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 just started reading your blog, and I enjoy it. I especially like reading about your baked goods – and just seeing how another person lives life. The thing to keep in mind is that certain people will gain from your blog and certain people won’t. People relate to blogs (or enjoy them) for all sorts of reasons, so even if you don’t think you’re reaching people – you definitely are. Just look at the comments above! Everyone goes to various blogs for different reasons. For me (with your blog) – I come here to check out the baked goods. Plain and simple. And that separates you from other blogs I read, which is why I come back :)
Good luck. Don’t fret. It will come to you.
Angela,
I read your blog every day (3xdaily) and I love it! I’ve never commented before (on any blog) but this has become such an important blog to me I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. Every day I get inspiration from your blog to be a little better and to treat my body with the respect and love it deserves. I’m a sophomore in college and your posts about overcoming the freshmen 15 and binge eating have been a life saver to me. Thank you for all that you do! Keep posting! :)
i love your blog. you’re doing a great job. just be you, that is more than enough, doll! your meals are gorgeous, fresh, and totally up my ally. i would love to see more of them, even! they are gorgeous! and i’m loving your journey to being a baking g-ddess! it’s lovely and real and true, exactly how you are. you glow, from the heart onward, and that is what i adore about your blog! continue to shine as you already do. Yes, It is Enough :)
I have to delurk and tell you that I love your blog too!! I come to your blog daily to gain inspiration from you about your attitude on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your personality and outlook on life is contagious and I would definitely be sad if you didn’t continue to blog about your daily experiences!! We all go through a funk ever now and then, but know that you would be truly missed if you left blogland!! Keep it up! I always say to myself when I read your posts “I want to be like Angela when I grow up”…and I already have a good ten years on ya!!!
I found your blog in November and have been a faithful reader/lurker ever since. I check it several times a day. You are fun, interesting, inspiring and a bright spot in my day. Keep up the great work!
Hi Angela! I just found your blog a few weeks ago. Sorry to hear that you’ve hit a bit of a rut. I’ve mostly been reading running and triathlon blogs up until now, but I have loved discovering some of you great foodies out there! Training is one thing, but I know I need to work on my diet…but wow…where to start? I love gaining some new insight for meals and things to cook. Plus, I love that you are in Canada, so I know I can probably find most of the products or things that you talk about! (hello…Trader Joe’s envy..??) Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Hi Angela,
I do understand ur need to reach people and help them even more. but believe me, wot u did, at least for me, is something i’ll always thank u for. u actually showed me through all ur posts, how to believe in myself, how to set goals and reach them, how i can get rid of my extra pounds that i accumulated for a year since i moved to the US.
It was a totally new envirronement for me, as i’ve been used to eat very healthy and mostly local moroccan food or european products. I really didnt know where to begin, since my husband and his family here, eat a lotta junk food. so u were like an Angel sent to guide me through this difficult time and show me how to lead a healthy life. I even know now which organic and healthy produts to buy, and of course i had no clue.
So Angela, u inspired me in so many different ways, and i just love the way u connect to ur readers, i do feel like i know u and dat i wish i had a girfriend like u. u r sooo down to earth considering ur beauty and intelligence, and with ur sexy sens of humour, u make everything seems possible, reachable and most of all, fun to do.
keep up wot u r doing coz it is incredible. i guess u dont really realize how u changed my life (I lost 15 lbs already!!!) and the lives of sooooo many of ur readers.
and ur blog is the one that i dont miss reading foe any reason, even when am sick,like the past 2 weeks.
lots of love.
Ilham.
Dear Angela,
I think it is absolutely hilarious that you wrote this post, I was actually a little shocked that you felt that way. Everyday I read your post, I look forward to it.. Your blog not only encourages me but makes me feel so much more optimistic about everything. This may sound unrealistic but all I wanted to say was that really admire and thank you for your ideas and encouragement. I even started drinking the green monsters. They’re amazing. It was so hard to find the Kale though, I went to five different stores, but I finally found it at Henry’s.
Hi Angela,
Your blog has already helped me in so many ways! Like you, I have been through times when I have eaten too little and lived on fat-free or low-fat “diet food” filled with artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Obviously, this way of life was neither sustainable nor fulfilling and eventually I cracked and binged, followed by another diet, then another binge…. you get the picture!! But your blog truly has shown me that there is another way and has helped me get over my “all or nothing” approach and focus on my health and wellbeing.
Of course, I am excited to see how your blog develops, but please don’t doubt the significance of posting what you eat, etc. I am not a food blogger and I don’t even live on the same continent as you, but what you write really has struck a chord with me!
I check your blog several times a day for new posts and this week I have made your hummus and spelt tortilla recipes – both of which were a huge success and have completely saved me, since they are both virtually impossible to get hold of in Germany. I was craving hummus in a major way and never dreamt it would be so easy to make it myself!!
