Blogging has changed my life. I’m serious!
I’ve always loved to write. Once upon a time it was letters to penfriends; then I began freelancing for magazines in my spare time, and even ran my own small magazine “Footprints” for 15 years.
Then I discovered blogging.
It’s kinda like writing to friends and for magazines all rolled into one. I get to chitter-chatter about what’s going on in my life, as if to a friend; and I get to snoop investigate and research whenever a topic takes my fancy – no need to pitch to an editor or wait months to see my words in print. It’s the best of both worlds!
How blogging has changed me:
- I’m more adventurous now. When hubster or a friend suggests an outing, I’m up for it (instead of being overcome by a great big case of the lazies). Blogging is the kick in the butt I needed to “seize the day” and get out of my comfy little rut. I just never know who I’ll meet, what I’ll see, the photo ops, or other discoveries await!
- I’m getting a lot more comfortable in front of the camera (or iPhone), and am getting better at taking selfies! I used to hate having my photo taken because I always looked awkward and uncomfortable. Pictures are really important to the whole blog look and feel – it’s true, a picture IS worth 1000 words. And to borrow another cliche, “practise makes perfect”!
- I wasn’t really one for beauty and hair care products. But blogging (both reading and writing) has whetted my appetite to look my best, and I had no idea about some of the great products are available. For the first time in 47 years, I’m loving my hair – and it’s all because I tried some new products. I’ve discovered little gems like BB Cream and lip liner – and wonder how I ever lived without them!
- I’ve met some fabulous people and made some new friends, which is not always an easy thing to do at this later stage in life. I mean, it’s not like when we were in the playground and could sidle up to another kid, and become instant best friends!
- My self image has changed – the way I view myself. It’s hard to describe, but I feel like blogging keeps me younger and more playful! Readers seem to like what I’m doing here, and keep coming back for more, which is a real boost to the old self esteem! Mind you, I’m still trying to decide if I’m a fashion blogger or not … I love clothes and fashion, but I’m just not sure that I’m fashionable enough to be a fashion blogger, if you know what I mean π
- I’ve found something I love to do, and that brings joy to my days.
It’s got me wondering … do other people’s hobbies change their lives?
What do you love to do? Have you ever thought about blogging?
Vanessa says
I really love blogging. I’ve met (online and in person) so many new like minded friends. It really has changed my life too. I’ve had websites & written online in some way or another for ten years now, but blogging & the community of people are what have really made it for me.
Jacana says
Blogging has changed the way I seek out information now. I find myself tending to read a blog rather than a website. I read the more personal experience on a blog rather than the facts on a website.
Eleise @ A Very Blended Family says
Woohoo this is a great post!! I have loved watching your transformation online as well! It really is great to watch! I think that blogging does make you embrace life more and that can only be a good thing. Keep it up!
Janet Camilleri says
Yes! That’s it exactly Eleise, blogging reminds us to embrace life – and that can only be a good thing π
Caroline Raj says
I’m a few months into blogging and can see how this makes an impact on ones life. I feel it has taught me many things already such as how to build the a site, improving my writing and I just love reading all the great stories from other bloggers out there . Its like a whole world opens up and I’m so glad you love it too
Janet Camilleri says
I can’t help wondering what I did BEFORE blogging LOL …
stephanie@stephsjoy says
“Iβve found something I love to do, and that brings joy to my days.” Love this Janet!
Janet Camilleri says
It’s true! π
Jaz @ Red Dolls says
Yay for you Janet, what a great post! I love blogging too, I like that everything is a potential post. My hubby used to find it annoying but now that he has read some posts and seen it come together he digs it, he says its like I’m talking to a friend when I write so I guess that’s a good thing.
