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Sunday, February 23, 2014

What's on My Mind: Is Blogging Really Worth It?


Southern In-Law is my little place on the internet - but I also want it to be an honest space. Areal space. I want you to know that our life isn't all sunshine and daisies and cuddly puppies, in fact, no ones life is like that all the time. 

Too many blogs these days are fake. You're given the perfect glimpse into someone's life and you may even wish you had their life - but what you don't see is that they're just like you. We're all human, we all have flaws and insecurities - so why don't we turn to eachother when we need a helping hand? 

I'm starting this new "what's on my mind" series as a real, raw and honest series. It's literally going to be what's on my mind blurted out into a blog post - like a coffee date with your oldest friend - word vomit, if you will. But I'd like you to share what's on your mind too. Sometimes we just need to blurt it all out, to share, to let go, to seek help - so feel free to share what's on your mind too, whether it be in a comment or email or your own blog post (which I'd love to share with SIL readers too). 

There's always someone in the world feeling exactly like we are - regardless of how much we feel alone. We're all sisters and brothers and we're in this together. 

I'm going to start with something I feel that all bloggers deal with - is blogging really worth it? As much as I love Southern In-Law, I often have my doubts and insecurities about the blog and what I'm doing.

Sometimes I find myself feeling a little bit insecure, lost, sorry for myself, doubtful, under qualified, what have you - and I ask myself, Is it really worth it? 

Do people really care about what I have to say? Are Jesse and I as interesting as so-and-so? Do we bore people to death? Is anyone really reading? Are my photos good enough? Is the time I spend planning/cooking/testing/photographing/editing/emailing worth it? 

I'm not a blogger with a degree. I'm not a blogger with fancy awards. I'm not a blogger who earns hundreds. I'm not a blogger with a million and one social media followers. I'm not a blogger with a magazine column or a recipe book or a workout DVD. I'm not a blogger with a hundred comments on every post. 

But then I ask myself - why do these things even matter? Why do they count? Why do they make blogging worth it? 

And then I realise, they don't

This blog is worth it for me for so many reasons.... I'm a blogger who is so passionate about what she does. I'm a blogger who loves creating and sharing recipes. I'm a blogger who truly, wholeheartedly appreciates every single comment/message/email. I'm a blogger who feels immense pride when any of you let me know you try one of our recipes. I'm a blogger who happy dances everytime one of her recipes is featured anywhere. I'm a blogger who has met some of her closest friends through this very web page. I'm a blogger who has connected with others just like her and helped them to not feel so alone.

This blog makes my heart so happy and that is why it's worth it. 

Whilst I'd love for this to be my full time "job" and I'd love to thumb my way through my own cookbook, that's not my reality right now - but that doesn't mean I'm less passionate or appreciative. Who knows, one say that might be my reality. 

This blog is so worth it because of you and because of what you have helped me to achieve. We have so many readers who have become great friends, who cook our recipes every week and who we've helped to enjoy food and entertaining despite allergies - we don't need a hundred comments of millions of social media followers to know that this blog is worth it - and that this blog has helped to put a smile on some faces right around the world. 

It's the small things. 

One thankful email, one happy comment, a thank you, a photo of your recipe, a shared story, a recommendation, a mention - the seemingly small things that mean so incredibly much.  

These things have my heart overflowing with thankfulness and pride. 

I get self conscious, doubtful, down, lonely, insecure. I'm human. 

Sometimes I need to remind myself why I'm doing this, to fall back in love with what I'm doing and to remember that I'm worth it - and you are too. 

But tell me, what's on your mind right now?
If you're a blogger, what makes blogging worth it for you? 
If you're not a blogger, when's the last time you questioned the worth of something? What did you decide?

20 comments:

  1. Hey Kristy,

    So much of what you wrote resonates with me. You work so damn hard to pour your life and soul into your work and try to share it with others and the doubts just keep creeping in. Are people reading? Do people even care that this is important to me? Did I just waste my entire weekend editing photos for someone to give them a cursory glance for a couple of minutes?

