Home Bloggers!
From left to right: Julia, Sarah, AnNicole, Beckie, Me, Kimm, Kimba, Sandy, Rhoda, Layla, and Kate
photo (above) stolen (with love) from Layla
disclaimer: the women in this photo were the ones in the hall
at Blissom at the time we took the photo.
there are many many other great home bloggers and decorators!
As I mingled with all of the lovely and inspiring “home” bloggers at Blissdom, it really struck me how similar yet unique we all are. While each of us love our homes, we all have our own way of living life and finding beauty in our every day.
I am inspired by each and every one of those women through their blogs. It isn’t even necessarily because I love every one of their ideas all the time (although I must say it is rare to not like what they do!), but because I love seeing their creativity, point of view and ideas shine through their blogs. That is why I open their blogs every day. To draw a little bit of their creativity, energy and beauty into my own day.
These women inspire me to be a better version of me by watching them be who they are. I don’t need to be LIKE them, or as popular as they are, I can just be INSPIRED by them. They share generously from the heart each week, whether it is a new idea, a creative way of looking at an old idea, or bit of inspiration. They challenge me to reach outside of the familiar me and to try something new, and they inspire me to feel confident enough in who I am that I can pass that on to others.
That is why I feel nothing but support for all of these online ladies (both pictured and not–these ladies just happened to be in the photo!). While the pressure in blogland can be fierce and many seem to worry about the idea of supporting “the competition” or feel threatened by a blog’s popularity, I don’t see it that way (usually, ha!). I am just excited to support women sharing their talents and life for the rest of us! It takes guts to put yourself out there for the world to see and yet these women do it regularly with grace and beauty. It is INSPIRING!
If you have not started your own blog and wonder if it is pointless to start now because so many blogs are already online, I assure you there is room for everyone! It isn’t a competition to be the best blogger, get the most traffic, to have the most beautiful home, or the most creative ideas, it is about being YOU, sharing YOUR story and drawing strength from others. Everyone online can find their people, their own community and rally around to support and encourage each other whether it is as a blog reader or a blog writer.
Each of YOU has something special to offer the world.
YOU have life experiences and passions to share that we can all learn from.
Whether you share who you are with the world through a blog, or through your church, work, or PTA or wherever you connect with other women, you can make a difference in another woman’s life simply by opening your heart and home and telling your own stories.
And as a blog reader, you are such a valuable part of the blog community.
Your comments and even your silent support is such an encouragement to the writer of the blog. So thank you.
I am glad YOU are a part of blogland, whether you just read, share or do a little of both. I hope you find as much inspiration for life from all these amazing women online as I do!
If you would like to read another post about Blissdom (on feeling insecure) click here!
This post linked at Tuesdays Unwrapped
Beautiful post! I loved meeting you at dinner on Saturday night.
.-= Angry Julie Monday´s last blog ..10 for Tuesday: Valentine’s Day Treats =-.
Aw, thank you Julie! It was great meeting you too!
That is so sweet! I love seeing women support each other. I don’t buy the lie that women are competitive and always trying to one up each other… I think at the end of the day, women want to see each other succeed!
.-= Molly @ thecreativemaven´s last blog ..A Sweet Chocolate Covered Strawberry Rose Bouquet =-.
So very, very well said. I try to remind myself of that everyday -that blogging isn’t about success or competition, it’s about being entirely yourself and letting your own light and talents come through in your blog to (hopefully) inspire others. I don’t succeed at that 100% everyday, but that’s my constant aim.
Thanks for your beautiful post, and thanks for always being an inspiration to me.
.-= AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage´s last blog ..Is it Spring Yet? =-.
It was so great to meet you in person! You are so lovely and sweet. It is hard to get away from the competition, but every day I remind myself of what is really important to me. And having THE MOST of something online is not at the top of my list. I need MORE of stuff at home :-)
If I could stand up and applaud for you right now, I would. LOVE this post! I couldn’t agree more and I believe in supporting one another, collaborating with each other, and being inspired by our uniqueness. I am a competitive girl by nature, but I refuse to allow myself to be sucked into “competing” in blogging. The beauty of each of these women does indeed shine through on their blog, as it does on yours. I’m honored to be a part of this community!
.-= Beth@The Stories of A to Z´s last blog ..Changing up the Bedroom =-.
Love you, girl :)
.-= Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..Blissful =-.
Isn’t it an amazing time when we can share our gifts and passions and meet so many wonderful women?! We truly live in a time that inspires us to be our very best.
.-= Gayle´s last blog ..Lavender Fields =-.
Great advice. You’re absolutely right: the best way to learn the business of mommy blogging is to observe and emulate those who do it best. Thanks for inspiring all mommy bloggers!
.-= MommyBlogExpert´s last blog ..Online Community Mgr JOB OPENING for West Coast New Media Company =-.
YES YES YES YES YES!
I love this!
This is exactly what Nester and Jen and Sommer and Audrey and I spoke about in the Niche panel. Embrace, support, learn from and love those who love what you love, write what you write about and share your passions! It only benefits you!!
YAY!
.-= rachel´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day Breakfast Recipes =-.
Melissa, this was such a well written post, thanks for sharing your heart on this. It IS hard not to get caught up in the competitive side of blogging & it seems to just be getting more fierce out there. I have made a vow to step back from that and just continue to be myself, which is all I can do anyway. Great to see you at Blissdom again, you’re always a wise soul. xoxo