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I was invited by fellow blogger Amanda from Refocus on Being to write about why I blog. I thought it would be a fun way to share a bit more of myself and introduce you to other bloggers I love, so here it goes! At the bottom of the post, you can learn more about Amanda and two other awesome bloggers.
I’ve been blogging here at How We Flourish for over 2 years, but it has been far from consistent. My blog started as very consistent and methodical. First, sharing my transition to homemade care products, then discussing ways to reduce trash, then doing a tutorial on spinning wool. Wouldn’t it be nice if this blog could still be that focused and cut and dry? Eh…I like where I’m at now. Anyway, after those series, my blogging trailed off. I didn’t write much at all for most of my junior year in college…until I developed an unrelenting case of eczema. From here I explored options and ended up blogging every single day as I went through an elimination diet as a way to keep a journal.
It was during this healing process, and around my blogs one year birthday that I decided I wanted to get more serious about blogging. It was still a slow process getting there, and I spent a year really struggling to find my voice and reclaim the WHY I had when the blog first started. I felt like I needed to be something specific, and that squashed my voice. I either wrote stiff posts 3 times a week, or I barely wrote at all. Until finally, I came back into myself.
Why I Write
Now I write because I’m inspired to share my story. I have so much to share, but it doesn’t always come out when I’d like it to. So sometimes I blog three or even four days a week, sometimes I go a week without writing anything because of a mental health crisis. Sometimes I stack up 5 drafts, but don’t publish any of them because the timing isn’t right. But I always share in the end, because this is where I can be myself and share my journey. It is where I don’t have to be perfect, and I want to share with others that they don’t have to be perfect either. As long as we are all working towards to greater goal of a healthy body, mind, and planet.
So that’s a little bit of my journey. My blog may be hard to follow as I find my voice and focus, but I hope that my stories and tips resonate with you and remind you that you are not alone and you can do this.
And now for the official questions:
1. What am I working on writing?
Right now I’m working on a few different things. One overarching theme I am working on is my own physical and mental healing. I have been struggling a lot lately, and a big part of my struggle has been not knowing where to turn and feeling alone, like I’m the only one going through this. I want other women like me to know that they are not alone in feeling lost. I write and work on my project as the inspiration and insight comes, and this should produce a very down to earth body of work that you can connect with. I hope so at least. We’ll see as I begin to publish the articles I am working on.
2. How does my work/writing differ from others of its genre?
I like to keep it simple and honest. I’ll tell you about my struggles and failures. And I only share the simplest and cheapest healthy and natural living tips because that reflects who I am. I don’t have the money, time, or energy to do everything, and that’s okay. I think a lot of people get caught up in thinking bloggers are perfect, in their lives and their sources of information. I know I feel that way about other bloggers! I want to keep it real, and that means writing a post about how I went off AIP and ate corn dogs, ice cream, apple pie, and mini donuts at the State Fair. And *gasp* I didn’t get sick.
3. Why do I write what I do?
Like I mentioned before, I write what I do because it speaks to me. It is something I feel strongly and passionately about. I can’t always articulate reasons and research very well – it usually comes out sounding very stiff and incomplete. So I try to leave that to the other bloggers and just focus on my why and what works for me. For the natural living stuff, I write and share because I want to inspire others to make the same, simple changes that I did. I want you to change your life, and save the planet and your health by doing so. And I want you to feel like it is something feasible. I think my dorm life and two-peopl-in-aone-bedroom-apartment-on-a-single-income life lend credibility to that. If I can compost and ditch harsh chemicals, so can you.
As I’ve mentioned before, I write about my personal health journey because I constantly feel alone. In blogging school (jk, that doesn’t exist), they teach you to stick to a niche. But I can’t stick to just one. I love sharing my simple living tips, but I also need to share my health journey. There are many things that contribute to the mental health side, but a big one is feeling like I can’t find an answer because I’m the only one going through this. I don’t want anyone to feel that way. If I can reach just one other woman and help her feel like she’s not alone and she’s going to be okay, then it has been worth it.
4. How does my writing process work?
I’m going to be honest, I don’t really have one. I think about topics I’d like to write about, and I schedule them on a calender in a way that makes sense to me. Then when I’m feeling inspired to write, I sit down and write. Since much of my writing is experienced rather than research-based, this works well. When I do need to do research, I’ll generally sit at the computer, compile all my research and sources, then either write it up right away, or come back to it later when I’m feeling inspired. Sometimes something needs to get written, and I’ll push through it and write. But sometimes if I just can’t bring myself to write, I’ll take some time off. I usually try to get a few posts scheduled ahead of time so that there isn’t a huge gap between posts. But sometimes, like this past week, there just needs to be.
Anyway, that’s enough about me now. If you would like to know more, please leave a comment! I’d love to chat with you. Now, onto a few other awesome bloggers who you should check out:
Amanda is the founder and writer for Refocus On Being; a blog about navigating life, parenting, family, and going back to simplicity through healthy living, holistic remedies and essential oils while having fun with DIY projects and crafts. She lives in Maine with her amazing boyfriend, Jedi son and Princess daughter (twins!) and a very furry Maine Coon cat named Simone.
After receiving her Business degree and working in that industry for 17 years, the call to follow her heart led to the creation of Refocus On Being in early 2014 and was born out of the desire to use her real life experiences to help educate, inspire and empower others to focus on, and take control of their own lives. In addition to writing about being a highly successful Adult Child of an Alcoholic, she is passionate about being a mom, enjoys teaching others about healthy living, loves to create Pinterest-worthy (and sometimes very unworthy) crafts and DIY projects, and has a borderline obsession with all things organizational.
Make sure to visit her on her blog, on Facebook, on Pinterest and Google +
Kayla Winter is the author of ApotheKayla and writes for the blog Winterstead with her husband Robert. Kayla and her husband Robert are both full time students in college working towards a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications. Kayla is passionate about learning and sharing. On ApotheKayla you will find holistic health and beauty recipes. On Winterstead you will find a free series teaching others how to blog and the process Kayla and her husband are taking to live in their RV full-time while they write about the American dream.
Dr. Meghan is a chiropractor and the founder and creator of Just Enjoy Food, a resource and recipe blog created to support a healthier lifestyle. She believes every individual has the opportunity to live their healthiest life possible, which can be achieved through natural approaches. She overcame her own health challenges and throughout the process has gained valuable education in how our bodies work and heal. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and on her blog www.justenjoyfood.com
Catherine is the wanna-be homesteader behind Happily Ever Crafter. She has been on a journey towards living a more natural and healthy lifestyle for about 10 years and is passionate about sharing her adventures with others. She lives in Central Virginia with her graphic designer husband who loves to make things with his own two hands. They are always on the lookout for ways they can DIY their lives and save money. Their dream is to buy a home with land and turn it into their very own sustainable homestead. No worries though, they’ll be sharing all of that on the blog as it happens! Keep up with their adventures in DIY, real food, gardening, frugal living and more on Facebook and Pinterest! You can also follow on Twitter and Instagram at CatherinePWood.
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Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed reading yours!!
Hi Chloe. It was nice to read and get to know a little more about you and your story. I am looking forward to continuing to read your posts as you publish them!
Thank you, Amanda! That is wonderful to hear.
I love your honesty. Thanks for being transparent. I will share your blog as I figure out what my blogging voice will be. LOL I did a guest blog for Moms With Dreams University. “Handstands Make You Happy”
Thank you. 🙂