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.
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 :)