5 THINGS BLOGGING HAS TAUGHT ME

It's been a rewarding, challenging and personal journey over these past three years of blogging. I've had ups and downs, breaks and busy periods, and I've really loved having my blog as a hobby. Never did I think it would become such a big part of my life, take up so much time, or introduce me to as many people or brands as it has. So since i've never done a round-up of things blogging has taught me, or things I like or dislike, I decided today to make a list. Please feel free to add any of your thoughts or extra pointers in the comments at the bottom!

Embroidered Long Sleeve Blouse | Twinkle Deals*

Nude Floral High Waisted Shorts | Twinkle Deals*

Nude Block Heel Sandals | Boohoo*

 

1. Nothing is unachievable

Whether your deam is to work with your favourite brand, hit a certain amount of followers, or acheive a certain style of photos for your blog, never say never. If you really want something, and you work hard enough, it always pays off. I started out taking my own photos on a tripod in my back garden with an old digital camera, saved up and bought a DSLR, met photographers who are now good friends, and asked for a camera lens for my birthday. Now I'm finally happy with the quality of my photos, have worked with brands I love, and am trying my hardest to gain more followers while still staying true to myself.

2. Don't listen to people who don't believe in you

I've had people who don't understand blogging ask me why I do this, why I wear those clothes that 'aren't normal'. I've had haters call me fat, or people who say it's pointless. But here I am, still blogging despite what anybody says. People who put you down are only jealous of your success. Be confident and do what makes you happy, not what makes them happy.

3. Don't believe everything you see on social media

Nobody wakes up in the morning looking perfect. Everybody has down days where they're tired, their skin looks bad or they don't want to get out of bed. Social media is a reflection of most bloggers' good days, and its okay to not look perfect all of the time. Not everybody can achieve that body, or afford that handbag.

4. Blogging is hard work!

Don't get me wrong, you can spend as much or as little time as you want on your blog. But people on the outside don't actually realize how much time and effort it takes to publish just one post. Blogging has prepared me for various office and social media jobs that i've had over the past few years, and has allowed me to teach myself to use video editing programmes, Photoshop, DSLR camera settings and much more. I usually spend about 2 hours minimum every day (on top of working 37.5 hours per week) sending emails, travelling to locations and taking photos, editing photos, choosing clothes to feature on my blog, uploading to social media, writing blog posts and touching up my blog design/widgets. Full time bloggers definitely don't get enough credit!

5. Don't compare yourself to others 

I started out blogging with goals of 'I want to dress like her', 'I want to do makeup like her' or 'I need her photographer to do my blog photos!' But to create a successful blog you need to find what you're good at, which locations are easiest to get to and quiet enough to photograph in. You need to figure out what clothes suit you, or which blog posts you enjoy to write the most. Being true to yourself and enjoying what you do really does come out in the writing, and if you like your content, there's no reason why others won't too.