Today my beloved blog turns one year old.
Out of celebration, I have taken time to reflect on this past year as a new blogger and the many, valuable gifts it has given me. As most of you know, I originally started this idea as a way to track the progression of my senior design project and keep in touch with those I do not see too often. However—over these past months, it has evolved into something much greater.
Here are the delightful yet sassy gifts my blogging experience has given me (year one):
1. cOnnEcT wITh LiKe-mINdEd ArTIsTs:
Since I founded Delightfully Sassy I have met many people, who like me, are in love with the blogging community. I have been invited to local events, raised money for charities, created an artistic accreditation and met amazing people—who think a lot like me! For example—have you met my friends Kati and Preppy in Portland?
2. jOiNeD tHe jOUrnALiSm art industry:
Little did I know that when I began creating in this capacity, I would eventually work professionally in journalism. But wait…I went to school for art and design…
Yes, true—but in fact I have learned over this past year, they are alike in many ways: same creative thinking, overindulgence of brainstorming, presentation of ideas--simply different mediums.
3. dRAw A dEscRiPtIvE rEcaP of my life:
It’s like the play-back of an old home video. I get to read my past experiences and relive that state of mind all over again. Like that one time I professed my love for OSU, toasted to my better half, cried about my grandfather, or served this cocktail. Or how about the day I shared my uncertainty about growing up, or yelled ‘WTF’ to my coworker. I’ve written about friendship, Minnie Mouse, sushi etiquette, love stories and new years resolutions and much more.
4. sTAy iN tOuCH with people I don’t see often.
My grandmas’, cousins’, uncles’, old high school boyfriends’, babysitter’s mom reads Delightfully Sassy! They get to experience what I’m thinking and feeling. This was a little strange to me at first, but over time I’ve learned to embrace and take advantage of it. Now—I love my readers, no matter who they are!
5. sTaNd Up fOr tHiNgS i bEliEvE iN.
Because blogging is a public activity I get to go live with my opinions, thoughts and ideas. It has allowed me to develop a voice of my own. It’s my forum; I can say whatever I want! However, with that said, I have also learned the importance of ‘accountability’. Because I am creating in public domain the things I say can {literally, in the court of law} be held against me. It has taught me to be thoughtful about how I express myself—online.
6. eXeRciSe mY mINd:
Not only am I constantly thinking about the content of my next post, but I am also taking advantage of learning and reading other blogger’s thoughts and ideas. This is an important skill to any artist. It’s called research. I exercise my mind—daily, by following other bloggers, listening to the news, reading public forums and scanning popular publications from around the world. I can speak to our present culture because I’ve watched the trends, read the news and constantly update my tweetdeck.
7. Helped with gOaL sEttINg aNd aChiEvEmEnT:
Last week I was reminded of my blog’s birth date. So, I decided to write a ‘toast to the post’ blog in celebration. I thought about the theme, developed the content and now I’m executing the action. Moving phases: goal statementàgoal developmentàgoal completion. Done & done.
8. Believe it or not—I’ve pRogReSSed aS a wRiTeR:
Technically and creatively. I think, practice makes perfect, or something like that? The great thing about blog writing: there are no right {or wrong} ways of expression; as long as you have well-developed content. I, at least try to double-check my spelling…
9. iNdUcEd cUriOsiTy:
It has certainly taught me to see the world differently.
I once heard someone discuss the value of blogging and they said ‘blogging is great because other people can see how you think’. It’s exactly right—I can comment, discuss, question or praise whatever I want. I create the content.
10. See tHe pRogReSSiOn oF mY LiFe aRtiStiCallY, iNteLLecTuAlly aNd emOtioNallY:
This is perhaps the best gift my blog has given me. I enjoy looking back at my old posts and remembering exactly how I was feeling that day. Then, to see how far I’ve come since then… DEVELOPMENT. The most enjoyable thing is to look back on my experience graduating from college and entering the ‘real world’. I truly get to measure my accomplishments.
Although during this past year I’ve blogged about my experiences, feelings and reactions to the world around me, the real reason behind creating a successful personal blog is not me--It’s you.
Thank you to my readers.
After one year of blogging joy; a year filled with challenges, successes and much personal growth, I can truly say it’s been a wonderful journey. Thank you endlessly for your support.
Here’s to many more happy years with Delightfully Sassy! Happy Birthday!
No comments:
Post a Comment