Olivia
I can only give you one advice and that is: Do a vision board for yourself, concentrating on the blog. Cut out pictures that represent the feeling you want to create on the blog, words that mean something to you, and put them up on a big piece of cardboard hanging in the office – it’ll most likely help. I know it helped me at least, to focus on some important points in my life…
Hey hun, this reminds me of what we talked about yesterday!
Blogging can be difficult.. and stressful but like you told me yesterday, you have to remember why you started blogging in the first place. When you find some inspiration, and want to blog about it- go for it! Don’t ever let the stress of “what you are going to talk about” overwhelm you to the point where you are not enjoying blogging anymore.
It’s obvious from the comments above that you have a lot of readers who love what you are writing. You’ve inspired a lot of people and you’ve only been writing for less than six months. Give it some time and see how it develops!
The one thing I do want to say though (and I know we already talked about this but I wanted to repeat it even for other readers!) is I think it’s important not to let blogging affect your offline life. If you have other things that you need to do (ie: things for your bakery or your health certificate) do it. You’ll always have loads of readers waiting for your next post!
As one of your best offline friends I hate to see this get to you! Keep doing what you love and you’ll be fine. You’ve helped me in many ways over the years! Even through the blog!
Love ya!
I just came to your blog recently! I have been dealing with awful, skin breakouts this past year and while it has been extremely frustrating, it has been a catalyst towards a healthier way of eating. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and research and came across your blog in that process. Your writing on nutrition has helped me make some changes and I am so happy for that. I actually intended to come on here before to say thank you but I get a little shy. So thank you and keep doing what you are. Your writing has a friendly, comforting voice. Keep up the great work and take a break when you feel the need to!
look at all that love you’ve got here!! doesn’t that show you something?? i am a big fan of your blog, and would never find it boring or unfulfilling, but in the end what really matters is if YOU find it either of those things. personally, i’m a crazy person who loves reading about other people’s daily eats and exercise, so i enjoy doing so myself too. i think you have a very unique blog and i don’t think anyone would want it any other way :)
Hi Angela,
I actually love your blog! It was one of the things that inspired me to love myself and start living healthy. What I love more about your blog is that it is true.You express your feeling and your thoughts like a real person. It’s not just about what you ate or how much you worked out. It’s like having a real person , a real friend write about stuff they care!Oh, and I think you really do connect with your readers. (sorry about the errors English is not my mother language!) I really love your blog though!
I love your blog, Angela! I really like that you mix it up and post totally different stuff all the time. I like seeing your meals, too, although you could probably stop always posting the green monsters (if you’re bored of them, since they are usually the same), and focusing on posting other meals instead?? I also LOVE seeing all your fun recipes and baking creations – once I am back in the US with better ingredients and baking supplies I can’t WAIT to try out some of your recipes!!
Keep up the awesomeness :) I can’t wait to see more of the fun model wedding photos, too!
Love your blog – please don’t feel discouraged! I find it so inspiring for healthy eating! Thank you! :)
I truly feel that your blog can have room for both – if you want it to be a place to journal your food and workouts, then do so (I know it is helpful to a lot of people, myself included, even if you don’t feel so!). And if you want to talk about deeper subjects or try to help/reach out to people in a different way, then do that too :) It’s your blog, I say do whatever you want. But know that you ARE inspiring people and I’m sure many of your readers will be loyal despite what you decide to do.
I think all of us who blog feel this way about our posts at some point. However, while people may not remember what you always write or the workouts you did or food consumed, they do help keep people motivated and on track to their own healthiness. Write what you feel and you can’t go wrong.
Hi,
I just found your blog and I love it. It is exactly the right mix of advice (product reviews) and inspiration. I hope you continue because you are very motivating!
Jennifer
Angela, I’ve read your blog since January and have to say that it is one of my favorites! I am an American living abroad and you have inspired me to get more creative with my recipes with the ingredients I can find here, since I don’t have easy access to packaged Larabars, spelt tortillas, and the like. Thank you for all that you do, and I do hope you keep on posting!
WOW! What a response…maybe now you’ll feel like you’re doing this whole blog-thing right, hmm? I think you are a wonderful person and even if you aim your blog in a new direction you are going to have many followers! I consider your blog the “elite” because you have a little bit of everything and it’s not just an “i ate this today, or I avoided that today…” Thank you for being you! :)
Hey Angela! I love your blog and check it out AT LEAST twice a day!! haha ..no worries i’m not a stalker.. I just love your advice and postings!! Btw I went to Whole foods and bought cocunut oil.. All I have to say is: AMAZING!! My skin is so soft now.. and all thanks to your blog!! :)
i love your blog, but i don’t just read to see what you ate for lunch. I love your writing style and how you “talk” about stuff and how passionate about health you are.