    I have to try and ignore all those niggling worries and do it for me, because I enjoy it and I want my stories to be written, even if nobody else understands why I do it. It's my way to make sure I've contributed something to the world. It may not be seen as worthwhile by some (it's not solving world hunger or anything), but it's keeping the place pretty and recording life for the future generations.

    Yes, people are reading your work. I am visiting intermittently, though I don't say it enough. It's nice to know I'm not alone in the things that run through my mind.

    Kell.

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  2. I don't have lots of time to read blogs, however whenever I do read yours, I'm always glad I took the time!

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  3. Great post, Kristy! You know, I have identical feelings, particularly as of late. The whole blogging thing is kind of crazy sometimes, and it's inevitable that you'll start comparing yourself or questioning your overall purpose. I TOTALLY understand. Sometimes I wonder if it's all just a waste of time. That's when I usually take a bit of a step away for a bit and try to focus on other things that bring me happiness. I always come back to the blog, as like you, it brings me great joy as well. Also, sure some blogs get a billion comments, but half the time it's just other random bloggers leaving meaningless comments without barely reading the post. I'd honestly rather have a few dozen dedicated readers who whole heartedly care, than a thousand who scroll straight to the bottom for a comment and blog linkup.
    You have helped so many people who struggle with food intolerances; I actually don't know any other blogger like you. I truly appreciate your work, writing, and general zest for life. Keep writing from your heart! Big hugs!! xo

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  4. I think a lot of us "smaller" bloggers are feeling this way. Blogging is just a passion that we love. Who cares if we have tons of brands wanting us or 50000 followers. Blogging is a personal journey for each of us to share what we love with whoever wants to read :)

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  5. Hey Kristy! Just wondering if you have word limit on responses. I started writing mine and suddenly it turned into a mini expose haha well half a word document page. I don't want to bore you and Jesse with my partner and our story :P

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  6. I don't even think the world knows my blog exists

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  7. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    No word limit this time, lovely! Write away! xx

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  8. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:46 AM

    The easiest way to get noticed is to get the word out about it - post on other's blogs/forums/website/facebook pages etc and it's like a domino effect :)

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  9. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:48 AM

    Hey Ashley, definitely keep on blogging and don't let the doubt suck you in!

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  10. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    You're exactly right, it's a very personal journey and everyone's is different!

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  11. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    I think we are always comparing ourselves to others - it's that "grass is always greener" thing that humans are known for.


    I'm with you, genuine comments and readers are so much more rewarding!

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  12. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    Julie, you're a sweetheart! xx

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  13. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Thank you, lovely! Now let's just hope what's on my mind makes sense haha

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  14. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:53 AM

    Kell, your work is absolutely incredible and I'm sure it is cherished by so many! You are definitely making things prettier - and helping people to notice the beauty in the world around us! xx

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  15. Your blog is amazing - i often don't comment but ALWAYS read (and keep in touch via Instagram too!) Your posts are always so informative and fun and i love all the recipes. Keep up the amazing work. Victoria :)

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  16. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 24, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    Victoria, you are so sweet! Thank you for always reading! <3 xx

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  17. Seeing that this is one of a few posts I've read on your blog (new follower), I'm completely in awe of how amazing of a person you are. I love this whole post, from the beginning to end. I think we all fall into the "comparison trap" from time to time - but it's just how you crawl your way out that shows how strong and confident of a person you are. For me I blog because I love it, I love putting a smile on someones face (or so I hope I do LOL), and of course the relationships you form are just incredible.

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  18. Kristy @ Southern In-LawFebruary 25, 2014 at 1:22 PM

    Jessie, you are so sweet! I'm like you - nothing makes me happier than knowing I've made someone else happy!

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  19. I really enjoy your blog because you are very honest in your posts. I find blogging a little more difficult because I am more inclined to write about my business, Southern-Linens, than reveal more personal information about myself and my life. I give you a lot of credit for what a genuine site you have.

    http://www.southern-linens.com

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