Seven years. It’s hard to wrap my mind around that. I have been blogging for seven years. Where do I even begin?
Any blog anniversary, let alone my seven year blog anniversary, used to seem so out of my grasp. When I published my very first blog post in February of 2015, I had so many feelings. I was scared to put myself out there… so scared of being rejected by people I knew and complete strangers alike. I didn’t feel like I was good enough and I definitely didn’t think it would lead to anywhere. I just had a feeling that this is where I needed to be. I wanted to share my love of fashion and help others feel confident in what they wore… but I had no idea that pressing a button would change the trajectory of my life.
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My Seven Year Blog Anniversary
Outfit Details
Pink Sister Jane Dress (similar here and here, budget here) | Pink Mary Frances Butterfly Handbag (similar) |Pink Honiara Vintage Heels (similar here) | Lele Sadoughi Pearl Headband (similar, budget here and here) | Ring (similar) | Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick | Halo Hair Extension (use LIZZIEINLACE for $25 off!)
When I started my “secret blog” initially in 2012, I didn’t tell ANYONE. I posted mirror photos of my daily outfits from my phone and shared my thoughts on so many things. I wasn’t really sharing for anyone but myself, to be honest. And I didn’t think anyone would read it but lo and behold, my husband (then boyfriend) found it by complete accident and I was so embarrassed that I deleted it out of shame. Three years passed by before I worked up the courage to do it again… the right way.
Blogging has changed a lot in the past seven years. In 2015, it was about connection and community, sharing a similar purpose and passion. But now, it’s so hard to keep up sometimes as the entire industry has shifted completely. When I started, many people didn’t quite understand it. Even the UPS guy (bless his heart), was intrigued when I told him that I was, in fact, not a shopping addict but working on marketing campaigns with all those packages he was delivering. I giggled a bit when he asked if I “played on the computer all day” haha!
While blogging has become more accepted as a career over the last few years, some still don’t know what to make of my “internet job” while others have been quick to try to capitalize on it. In many aspects, this journey has been easy and natural while at other times, it’s been difficult and confusing to navigate. Some people even wonder if there is still a place for blogs in our society at this time and if I’m being honest, I’ve pondered this as well.
Over the last seven years, it’s gotten more competitive, especially as we’ve been introduced to various social media platforms that have come and gone or evolved completely. As these new mediums emerged, blogging seems to have become less and less relevant with focus being on creating certain types of content on certain types of platforms. Tastes have evolved, styles have evolved… and I’ve evolved.
There was no instruction manual for those us that started in the “early days.” We were guinea pigs and pioneers of a new era, uncovering an entirely new future for the industry as a whole. This has taught me not to be afraid of taking risks, of believing in myself and of trusting the timing of my life and intuition. Looking back, we were leaders of a new generation and I’m so proud to have been a part of it just by taking a chance and doing something that sets my heart on fire.
Three years ago, I left my job as a substitute teacher and the following year, I made the very difficult decision to retire from teaching guitar, something I had been doing since I was 18. I was all in on my blogging journey and to be honest, I was terrified and scared of the future. It has not been easy in the slightest but it’s fulfilled me more than anything else. There have been months where I’ve made nothing at all but then I remember why I do this. The old me would have freaked out with a full blown panic attack but now, I’m learning to trust in everything – in the opportunities, the timing and the pattern of being self-employed. And when I do get the free time, I’m learning to appreciate the break by teaching myself new skills, dreaming up future plans and most importantly, taking better care of myself.
Blogging has made me a better person. It’s given me confidence to be who I am and to share what I love. It’s allowed me the privilege of finding a community that truly understands, encourages and supports me. It’s gotten me out of my shell (and trust me, I never thought that would happen haha). I used to be TERRIFIED of sharing my opinions and my thoughts. There’s been many times when I’ve written vulnerable posts and decided to delete them immediately or not post them at all. But here’s the thing…. whether I’ve shared my deepest thoughts, my toughest circumstances or my biggest successes , I received nothing but love, encouragement and support.
Each year, when I reflect on my previous anniversary posts (see year six, five, four, three, two and one), I’m reminded of why I started in the first place and while I think it’s important to evolve, I think it’s also important to stay grounded. This journey has unfolded so beautifully for me. It started out as me wanting to help others through my love of fashion and it’s evolved to a passion and actual career. For once, I feel like there are limitless possibilities for the future and that there is hope for my dreams.
Years ago, I never thought something like this was possible for me. I never felt deserving of the good that came my way. And I certainly didn’t believe in myself and my abilities. I wasn’t confident enough to actually BE in front of a camera, to write my heart out for the world to read or to even look at myself on video. This process has strengthened me in so many ways and has given me the opportunity to be the person that I always wanted to be.
Not only has blogging taught me so much, but so have you – my readers, my community, my friends. You’ve shown me that it’s okay to be my authentic self and I can only hope that this sense of gratitude and inspiration is reflected through my content, my words and my heart. This is not just a celebratory post for my seven year blog anniversary but a love letter to YOU.
We all find our authentic selves at some point in our lives and many of you have been along to watch this process unfold for me over the last seven years. I am forever grateful to those of you that have believed in me, encouraged me and supported this little dream of mine. I’m excited to see what the next seven(ty) years holds and I hope you’ll continue to join me on this crazy, beautiful adventure. Thank you so much for everything!! <3 <3 <3
xo
Lizzie
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