Definitely figure out what you want to do with your blog – it is your time you’re putting into it, after all!
Angela
The reason I read your blog is down to one thing. YOU! There are many, many food/exercise blogs out there but only *ONE* you.
Despite the fact that you’re gorgeous, in great shape and living a fairy tale romance you are still completely relatable and humble. I feel, and I believe your other readers do as well, like I know you. That is a special quality to be able to reach people through this medium and have it feel personal. And you *are* reaching people…if you’d told me 2 months ago if I’d be looking forward to a smoothie made with Kale and Spinach I would have said you were plum crazy! But I do look forward to them and drink one daily.
You’re a star, kid!
I hope all this love and positive reinforcement does the trick because we would all be lost with out our Green Monster Guru!
I think its great that you want to help people; if it wasn’t for you, I might’ve never tried a green monster, which is a new love of mine!
I do get bored with my blog too sometimes and mostly, I do it for me, hoping that I inspire others in the process. SO if you are not enjoying it, then you need to do whatever you can so that you get joy from it again.
Perhaps take a couple days off to just reflect on it, you’ll find the answer. And we’ll still be here :)
Hi Angela!
I just wanted to say that I love your blog – I read it daily (Mon. – Fri.). I never get tired of it!
If it weren’t for you, I would have never tried a green monster!
I come her for motivation – if you can do it, so can I. :)
I also love reading about your Glo Bakery.
Just thought I would give you cyber hugs all the way from southern Indiana! Whatever you decide, I will still be a fan.
I have been inspired by your posts and very much enjoy looking at your site every day. Don’t get down on yourself. I am sure you are helping more people than you think. Even if you impact one person’s life, you’re doing what you have set out to do. Keep up the good with with your site and I don’t think you’ll have to worry about a thing ;)
Angela, I can understand your feelings and wanted to take a moment to let you know that I find your blog very inspiring. I only recently found it thanks to another friends blog and I am so glad I did! I am working hard to make changes in my life and reading your posts and such have really helped give me that extra pusgh. I have come back every day since I found you! Do what you think is best. The good thing about having your own blog is you can make it what you want, and I love it as is, but if you feel you need to make a change to keep going then you do it :)
I have just recently discovered your blog. My intent on reading is to break free of the “diet” mentality, get back to living a “cleaner” more healthy lifestyle & just live life.
My story is greater than that but I want you to know that you DO reach people & you help more than you may realize!
And btw, I’m planning a wedding now too so it’s been fun checking our your pictures!
Hang in there & definitely keep it going!
Hi Angela,
I am another who is going to “de-lurk” now. First, follow your gut and your heart and blog about what is meaningful to YOU because you need to put yourself first here! However, please realize that I keep coming back because I like to read what you have to write!! I was particularly interested in how you overcame your setback with your injury and how you are taking a healthy, slow and steady, return to the exercise world. You really seem to have been through a lot health-wise, and can relate to a lot of us readers. Tips and FAQs are interesting, because day-to-day it seems like your food/exercise habits are easy for you and you do seem pretty perfect!! Complete honestly with struggles is so appreciated.
THANKS! for what you do :)
I started reading your blog just about a month ago, and really like it; I hope that you do continue it. I really enjoy the way that you write; in a way in which we can all relate. Your attitude towards health, fitness and nutrition is inspiring, and I look forward to reading your blog whenever I log into my computer in the evenings.
Hey Angela, Sorry you’re feeling the blogging blues. I will tell you that it happens to me sometimes too and it’s usually when I put pressure on myself to post a product review or do x number of posts a day or something like that. I think it’s natural because we don’t always have interesting things to say, ya know. I know the three a day format works well for many, many blogers. I should know, as I read them all! But for me, it doesn’t work and that’s okay. I think you are a really positive, but practical person. What would you tell a friend who told you they felt the way you do about a blog?
Hi there Angela
I just wanted to add that I too really love your blog. You are right, there are tons of diet blogs out there but I always find myself looking at your blog first. Why? Because it is upbeat, fun and offers an interesting insight into the life of someone who is trying to do what I do – eat healthy, manage a relationship, find some kind of balance and ultimately have fun doing it! Keep up the great work because it is an inspiration :)
I would like to get further info.Thank you.
Not many people know what is being shared here. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I know I’m late to the party, as I just found your website about two weeks ago, but I began reading your blog from the beginning… I find you so inspiring! I have already started eating healthier, and I’ve even started running — something I have hated for years — using your walk one minute run one minute strategy for beginners. Again, I know I’m super late, but I appreciate reading oh she glows so much!
Thank you Jules, I’m so happy you found the blog!