Good evening!
I must admit this probably won’t be an upbeat post like I normally do. The truth is, lately I have been feeling a bit unfulfilled with my blog lately.
I don’t know what it is or what has possibly changed in the past couple of weeks, but I know that something has. I have been feeling like I am not helping people in the way that I want to or that my posts lately have lacked an inner quality or significance for me and for my readers.
Some days I have really struggled to even find words to type on the page. I feel like I should be posting about my workouts or meals, but to be honest with you at times that bores me to tears. And then I think, does anyone really care what I did for my workout or what I had for lunch? Maybe on the surface like I wonder what my friend did last weekend or what she ordered at that fancy restaurant. But not in a meaningful sort of way, if you catch my drift.
Yes, blogs can be a much needed diversion in the middle of a long and stressful day, but does that mean that it always has to be a happy-go-lucky and easy on the eyes topic? I don’t think so.
I think the reason that I have been feeling unfulfilled with Oh She Glows lately is because I feel like I am not reaching out to enough people or helping people in the way that I want to. Sure, it is fun to chat about light hearted topics like fashion or your favourite toppings on pizza, but I realize that I need more than this if I am to sustain my blog long-term. I need to connect with people in a meaningful way. My main reason for starting this blog was to help people and lately I just haven’t felt like I am having an impact like I once did.
This post is not meant to be a pity-party or anything of the sort. I know that I put a lot of effort on here and that my readers enjoy it, but I am just saying that I may want to channel my efforts in new directions.
Let’s face it, you can read food/exercise blogs until you are blue in the face. How many are there out there? Tens of thousands? Do I really need to add to the pool by logging my workout or a new food product review? Or holding another contest? I guess these are the questions that I am currently struggling with.
This is not meant to criticize any blogs out there because all of them are wonderful in their own way and I know how much effort it takes to put into one. It would be silly to imply that there is no value in discussing any of these things because there most certainly is.
My main point is that I want to make a difference with this blog. I want to feel good about what I write and that it is meaningful to those who spare some time in their day to come here. I am just not sure how exactly I can make the changes I feel like I need to make.
Thoughts/Opinions Welcome, as always.
I like your blog…Haven’t been reading these things for too long but, you know you are very busy with the bakery plans now… maybe that is overwhelming doing the blog at this moment, because that is so exciting on it’s own…On another note can you PLEASE figure out how to replicate the Apple Pie Larabar…? I have been experimenting but the intense apple flavor is hard to capture.. love your other Larabar wanna be recipes..! Hang in there with whatever you decide.. Love your energy.. to whatever you do..
Hi Angela!
Like Annalisa who posted above, I am a long-time lurker and felt that this was the perfect time to come out of hiding! I LOVE your blog. I actually stumbled upon it randomly by doing a search for “30 day shred” on youtube, and im so glad that I did! I can very much relate to you, and find you to be a total inspiration. I am not yet at my goal weight, but seeing and reading about your experiences give me hope for the first time that I can actually have the body that I have always dreamed of! I love how you are constantly addressing the emotional side of eating and working out as I feel it is what is so fundamental to really making a change. I especially loved when you wrote about gaining a little weight after being off of exercise with your injury. It showed all of the readers that you are only human, and just like the rest of us! I think that is why so many people love your blog- you are so honest and easy to relate to.
I am from Oakville, Ontario but am currently living and working in Bermuda. I love reading your blog as it reminds me so much of back home! I now make at least one green monster a day (try it with the unsweetened chocolate almond breeze and some peanut butter- AMAZING!) and have made many of your other recipes. I too am somewhat of a vegan but eat the occasional fish. Skinny Bitch had the same impact upon me and has changed my eating habits forever. I have not come across another blogger with whom I have as much in common with.
Please keep on doing what you have been doing! I think it is great. As much as I love checking for all of your posts throughout the day, perhaps you would feel less burnt out if you only posted once? Another idea- have you ever looked into all natural health and beauty products? They are all that I use after researching the horrible toxins and chemicals that are in most of the products that women use today. “Gorgeously Green” is a great book. This may give you some new ideas for posts. Also, because you love baking and beauty so much, why not make some healthy all natural cosmetics and beauty items of your own? I would LOVE to read about you doing something like this!
