I can’t believe I’ve never done a post like this in the four years I’ve been writing in this little corner of the internet. I’ve written over 700 posts and nothing about my love and reasons behind keeping this blog; well that all changes today. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be super niche-y when I started this blog, I thought about focusing on just music and school, but looking back I’m happy that I didn’t. I know that there are a few hundred (maybe thousand) “Southern lifestyle bloggers” and I’m sure that some of my reasons will mirror theirs but eh, it happens.
This is like an online diary – I had a LiveJournal and Xanga accounts long ago and I used to spill my guts on those sites whenever I got the chance. Things have changed a bit since then, but at the end of the day this blog boils to an online diary of sorts. I try and keep it authentic and blog about my lows as well as my highs, and I appreciate those of you who have stuck around through it all.
Accountability – Since this is like an online diary it sort of holds me accountable. I’ll set various goals (ie blogging 3 times a week) and whether I’m looking at my blog’s archive or editorial calendar I can see whether I’ve stayed on track. Whether it’s my dating woes or weight loss goals it’s all on there, and it’s nice to be able to look back and see how far I’ve come.
Blogging Community – It’s so nice to know that there’s a supportive community out there of ladies (and guys) doing the same thing as I am. I’ve met (in real life and online) so many beautiful souls and talented writers and I cherish the relationships I’ve developed with them. I’ve even made some of closest friends via blogging and have traveled across and out of country to visit them. Whether it’s having a one-on-one with Neely or meeting Luvvie at an ‘Empire’ watch party, it’s nice to connect with bloggers I’ve been following forever and who’s works have inspired me in so many ways! I love that for the most part we’re a community that thrives on building each other up, because if one blogger makes it then we all do.
Growth – I’ve grown so much as a person and blogger over these past four years and I think that has a direct correlation to Le Haute Jaz. I’ve always been the bold and outspoken type in real life, but didn’t know how well it would translate on paper/on screen. I feel like that growth can be seen on the blog, I used to mainly write a lot of “fluff” pieces but as time has passed I’ve gotten comfortable with writing about controversial or taboo topics. Blogging has given me a platform that I didn’t have before when it came to expressing certain views and opinions that 140 characters on Twitter just couldn’t and I’ve become more at ease over the years using this platform.
Collaborations – Now I know y’all didn’t I was going to write this whole post and not saying anything about the collaboration opportunities I’ve had over the years. It took a while, but I recently started working with companies and I love it. I’m getting compensated for trying new products and services and sharing my opinions with my readers. A lot of times these are already products and services I would use so it’s the best of both worlds. Like I said, I didn’t start doing this until recently, and though I feel like I have a good handle on things I’m taking a blog course by Neely about this particular topic. This all goes back to this awesome blogging community; people are always willing to help and share their wealth of knowledge.
I would love to hear why y’all got into this wonderful world of blogging and what’s keeping you around. Sound off in the comments below or shoot me an email!
I'm so with you about the blogging community. I have met some amazing people through blogging and I love it.
I still count our one-on-one as my favorite I have ever had. EVER!!!