For awhile, a few weeks back, I found myself fearing the fact that I couldn't seem to fit my blog into a category. I was asking myself, alright, so what is your site's theme? From then on I began to question Fifth out of Ten and what it stood for. Beauty/fashion? No. Food or DIY? Uh-uh. Lifestyle? Not really. Travel? Nope. Fitness? Okay, that one is laughable, and the answer is definitely no.
Which brought me to this last question, why do I blog and what for? I'll admit that not being able to label my blog worried me, just a little.
But now I kind of think it's quite funny, how that even managed to disturb me.
If you've experienced the same issue as me, or even if you haven't, here's what I think.
Do you blog? Then take my advice, write or post about whatever the heck you want to. It can be anything. As long as it's you. Slowly, you'll find your blog shaping itself, forming into what it's meant to be. Wait for it to happen. It will end up how it's supposed to be, it will be centered around the things you care about, think about, talk about. If you're into fitness, or DIY or fashion or writing and poetry, then that is what your blog will become. Let it evolve and change into something. And then be happy with the outcome, because it will be what was inside of you all along.
I've come to the conclusion that there are ways to find parts of yourself through writing. At least, that's what I feel. Expression is vital in the case of discovering our identities. Our blogs come from us, they flow from our minds and souls. Blog for yourself. (Oh, and of course, I like to blog for Jesus. But do you understand what I'm saying?)
And grant your blog freedom and time to grow, instead of forcing it into containment. Don't allow your blog to be stubbed by the standards and expectancies thrown at it. Also, remember that change is not always bad, your website can benefit from it beautifully.
Lastly, if you really want to title the essence of your blog, try this one on for size: You. Just you, as you are. It's enough.
Post script: I hope you did not find this post yawn worthy. Can you relate at all? I mean, it made me a bit anxious to think that maybe I'm the only 'lost blogger' at first, but then I realized that there are probably others who have dealt or are dealing with the same thing. Let me know your thoughts on this post in a comment below- I absolutely love hearing from you guys. You're a bunch of lovely, talented and unique individuals. I'm grateful to have you people around, you are what makes blogging so fabulous. Thank you for 151 followers. x
I definitely needed this, Tane. I've been stressing about so many things lately, and blogging is definitely one of them. Thanks for your thoughts, friend. I'll definitely be taking this to heart.
ReplyDeletexoxo
MaryShelley
I am so glad that you felt this. Thank you for taking time to comment, Mary ♥
DeleteAmen sister!!! I love the conclusion and that just as we should accept our blogs as they turn out so also we ought to accept ourselves with all our aspects. Cause we can't just be placed in a box either.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post Tane Hannah!
It sure is a JOY to follow you and your journeys via this blog! Thanks for allowing us in to see glimpses of your beautiful soul.
Love.
annesti
I like the way you put it- how we can't be placed in a box. It gets too cramped in there. We need space to stretch our limbs.
DeleteThank you so much, lovely Annesti, I love you. x
I love this so much! It makes me happy when people have attitudes like this towards blogging. I've never really had one particular category to fit my blog into either. :)
ReplyDeletexx
Sarah imsarahanne.blogspot.com
It's great to cover a variety of subjects with your blog posts. I think it's wonderful that you enjoyed this one, and thanks very much for your sweet comment, Sarah!
DeleteI can relate! When you read a "how to blog" post they always tell you to keep you blog around one subject, whether it's beauty/fashion, or diy, or cooking. They always say only talk about that one thing, or your readers will leave. THATS A BUNCH OF BOLOGNA (i think that's how you spell it lol)!! i used to try to fit my blog in one of those categories then like 20 minutes I was like "you know what? I don't even care" lol
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm with you. I want bloggers to know they can spread their wings a little, that they must not be afraid to be eccentric. Even if it's by jumping from topic to topic. It's important that we all find out what suits us. Thank you, Ray! xxx
Deletewow.
ReplyDeletehaha i was literally *just* thinking about this.
i loved it! great advice, as usual.
It's something that crosses my mind often. ;) And you're just plain great. As usual. Ily, Aaliyah Marie.
DeleteI've been struggling with this for a while. Everyone says that to have a "successful blog" you need to find your niche. But the thing is, I'm not aiming to be a popular blogger. Like you said, I need to blog for myself. Thank you so much for this!
ReplyDeleteEmily, thank you so much! All of these comments I've received on this post- they are all so encouraging, especially yours. xoxo
DeleteThis is super great advice, and I totally feel you on this <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren! I'm happy about that. <3
Deletethis is beautiful!!!!!!!!!! i think all of us could use this reminder- i've been thinking of the same thing recently- wondering what is my purpose in blogging / my blog specifically. thanks for this- it was such a great read:)
ReplyDeleteHey, Olivia x♥x Thank you. :)
Deletedefinitely NOT yawn worthy, tane (;
ReplyDeleteit is so relatable, and i've honestly thought about this more than i would admit haha xx thank you!
Awh, you're a darling, Elisa. Thanks so much!
DeleteA lot of the time I see blogging as a way to journal your thoughts so that you can later look back on them. Personally, I like a blog with all kind of things on it rather than staying to one topic.