Angela
I am a longtime reader, first time commenter.
Your blog is one of the only ones that I read everyday, and as I am in university I find your posts so inspiring! I love hearing all about your weight loss endeavours, your road to health, your workouts and your eats. I love seeing how you balance your life and show that you can be healthy without deprivation!! Please continue to blog, I will remain dedicated, I promise!
I want to echo what Hallie said. When I first started reading your blog I thought I wouldn’t be able to relate to you because you seemed too perfect. I love how real you are and how you tackle the difficult subjects along with the light-hearted ones. Your “road to health” series was great, and it had an impact on my eating habits. You show how living a healthy lifestyle is not only possible but enjoyable as well! Your blog is wonderful!
I really like that you mix it up all the time, and I never know what to expect in the next post! I think you’re doing a great job. Keep it up!
I’m so sorry you feel this way! I read every day and have been from the very beginning even though I don’t comment often. You are probably one of the most positive people I met and it’s very refreshing to read. I love how it’s not a blog about JUST food or JUST workouts, it’s about your new bakery, make up, fashion, fitness and everything that’s happening with your life. I love that you show pictures of your renos and your kitty. Another thing that makes this blog one of my favorites is the honesty. When you gained some weight due to your injury, you told us about it. Most bloggers would be scared to say that or people just won’t admit it. You are very inspirational and I doubt anyone is bored with your blog.
First, I can relate to your “unfullfilled” feeling lately. I want my blog to be more than just my food and ramblings, but honestly, lately it’s all I’ve had time to put effort into.
I’m sorry you are feeling this way, I think like anything else, we can just get into ruts sometimes. I love your blog, and I think it is a wonderful inspiration to anyone and everyone who wants to live healthfully. I will keep reading no matter what, and I look forward to any and all new things! :)
I have seen a million Green Monsters out in blog world, so people are taking your advice.
I agree with Abbie that you need to think about why you started this blog and why it was fun in the start and not so fun now. I blog because it is fun and I have learned about so many neat recipes/products/exercise ideas. It is also a lot easier for me to run every day when I log on and read about other people that are also training for races, and I can read that they have their ups and downs to!
Angela,
You are such a great inspiration. I loved your road to health and overcoming binge eating series. Things like that–where you really tackle the hard stuff–helps so many people.
I love reading about what you ate, about the running beast, about green monsters and sketchie…but I feel like you seem happiest when you are tackling the hard subjects. I like the previous reader’s suggestion to do an “Ask Angela” segment. I think that’d be great! You could tackle the heavier things that are on people’s minds right along with the fun stuff. It’d be a great way to address what is really on peoples’ minds and make a difference. Keep up the great work!
ANGELA!
I’m all the way from New Zealand, and am addicted to your blog. You’re an inspiration.
I need to lose 20 pounds, and I love seeing what you do for exercise etc and what you eat.
I understand where you’re coming from etc but if you need reassurance that people love your blog -HERE IT IS!
I’m checking your blog like 3 plus daily. My number one blogger site by far!
Be happy and keep up the GREAT FABULOUS work! xoxoxo
Hi Angela, I’ve recently discovered your blog and I’m hooked! :) I look forward to reading your posts every day and you’re a total inspiration to me. Like many of your readers, I have become addicted to your “Green Monsters”. :) I used to be a health nut years ago but then s#*@ happened and I fell off the wagon. Discovering your blog has inspired me to start eating healthy, wholesome food again. Thanks!! I can also relate to your story because I used to weigh around 20 pounds more than I do now(mainly because of my love for sweets and nighttime binges),and I was unhappy with myself. Oh yeah, I’m also from Ontario (Ottawa), and I love seeing your selection of groceries and products that you buy. (I love Bulk Barn and PC Organics too!). Please don’t think that you’re not making a difference. You’ve certainly made a difference in my life.
