As I mentioned last week and this weekend, April 14th was my third blogging anniversary (birthday?…I’ve called it both!).
I planned on writing a celebratory post with links back to some of my favorite features over the last 3 years, big life events that I’ve covered, and memorable moments from my blogging career…but something made me stop before throwing myself into a project like that.
Personally, I’ve done posts like that before. I’ve gone through my archives to find things that I think exemplify my blog and my writing, linked backed, and shown old pictures. As much as I like doing that, I think it’s a bit boring. If you all really wanted to read old posts and go through a post linking to said old posts, you’d go do it on your own (not trying to be pushy…just saying that you read what you’re interested in)! đ That’s what the archives are for and that’s what my favorites tab is for!
Much like people who do weekly round ups of their posts from the week, I think these types of posts are a little self indulgent and a little redundant. I know, for me, I tend to just skim through posts that feature links to things I’ve already read.
But even more important than the redundancy of ‘looking back posts’ (because frankly that’s what having a blog is all about for me…having a record of things that have happened in my life), is that fact that I’ve embraced looking ahead. As I’ve discussed in some earlier posts this year, the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 was a time of great change in my life…change for the better. And frankly I’d like to keep on that path of improvement and optimism. For me this means not dwelling on the past (but of course not forgetting about it), and embracing what’s coming next.
We cannot forget our past by any means and I am not saying that reflecting on things that have happened does not have its worth, but for where I am right now, I’d rather focus on what’s in store for my blog, rather than what’s happened with it so far. Frankly, it’s gone through too many transitions and changes to even note….and I think right now it’s the best form of itself it’s ever been. And even if that’s not true for everyone, you’ve got to embrace where you are in the present.
So instead of sharing a long lists of posts about awards I’ve won, my favorite product reviews, or recipes that got the most page views…I want to share a few insights on where I hope the blog goals in future (the next three years perhaps?)…
-continue to be a daily outlet for my creativity, self expression, and reflection
-serve as a record of life events (like an online scrapbook) so I can remember my thoughts and feelings on certain things I’ve experienced
-a vehicle for communication with like minded people who share the same values and passions as me
-a place for discussion and learning about other perspectives, opinions, and thoughts that I may not have considered before
-continue to spread my Lend a {Healthy} Hand movement and expand it to help as many people as possible through random acts of kindness
I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list, physically and mentally, as time goes on, but I think it’s suitable for now.
I do want to thank all of you immensely who visit my blog, read, comment, and reach out to me. I’ve learned so much from you all…both about myself and about the rest of the world. So thank you for your support. I am curious if I have any readers that have been with me from the beginning Feel free to share if you have! That’d be pretty cool….and potentially pretty embarrassing considering some of my early posts đ
Hooookay. Enough wordiness for today. I leave you with this picture of Ella to brighten your Monday. The epitome of self control:
[sitting next to her favorite snack and not even budging]
See you all for WIAW! Remember to submit your #HealthyHelp for the week!
Kaila
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Todaysâs Healthy Help: Gave my parking spot to someone in a hurry to class this morning.
Never too early to start Lending a {Healthy} Hand for this weeks round-up! Tell me what youâve done to help someone else lately!
5 responses to “Looking Ahead”
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Wonderful post! I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments thusfar. I’m a groupie of the healthy helper blog. Keep up the great work!! Im looking forward to the future too xoxo
Happy blog-versary đ I’m a new follower but think you are doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work đ
Wow, I love this post! I like that you’re thinking AHEAD, but not forgetting the past!
So true! Our past is what shapes us so we can’t forget it completely, but we also can’t take our eyes off the future. Great post! :0)
Happy 3 years to your blog! That’s amazing.
And I really love that your focusing on the future rather than the past- even with something as simple as your blog. It’s amazing how much of a difference that mindset can make.
I can’t wait to see what the next year brings for you!