Hi mom. No but, actually.
So, I used to have a blog. It was really fun to set up and work on, until I started to take it too seriously. I was stuck at my computer trying to find the perfect photos to accompany my posts so that I could get more traffic. I enjoyed writing about the things I loved, but felt like I had to fit it into some sort of formula that other bloggers’ content fit into: perfectly lit, original photos of themselves or their stuff; affiliate shopping links; heaps of comments; posts every day. I made myself dislike blogging and it took over my life to the point where I just gave it up.
Two years later, and I miss the creative outlet that my blog was. I miss having a place to talk about the things that interest me: career, finances, investing, passion projects, travel, being active, healthy living, books… The friends I have in real life don’t necessarily like all of those things, but I still want to talk about them. I want to share my thoughts about the books I read, the things I learn, and have a discussion, even if it’s only with myself because nobody else is reading this. Seriously though – this time I’m going somewhat incognito and not publicising the blog to my friends and family. At least that’s what I’m planning now.
So, if you’re reading this and you’re not my mom, hello. If what I have to say interests you, please feel free to comment. I love to talk and I love to learn new things, from people and from reading. I’m extremely determined to be successful. I want to create a life for myself that I’m passionate about, that allows me to accomplish my goals and makes me feel successful. I want to build a career that fits my life, not fit my life into a career that someone else created. I want to inspire other young girls to be like me someday, to believe that the barriers that exist for us women in predominantly male-dominated fields and in STEM careers can do whatever the heck they want to do. I hope that soon, young girls in careers like mine won’t have to hear about how interesting it is that a girl likes or is good at math or engineering or computer programming, and that instead she’ll just be seen as a talented young person who’s going places. And most of all, I want to prove to myself that I can learn all of the things that I didn’t bother to learn when I was younger, like how to build a career out of my passions (which I’m still discovering and honing), how to set myself up for financial success and invest for retirement, and how to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling life with my husband and my dog. And that’s basically it.
2 Comments
Hi, this IS your mom. I’m overjoyed to see you’ve rekindled one of your passions again; to capture your thoughts in print and share them with the world. Your words hold wisdom that I wish I had seen years ago, particularly to be cautious where you seek your validation from and why. The choice can be a confidence booster or limiter. Sage advice to focus on self to reshape your values and beliefs. Thank you for blogging again.
Thanks Mom! You rock! And having a powerful female role model like you helped me become all of those things. Thank goodness I have you!! xoxo