This is a question I have been asking myself for awhile now. People blog for many different reasons. Some do it to have an outlet, some do it to share reviews with others, some do it for an extra income, some do it to share their lives and so many more reasons. I have listed the reasons above because every one of them have been the reason to why I blog.
I started off blogging because I wanted an outlet. I had opinions, frustrations and as a stay at home mom I found it as a new way to meet and talk with other adults.
I then learned about product reviews. It was a great thing but I burned out quickly after doing my very first Christmas gift guide. I decided to back off doing so many reviews and go back to being a “mommy blogger”.
I then learned that you could actually make real money from blogging. I was in love with this concept. It was fantastic to have my hobby pay for itself and to buy cool gifts for my family. Tobei and I were both proud to say “Nolie’s blog paid for that”. However then my blog became practically fully sponsored and I lost myself, my view and my purpose.
In February I came to the realization I no longer enjoyed blogging. It was no longer a hobby and was now a job. That is not what I wanted. So I was left asking myself “Why do I blog”.
It has taken me 2 months but I have refocused myself. I don’t blog for the money, the products or the unique visitors and pageviews every month. I do not blog for Joe, Mary or Bob. I blog for me.
I blog because I want to share my opinion on whatever I want. I blog because I want to be a “mommy blogger” and share our lives with others. I don’t sugar coat things and I know others are out there looking for a blog who gives it to them straight and doesn’t sugar coat their lives.
I blog because it fulfills me and makes me happy. Sure I love reviewing products and hosting sponsored content when relevant to me and what I have going on here. However I am no longer going to let the “work” aspect of blogging control me. I am not going to lose my voice because it may scare a PR person away or offend someone who stumbles across my site.
I am going back to my roots. I am blogging to share our lives, my opinions and things I find funny or just want to share. I hope to gain new friends and not lose old ones as I get back to my roots. So hopefully you are here because you like ME and what I as a mom, wife and woman with an opinion has to share.
Nolie is reborn!
Have you ever had to refocus with blogging? What have you done when you lost the fun in your hobby that you don’t want to give up because you love the community?