A friend shared a sense of being on the verge of something amazing in their life. An approaching change that signified a progressive and significant shift.
Have you ever felt that sense of anticipation?
We work so hard towards a goal, and finally, we feel it just might be within reach. Maybe this dream will really happen!
I don’t know about your life work, but for writers, there is always a sense of making it. That our voice and message will be heard.
There are writers (like all professions) that have a self-focused drive, to be heard for their own glory.
“Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers.”- Brian Clark
Where can I find small blogs?
Most of the writers I know of?
They pour their heart into each and every word. Agonizing over the right string of letters that will create a message worth our time.
They are unselfish and sacrificial and care more about the benefit to the reader than the cost to themselves.
They inspire me. (find some new to you Christian lifestyle blogshere...I also enjoy homemaking blogs here)
Right now, I am a considered a small blogger, nowhere near a following of at least 10,000 people (which is an estimated industry minimum to even be considered for a book proposal).
Insecurity often tries to sneak in and pummel me into quitting this writing business. No way.
I don’t know, of course, what the future holds professionally. But here is a crazy idea, which we can focus on in any aspect of our life…
“I made a decision to write for my readers, not to try to find more readers for my writing.” – Seth Godin
Who is to define what our reach is?
How do we know that today, right now, we aren’t in our sweet spot?
I am not a small blogger. I am a writer.
And You, my friend, are not a minor influencer in your life. You are essential!
This is important…
If we focus only on what we hope to become, we miss what we already are!
We are blinded to the benefits of our current situation.
For example, this blog of mine? It doesn’t define me. I am not a blogger.
I am a woman with many facets, writing is one important one, but communication is more important to my goals than being termed a big blogger.
Would I like to get paid for what I do?
Sure, I have bills just like anyone else. But today? Because of YOU?
I am rich.
You are loyal and loving readers. Each one of you is a blessing in my life. I read every comment and email; I treasure the remarks from people I meet who read these words.
“If you love writing or making music or blogging or any sort of performing art, then do it. Do it with everything you’ve got. Just don’t plan on using it as a shortcut to making a living.”- Seth Godin
Some of you have stuck by me since the beginning, through each painful growth stage into something beautiful. Every one of us has limited time, and that you choose to spend it here? Awesome.
People are what matter most to me.
When a reader tells me, “I feel as though I know you” and “I feel as though we would be fast friends”, what an honor! You support my passion for stories and pictures in a way that humbles me constantly.
I thank you for your commitment and interest in this work, and consider us partners journeying through life.
Thank you for being part of this walk with me. I appreciate you.
If you can swing a bigger investment? This is worth every cent. I have been writing and blogging since 2008. When I started hearing about the SEO Boot Camp course from Kingdom Bloggers, I wasn’t sure if it was right for me.
I am over the moon that I jumped in, because I learned more in 8 weeks than in the 10 years prior in regards to the nuts and bolts behind the scenes of writing material that can encourage and inspire others in a way that they can FIND it. SEO wasn’t a thing back in the day.
I can’t say enough about the information packed into this course and the VALUE of what it held for me, and for many people I know who fel the same renewed confidence after taking it!
It would be great for beginners who can do things “right” from the outset. (It opens again in January 2022, bookmark this and write it on your calendar!)
But also, for people like me who are long-term invested and need to update our skillset!
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This is so true in any profession or aspect of life. It isn’t about where we are going, but where we are now. Breathe it in. Soak in it. You don’t know what is next, why sit around pining for something..even if you are working towards it.. enjoy the journey. In the end you will look back fondly on the journey more so than the result anyway!
Christa, you’re a great example in your attitude to myself and to others. I struggle with this so much. I’ve redefined success for me, to just shipping and impacting one person. However, even having done this, I still get affected by seeing my peers have crazy success I just dream of, and feel a sense of injustice it’s not me.
I hope, one day, I can feel a sense of contentment as you do. My identity and value doesn’t come from what happens to me as a writer. I know this. I just need to believe it.