The only drawback is waaaaaaaaaay too much time on the computer! Can’t wait to read more…
Janet Camilleri says
Haha our hubbies sound alike. Mine is even starting to take photos of me for the blog π
Jaz @ Red Dolls says
Mine would if he were at home more often π
Kate says
It just clicked! I knew your name sounded familiar and now that you’ve mentioned Footprints it all makes sense. I’ve read the magazine and heard your name mentioned through Omega Writers. Nice to make the connection through blogging π I love to write too, which led to blogging. One day, down the track, I will write my young adult novel but this is not the season for me to do it. x
Janet Camilleri says
Hi Kate! Lovely to “meet” you and for you to recognise my name – does that mean I’m famous now? Ha ha! Once a writer always a writer, I think π
Mystery Case says
I’m rather warming to blogging too. Who knew. I’m in the same boat with fashion/style blogging as in I don’t think I’m fashionable enough to pull it off but you do a great job. Perhaps we are keeping it real fashion bloggers?
Janet Camilleri says
Rachael, I love that so much I might have to use it for my tagline π … at the moment it’s “the blog formerly known as Redland City Living” but at some stage I will have to change that!
Mystery Case says
You should do a blog post about possible tag lines and have your audience involved in the decision.
Janet Camilleri says
Great idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
Grace says
I know when I have time to play the piano – I’m a very happy jellybean.
I love blogging too but I know I have to be consciously aware when I need to take a step back and go offline.
Janet Camilleri says
I know what you mean Grace. Important to remember if we want to keep our relationships with our spouses and our kids sweet!
Trish says
I love this post and I agree with most of it.
I am still no way interested in fashion unless it is running related and I don’t wear makeup.
Blogging makes me happy too.
Janet Camilleri says
It still astonishes me that I’m blogging about fashion LOL. As Mystery says below, I’m all for practical and “keeping it real”. Really love participating with WW on your blog each week!
Kirsten and co. says
I LOVE this post Janet! Blogging is so much fun and it’s changed me in so many ways. I’d be lost without it!!
Janet Camilleri says
Naww thanks Kirsten – yes I sometimes wonder what on earth I did in the days before blogging!
Pinky Poinker says
I think you definitely have a niche in the fashion blogging stakes but I also enjoy your other stories. Just keep pumping them out Janet!
Janet Camilleri says
Always appreciate your encouragement Pinky π
Bec @ The Plumbette says
I enjoy reading your blog Janet and I enjoy writing my own. I loved that I got to meet you at Problogger and I can call you one of my blogging friends. Wishing you much success with your blog for 2014. π
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Bec – to you too, and especially with that special little project you have happening in your womb! π
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I’m really enjoying blogging too Janet, and love that I get to meet fabulous people like you along the way. I’ve found the community to be so supportive, and think that’s half the battle when you’re trying something new. x
Janet Camilleri says
Yes every now and then I hear some negatives but I haven’t really come across them yet.
Kathy Marris says
Who me? Thought about blogging? Ha ha ha. Seriously though, I know exactly how you feel. Blogging has opened up a whole new world to me and given me a new purpose in life. Also I have met some other lovely fellow bloggers (like yourself!) A win win all round.
Janet Camilleri says
Exactly Kathy. Non-bloggers don’t know what they’re missing out on! π
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I agree! Blogging has changed me, for the better. I am a much better mum because there is so much advice, comment and help out there. I wish I could get better at this make up business though! I’m off out tonight and wish I had a lippy!! Yes I don’t even own one π
Janet Camilleri says
No lippy?! Wow! I feel weird leaving the house without it, although it’s usually a very natural shade that I probably could get away without it π
Kathy says
Blogging has ‘brought me out’, but there is much more I want to do with it. Congrats on transitioning your blog to the ‘new you’.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Kathy, I just feel like it is much more “me” now. I guess it takes while to find out bloggy feet π
EssentiallyJess says
Blogging is great for self confidence. I too used to hate having photos taken of me. Now I’m a huge fan of the Selfie π
Janet Camilleri says
Jess your selfies are a big part of what has inspired me to give it a go – I blame you for the silly selfies on this post coz I’ve seen some you’ve done, and I thought to myself, “If Jess can do it, so can I!” xxx
Rae Hilhorst says
Hi Janet, I agree blogging changes you and is a great outlet, my favourite hobby apart from shopping. Meeting bloggers is a plus, finding out what goes on in other peoples lives, their interests and how they manage the ups and downs of life. Don’t know what I’d do without it? Happy blogging xxx Rae
Janet Camilleri says
When I’m not blogging, I spend my spare time reading or gardening though shopping rates pretty highly too! π