I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using Instagram as a blogging resource. It’s gotten me the most traffic. I love editing fun photos that fit with my Instagram feed and finding new connections using this platform. It’s really been a motivational source. It’s also been a great way to meet new people, and that’s been my favorite part of blogging so far. I’ve found some amazing and talented people and they’ve been so helpful and encouraging.

Blogging is a lot more work than I could’ve imagined. Time is spent writing the posts, linking items used, photographing and editing graphics for both posts and Instagram. Has it been worth it? Absolutely. I wanted a way to get back into writing, and blogging has been a great way to do that. It’s given me opportunities to make friends and work with some great brands. I’ve been given opportunities to attend openings for restaurants and coffee shops and new shops. I’ve been invited to attend blogger gatherings. It’s been a wonderful experience.

I was talking to a friend a couple of weeks ago, and she said something that gave me a huge relief. She’s in my small group (my church Bible study group), and knows me very well. She told me that she could tell a major difference in my happiness level since I started blogging. She said it was obvious that I’d found something I’m passionate about, and that it’s shown in all areas of my life. It made my heart swell. This has been very enjoyable, and to hear this made me realize that I’ve achieved the goal I set when I started my blog. I started to make myself happier by writing again, and if my friends closest to me can see it, that goal has been reached. I’m so thrilled to continue doing this.

Have I become internet famous? No. Can I quit my job to start blogging full time? No. But am I happier than I was a year ago? Absolutely, and to me, that means I’ve been successful.

And, finally, I’ve made so many friends through blogging, and I’m so thankful for that. Check out my post on the blogger brunch I attended earlier this summer to see some of my favorite blogging humans in the area. We’ve had quite a few adventures in the last few months, and my heart is so happy to have found them.

Overall, I’m so happy with the decision to start blogging. It’s been a positive experience and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds! Be sure to subscribe if you want to keep up with my blogging journey!