______Blogging seems so selfish sometimes: snapping photos of your outfits, scrawling personal thoughts which trickle into digital text, dubbing yourself the monarch of this online assemblage of photos and words created by you, you, you.
______But.
______To me, blogging isn't a selfish thing. I think it's brave what some post online to initiate conversations, and admirable how they can share their thoughts and be so forthright. I believe blogging is about creating connections not only with others but also with yourself, perhaps even about revealing things to yourself.
______Maybe at first you began blogging with an interest in fashion or beauty and wanting to express that, but soon became conscious of your interest in traveling, or discussing some particular aspect of your life, or writing silly stories that maybe only ten people read a week. Or perhaps after months or years of blogging, your posts evolved to the point of realizing all of your passions and the common thread between them. Because that's what's important: your passions. Your appreciation for things. Your appreciation for other people. Self-discovery, self-acceptance, comprehending yourself as a single living entity that germinates thoughts and actions which are purely your own.
______Coming to terms with those things... your interests, your likes, your dislikes, the things that make you tick tick tick, the things you struggle with internally on a daily basis... can be difficult. But writing these things out to an anonymous audience that doesn't judge but understands helps you in your journey to becoming you.
______And discovering who you are is important since you're stuck with yourself your whole life. Totally wild, right? But you are, so you might as well get to know yourself. Take yourself on some dates. Write about yourself. Take care of yourself and buy yourself a chocolate chip cookie every now and then. Or a raisin one, if you're into that kind of thing.
______I digress. Since I've started blogging, I've learned so much: I've bettered my photography to the point where I know what aperture is and could actually explain it to someone, written more than I ever used to, and have realized I need to snuggle and pet more chickens in my life. Like, tons more.
______I'm picturing one of those ball pits but instead of being filled with colorful plastic balls, it's filled with chickens I can gleefully maneuver through. It shall be formally dubbed The Chicken Pit and all are welcome to revel in its earth-shattering glory.
______Why do you blog?
Top: Charlotte Russe
Skirt: Modcloth (similar)
Jelly shoes: BooHoo
Necklace: Nasty Gal (similar styles)
Earrings: Charming Charlie
Ampersand ring: c/o BornPretty
LOL Your ball pit of chickens! Well as you read in a recent post of mine--I blog to have somewhere for just me (sans husband, kids, boss, etc.) and to express creativity that I am not able to through my profession in law. I also love taking pictures! I hope that if you ever do get a ball pit full of chickens, you take blog photos in it. Please promise me.
ReplyDeleteLOVE. THIS. Sometimes I feel so funny blogging because it feels like such a narcissistic activity, but it's become so much more. It's the best decision I've ever made, and I think I would go crazy without the creative outlet. The best part though? The people I've met. I will never get over how wonderful it has been to become friends with people around the world who I never would have met. Like you! So happy I get to meet such kickass women like you :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, this outfit is so bright and happy. I love it.
www.room-334.blogspot.com
Totally agree- blogging has helped me with my self discovery. Those sandals take me back- I had a pair of gellies when I was little. hehe. Hmmm.. I blog because it helps me practice writing, it links me up with a community to resonate with and I love sharing new information that I find exciting with other people who become excited by it! :D
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd love to invite you to enter my super cute artisan made fair trade bundle! Open to US and Canada! See you soon on my bloggie!
Blessings,
Christine
Ethical Fashion + Faith
www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com
While I'm quite certain a chicken pit would frighten me (visions of being pecked to death) I think one chicken might be nice.
ReplyDeleteYou are right that on the surface blogging might come off as being narcissistic, and for some, I do believe it really is. But it is also a sole bearing activity, and reason to do something creative every single day.
Chic on the Cheap
I love that ring! I blog because I have fun doing it. Sometimes it does feel a little vain to take pictures of my outfits but I've learned to get over a little. I do need to work on my photo skills.
ReplyDeleteI really love this! Blogging is so weird to those who don't blog (or at least to my friends IRL haha) but it's really not selfish. That said I do get sick of myself from time to time! Haha. I blog because it's a connection and makes the world flat. Also, LOVE this outfit and the colors! XO
ReplyDeleteLauren-Blair
www.prefertobedemure.com
This is a great post! Sometimes I really don't know why I blog.. I guess my main reason is to have a place to record my daily life and the photos I take, but then along the way I met some really cool people and I love the little community I have found. I love hearing about what other people are up to and I love sharing what I'm up to.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully put, Ali! I think the very act of writing a post helps me better grasp my thoughts, especially when it's a topic that's been nagging me for awhile. I also especially like documenting the happenings in my life--I find it so nostalgic to read my old thoughts. It's also interesting to see how I've changed.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite parts of blogging, however, are the beautiful souls I've encountered who I wouldn't have otherwise ever met. I especially like reading more personal posts since they can be so resonant--it's so uplifting to know that someone else feels the same way, or to have someone who has gone through something similar offer you advice.
Anyways, you're looking absolutely fab as usual. I love the turquoise, white, and dust pink color combo. You're one of the few people I know who can make jelly shoes so elegant.
Keep killin' it, girl! <3
imperfect idealist
This was so well said! I struggle with telling people about my blog most of the time because you're right, it can seem totally about me me me, but then I'm like...what else would I write about, haha. It's such a great outlet, and record-keeper for me, and I definitely try and use it as an encouragement to others as well. I enjoyed reading this, thanks for sharing! Also, you look great!
ReplyDelete♥ perfectly Priya