Bless you in your journey James, you have come so far and I wish you continued success…especially in the contentment of just being where you are. I imagine ALL writers, including myself, could easily get stuck in “why not me?” Hang in there and remember you might just change the life direction of that one person…
Thank you for the reminder that it really is about the connection with others. How true. Many of the folks I follow and those who follow me were not in my life this time last year. We didn’t even know each other existed. Now I consider many of them to be friends. Wow. Thanks for reminding me Christa. Here’s to not comparing ourselves with others but for enjoying and appreciating them!
Very beautiful and inspiring post Christa! I often tell my husband that one of the best feelings in the world is when I wake up and read comments and know that there are people out there who care to hear what I have to say. I may not know them face to face but I feel like they are all my friends none the less, and that makes my life that much richer and sweeter!
Ana Lynn, some people say that internet relationships aren’t real. But any blogger knows that isn’t the case! So glad you get props for your hard work!
Yes, Christa, it is a fine line we walk as writers. It is all too easy to compare our success with others’ and feel as though we are lacking, but the focus needs to be on the relationships that are built. I remind myself frequently that it is not the number of followers that really matter, but the friends I make along the way. It is humbling and so beautiful to be able to connect with others through our words.
I know I don’t always comment, but I want you to know that I read each and every post you write. Sometimes they sit in my inbox until I have a free moment, but I savor each one. You inspire me with your positive attitude, your love of the craft, and your many wonderful thoughts and ideas. My life is definitely richer being one of your ‘fans’! Blessings to you– 🙂
This is so true in any profession or aspect of life. It isn’t about where we are going, but where we are now. Breathe it in. Soak in it. You don’t know what is next, why sit around pining for something..even if you are working towards it.. enjoy the journey. In the end you will look back fondly on the journey more so than the result anyway!
I love your reminder that we will look back on the journey with fondness, how easy people forget that! Thanks 🙂
Christa, you’re a great example in your attitude to myself and to others. I struggle with this so much. I’ve redefined success for me, to just shipping and impacting one person. However, even having done this, I still get affected by seeing my peers have crazy success I just dream of, and feel a sense of injustice it’s not me.
I hope, one day, I can feel a sense of contentment as you do. My identity and value doesn’t come from what happens to me as a writer. I know this. I just need to believe it.
Bless you in your journey James, you have come so far and I wish you continued success…especially in the contentment of just being where you are. I imagine ALL writers, including myself, could easily get stuck in “why not me?” Hang in there and remember you might just change the life direction of that one person…
Beautiful, Christa! There is danger when we begin to define our worth by comparing ourselves to others. Thank you for this inspiring post.
Blessings,
Joan
You are so right Joan, thank you!
Your tweet became a favorite for me.
You are so sweet Laura, always encouraging
Thank you for the reminder that it really is about the connection with others. How true. Many of the folks I follow and those who follow me were not in my life this time last year. We didn’t even know each other existed. Now I consider many of them to be friends. Wow. Thanks for reminding me Christa. Here’s to not comparing ourselves with others but for enjoying and appreciating them!
I’ll toast to that Kelly!
Very beautiful and inspiring post Christa! I often tell my husband that one of the best feelings in the world is when I wake up and read comments and know that there are people out there who care to hear what I have to say. I may not know them face to face but I feel like they are all my friends none the less, and that makes my life that much richer and sweeter!
Ana Lynn, some people say that internet relationships aren’t real. But any blogger knows that isn’t the case! So glad you get props for your hard work!
Yes, Christa, it is a fine line we walk as writers. It is all too easy to compare our success with others’ and feel as though we are lacking, but the focus needs to be on the relationships that are built. I remind myself frequently that it is not the number of followers that really matter, but the friends I make along the way. It is humbling and so beautiful to be able to connect with others through our words.
I know I don’t always comment, but I want you to know that I read each and every post you write. Sometimes they sit in my inbox until I have a free moment, but I savor each one. You inspire me with your positive attitude, your love of the craft, and your many wonderful thoughts and ideas. My life is definitely richer being one of your ‘fans’! Blessings to you– 🙂
Wow, you just made my day sister ♥ BTW, love the boob etiquette