for some, but for me it’s everything. I actually put a goal of mine into action and stuck with it! I had been putting it off for quite some time out of fear of what people might say. I thought to myself would people understand it. I put those fears and worries behind me, and did it. So how has my experience been so far?

I hit the one year mark this past Saturday November 2nd. I’ve published 35 blog posts since starting, which really isn’t a lot, but you have to start somewhere. I took a bit of a hiatus during the spring and summer months so that set me back a little. I went through a major transition and needed some time to adjust to a new opportunity. I lost my motivation to do it also. I thought no one cared about what I had to say. It wasn’t until someone mentioned out of the blue one day that they missed my blog posts. I felt a responsibility to get back on it because even if only one person gets some motivation or encouragement out of what I’m doing then I’m serving my purpose. Plus, I missed writing so much!

I absolutely love to write. It’s so therapeutic and cathartic. I’m an introvert, so I tend to stay to myself a lot. I’m trying to work on that more, but deep down a personality trait is a personality trait and sometimes can’t be changed. I find it beneficial because I spend more time thinking and coming up with creative ideas. I’m the most productive when I’m in total solitude. I plan to write an entire blog post about being an introvert so keep an eye out for that coming soon!

I also started my blog because I knew it would be something that I owned. I could have just easily used by social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, but I don’t own those. I own my blog/website, and if Facebook or Instagram decided to close up shop tomorrow, I would still have my baby, my creation. I hope they don’t though because I market my blog on those sites!!!! Cheers to free advertising!!!! Working for someone is all fine and well, but having your own stuff is much better. You are the creative director, the CEO, and boss babe of your own brand. Oh how sweet that sounds!

How did I create my Blog? I read several articles and blog posts about how to start a blog. There is so much information out now about this topic. I decided to use WordPress. I read several reviews stating that it was the best. I was able to get my domain name through Bluehost which was included when I created my website though WordPress. I didn’t realize how simple it was to set up. I thought it would be a daunting task, but I set it up in less than an hour. I’m no website creation expert, but I am good at following directions! If I can do it, you can too. It was definitely worth the investment.

I write about things that I’m passionate about, and I hope that is clear in my content. I didn’t want to limit myself and just talk about one particular topic. I wanted my blog to be a one stop shop where everyone can relate to something. Whether you love fashion, style, beauty, or even spirituality, I want you to leave feeling like you were inspired in some way. My intentions are not to brag about my life, but to motivate you through my life and my experiences.

So what is a blog? A blog is basically in a nut shell a web based diary that is updated regularly. The author writes about single or multiple topics which is what I do. You’re basically sharing with your readers your life, expertise, and experience. The blogging industry is so saturated right now, and it can be difficult to get your voice heard through the noise and crowd. So when you are able to touch just a few souls, that in itself is just so rewarding. I started back where I left off back in August and have been full steam ahead.

So what are some of the challenges I’ve faced? To be honest it hasn’t been much of a challenge. I think the biggest challenge is just finding the time to sit down and write when you’re busy doing life. When I do take the time to write, the material just flows. Being creative with my photography is challenging. Photography is a must when it comes to blogs especially when your content is more visual like my fashion and beauty content. I may hire a photographer later on down the road, but for now my tripod, kitchen stool, daughter, and son will have to do!

So what’s ahead? I plan to experiment with more diverse content. As if my content couldn’t get any more diverse. Well, I haven’t written about my life as a nurse. That is a huge part of my life so I want to share more of that with my readers. Just the other day I spent at least 30 minutes coming up with ideas to write about related to nursing. Those that don’t know, I’ve been a registered nurse for going on 16 years now. I will hit that mark in January of 2020. I’m hoping that part of my life will inspire you as well. It might even inspire you to want to become a nurse!

The goal for 2020 with my blog is diversity and inclusion. So if you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for my email list. That way you’ll be notified via email when I post on the blog. I may even do some special giveaways for those of you who sign up, and I know everybody loves free stuff!!! To sign up for my email list, click follow underneath the join my email list section. It’s that simple.

Finally, I just want to say thank you for following along on this journey with me. You all are so amazing. You encourage and inspire me! Thank you for every comment, like, and follow. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read what I have to share. It means the world to me, and I pray that those of you who do genuinely support me will receive nothing but favor and blessings over your life and everything you touch will turn to gold. Take care of yourself as well as others. Have a beautiful week and Happy Blogversary to me!!!!