This month marks 5 years since the launch of my blog. It’s really crazy to think that I’ve been blogging for so long!

Blogging has taught me a lot. It has opened up the door for so many amazing opportunities and I have learned so much about myself and how I handle things.  Through this platform, I have gained not only a creative outlet, but it’s also something that constantly challenges me to grow as a person.

As I reflect back over the last five years, there are a few important life lessons that blogging has taught me:

A Few Life Lessons Blogging Has Taught Me

Always be yourself

This is most likely the number one lesson that blogging has taught me. Authenticity is everything. I am one person amongst a million other bloggers and people in this world. How will I stand out if I’m going to be just like everyone else, or what everyone thinks I “should” be doing.

My biggest accomplishments comes from being myself and just owning it. It’s not only in the blogging world it also translates into other facets of my life. It doesn’t ever end well when I try to be something that I am not.

Put The Work In

Nobody else can determine my success or happiness – I’m the only one in this life that can do that. If I want something really bad in life I have to work for it myself!

There are no shortcuts in life and blogging constantly reminds me of this.

You just can’t please everyone

In life, there will be people who don’t love me. And the same applies in the blogging world.

I am not able to force people to feel a certain way about me, nor can I make others happy all of the time. Blogging has taught me that it’s so important to just stay true and honest, but at the same time also handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.

Someone once told me that “If you are OK with your Mother seeing your content, then nothing else should matter!” It’s really so true and I honestly do that before I click the publish button on any post.  I’ve also come to realise that I need to put my blinders on to some of the external forces and just focus on what makes ME happy.

Everybody has a different story and has their own preferences. You never going to please them all.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Did you ever feel good after comparing?

 As a blogger, I’m always looking at ways to “improve my brand”. Who wouldn’t? I sometimes question a photo I post or piece I write. Like is it good enough? For who? For what?

Social media is a platform that I hate just as much as I love. It’s a platform that can bring people together just as much as it can tear them apart. Not everyone will agree with what you have to say, some things you say may be misinterpreted and some may even blast you so they can feel better about themselves.

I hate seeing this kind of behavior and steer clear of the drama and will continue to just stay in my own lane.

This is probably why I appreciate my blog domain the most. It’s my space. My journey. My prerogative. I own it. And you know what, I am super proud of it!

A final thought – I honestly appreciate all of the support from anyone and everyone who takes the time to read my blog and engage with me here and on my social media! You have become my family over the last 5  years! Thank you.

So with that in mind, I thought I’d do something to mark the occasion. A little giveaway  curated by me. No sponsors, just a few little things I put together to spoil one of you.

Stay tuned, the giveaway will be launching on my Instagram Page this week. So if you’re not following me there yet, please do so before it launches!

Stay Tuned

xxx

Hayley