Cheers and Good Luck with Glo Bakery!! :)
True I read a variety of food and fitness blogs each day, when I have time, but I feel like I draw something from each of the different women who writes them. Yours radiates a positivity and grace that is refreshing and really something to look forward to! Just know that you are inpsiring people to live better. Though I do understand that if you are not feeling good about it, our words won’t truly matter until you find what can make it more meaningful for you. Best of luck, but we will be here reading!
I LOVE your blog and I know that since you inspire me SO much, you inspire others as well! Everyone here loves you and looks up to you for a variety of reasons. You are so positive, and have a great attitude such that I really, truly look forward to reading your blog each and every day. Good luck. I am sure you will find some way to help someone-you’ve got a wonderfully kind heart :)
<3 jess :)
xxx
Angela,
You have tons of readers and from all the comments above, it’s obvious that everyone really loves and appreciates your blog! Your blog is about food & exercise with a little fashion & beauty thrown in, but remember that it is your blog, and if there are other things you want to write about, go for it! Don’t be afraid to cover topics that aren’t bright and cheery. Rant and rave if you want. Get people talking and thinking, it doesn’t always have to be green smoothies and workouts. Everyone started reading because of an interest in health, but I think we’ve all stayed with OSG b/c of a connection to you.
Also, and maybe I’m totally off-track here, but I know the blog started as a fun hobby and now it’s one of the main things that you do along with the bakery, so maybe that’s adding extra pressure for it to be totally fulfilling. It used to be something you did when you weren’t at work, so you probably never had a chance to get bored with it b/c you didn’t have the time.
You have loyal readers now, so I think you can take OSG in whatever direction you are inspired to take it in. Good luck!
Angela,
I have recently discovered the world of health/fitness blogs, but in the short time I’ve started reading them, yours quickly became my favorite. You are such an inspiring, open person, and your blog truly reflects that! I love reading about your workouts and daily meals…they give me great ideas!
And can I just say that you are a true recipe genius!
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your blog, it is really appreciated!
i’ve never commented before but i’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now and i can say that it definitely is meaningful to me! i’ve recently began my recovery from an eating disorder and reading your blog and seeing how you coped with no exercise for so long and you still allowed yourself to eat what you wanted has really helped me. i often feel incredible guilt if i skip a workout and before recovery i would rarely let myself eat over 1000 calories if i hadn’t exercised that day. reading your blog and seeing how normal women live and cope with life’s challenges is really helping me, so please continue! and thank you!
P.S. I open my fridge/freezer/pantry…and I see almond butter, apple butter, avocado/guacamole, veggie burgers, ezekiel bread, LOTS MORE organic stuff, raw almonds, FLAX, etc.!! NONE of this stuff was there before OSG!! :-D
Your blog is inspiring and will reach out to people by showing them what a wonderful individual you are and how you are living your life: in a healthy way, mentally and physically.
I think it’s great that you feel the need to continue striving to reach more people and do more to help. I hope you ALWAYS feel that way because that is what will make you continue to grow and learn about yourself. That doesn’t mean you need to feel unfulfilled but instead for you to continue your journey as a blogger and a person. I know we all struggle with the thought “Is this it?” and I think you are taking the right approach and saying “No! I can do more and make an impact!” Which you can and already are!
Thank you for all of your hard work!!
aw everyone’s comment are SO sweet :D I reiterate ALL of them. I love your blog- and i definitely feel that it’s one of the more professional, far-reaching blogs that I read. I struggle with your feelings of like, “who cares??” But honestly, SO much of why I blog has to do with the whole community, and support system, and friends I feel like I have made “here”. I have a huge smile on my face reading comments, and commenting on other people’s blogs! I think as with anything, we can fall into a “rut”, and it may take time, or a few changes to get out of it…I think your blog is always changing and maintaining my interest- so keep it up!!!
Angela,
You have touched so many people, that is clear from the comments above! I feel like we should all be doing something to make you feel as good as you make all of us feel. Don’t ever forget the impact that you have had on so many, in different ways.
Your talent inspires me and I am positive that your website will continue to be exceptional, no matter what direction it takes.
xo
Your writings have inspired me to eat better and take care of myself and my family. I have recently switch to organic because of having my son. We have also been eating more fruit and veggies. Your postings have help me try new foods. I have a green monster every day for breakfast now. Its amazing.