ReplyDeleteVanessa
I agree with you wholly, Vanessa.
DeleteYawn-worthy?! No way. I struggle with the same thing, because my blog doesn't fit any boxes. I've tried in the past to post about consistent topics, and then I felt like a fake because that wasn't who I really was... Thanks so much for your encouragement - it's comforting to know I'm not the only one, and that that's what it's all about - being real, and growing into who God wants us to be!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's never nice to put on a mask. It doesn't feel good, no one can see the real you behind a fake front. Thank you very much for your comment, Jessica ♥ You always say the loveliest things, I love your comments.
DeleteWhoa, I seriously pondered on this several weeks ago, before I left on vacation. I began to write up a post on it, but once I finished, I stopped.
ReplyDeleteBlogging isn't easy, because people are all about saying, "Post about this, post about that! There's a formula for blogging." But there really isn't, is there? I didn't know my place in the blogging world, because when I first started blogging-- and even now-- I wrote on a broad spectrum of topics. There was no group for me-- I'm a Christian but don't post posts about God, I grew up with American Girl dolls but never once wrote about them, I love DIYs but never had an interest writing about them.
Until several weeks ago. While I was in the Philippines, the Blogging Community tag surged throughout the blog community, and I can't tell you how many times people have put me down as the most thoughtful blogger. I never actually thought of myself in that light (I practically looked at the idea, saying, "Me? No!") but after I commented to thank them, I guess that's what my blog looked like to many.
So I guess what I am trying to say out of the entire midst of this is, maybe you can't see what category you belong to, but out of the midst of everything your friends will be able to help see you through and reveal to you where you belong.
Stay strong. *hugs* It took me a ton of weeks for me to find my place. It may take you months, or maybe a little longer than a year, but the answers don't come that easily. It will come when you least expect it.
xoxo Morning
Your comment has really been inspiring and uplifting. Really, reading it, I found more peace in what the future holds concerning my blog 'type'. And I was thrilled to hear how you have found your place. You really are thoughtful. Your blog shows how smart and interesting you are as a person.
DeleteMorning, thank you for taking time to comment here. I so appreciate it.
x
Not yawn worthy. I promise.
ReplyDeleteI feel like every blogger has a blogging crisis at some point in their careers. When I had mine, quite recently in fact, I felt like my blog wasn't a representative of me anymore. That's how Elephantess was born.
Thank you for this, Tane. :)
Vanshi, thanks so much. And yes, we all go through our blog calamities. The trick is to hold on until you're once again comfortable where you are with your blogging and writing.
DeleteNot yawn worthy at all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, Tane. <3
You're a sweetie. Thank you Jordz. xoxo
DeleteUgh Tane. This is perf. As always...
ReplyDeleteTy, babe.
DeleteYawn-worthy? Are you kidding? This is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've gone and am kind of still in the midst of going through that. My blog, well...is kinda just the way it is. I've been meaning to change the title for like, half a year, because in all honesty, "Autumn's Readings + Writings" does not really describe ME at all. It's just a statement, but I want my blog to a reflection of who I am. So then comes the battle of deciding what even my blog is about. I've posted things from DIY's (that were, quite frankly, horrible) to prose, and still I don't even know what I blog about. So, I get where you're coming from. And, like you said, I blog for Jesus and want everything on my blog to point others to Him, but still, it's prettty confusing sometimes ^_^
And congrats on 151 followers! You deserve each and every single one of those beautiful people :) CONGRATS ^_^
Autumn, thanks so very much, darling. So, we can relate to each other, then. It is always wonderful to know that you are not alone.
DeleteThanks <3
This is the most amazing post of all time, Tane. x You described everything that runs through my head when I blog. I'm glad I'm not alone!
ReplyDelete~ Sanjana
peridotcove.blogspot.com
N'aww, SANJANA! You've got to realize what a big compliment that is ;) Thank you!
DeleteDear Tane,
ReplyDeleteThis post is brilliant and so special. <3 I've felt this way on MANY occasions, so yes -- it was refreshing to see someone tackle this scary little topic. Eeesh. I feel like my blog doesn't fit into any one category, but in my head I realize that it's a good thing. We shouldn't fit into boxes, we're too great for boxes. This post is beautiful. It's something I need to read over and over again. Thank you for sharing. <3
love,
abbie
p.s. Thank you so much for the super sweet comment you left on my blog a while back! You're a darling and it totally made my day. :)
It can be scary. We are indeed far too spectacular for boxes, we need to recognize that. Forcing ourselves in there will only turn us square.
DeleteThank you a million, Abbie, your comment has made MY day. xoxoxoxo
I have this problem often as well, but I have decided my blog can't and won't ever fit into any category. I would get bored sticking to one subject matter. I don't really care what people think of my posts. In the end I'm going to be the one who will look back on the blog in twenty years, and I want to be able to read all the things I was passionate about.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, girl. Also your blog is lovely! :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hannah, the feedback on this post has been amazing, it's thrilled me...and your words have only added to it, in the most wonderful way. <3
DeleteYES! This is so true. Absolutely loving your blog at the moment. And your design is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Acacia | p-o-n-d-e-r-i-n-g.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Acacia!
Delete