*added to Amanda’s Thinking out Loud!*
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want this blog to become. Do I want it to be a life blog, filled with recaps of my days? Or do I want it to be a recipe blog, with tons of yummy recipes?
I remember reading Alison’s post about finding her blogging “niche”, and having myself thought so many of the same things. Here are my $.02!
I would say that I write a healthy living blog. Sometimes, though, I feel like since I’m a “HLB” that I have to participate in linkups such a Marvelous in my Monday and What I Ate Wednesday. Nothing against these, I absolutely love them and their hosts. It’s a wonderful way to meet new bloggers who are like you. But sometimes I feel like if I post something out of the norm that it’s not allowed. Or that I have to plan other posts around those days. How wrong that is. This is my blog, and I can post whatever I want!
I started Minougirl in January ’13 with hardly any idea what a blog even was. I wasn’t one of those people who had read blogs for a couple years before deciding to start my own. Nope, I found “blogging”, and started my own the next day. That’s the kind of person I am – not one to wait. I get an idea in my head and I go with it. I wanted my blog to make me famous and well known in the world, but I didn’t want anyone who I actually knew in real life to know about it. I didn’t even let my mom read it until 6 months after I started!
I didn’t want anyone I personally know to read my blog because I talked about my struggles with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. One day some people from school started following my blog’s Instagram and I was really worried. It was like I was leading a double life and they were finding out about the other one. Finally, I accepted the fact that if I want to write a blog, people are going to have to know about it. What am I supposed to tell them when I’m constantly taking pictures of my food or needing to take a selfie?
Eventually I became okay with the fact that people know about my other life, blogging. After letting it go that people in real life are going to see who I really am, I felt this huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. I constantly felt like I was hiding something and that I wasn’t being myself. And you know what? No one cared. If anything, I believe it’s even made people feel like they’re closer to me!
I think what I want this blog to be isn’t a specific category. I want it to be a reflection of me and my life and all of my experiences. Whether that be cooking a new dinner, running another half marathon, showcasing my outfits, going on a vacation, or pictures of my cats, my blog is a reflection of who I am.
Blogging helped me get through winters of depression and a terrible relationship with food. Blogging has given me something I didn’t have before – something that makes me feel like I have a purpose. Most importantly, blogging has lead me to meet so many new friends who I believe I’ll stay in contact with long after our domains are expired and we have other focuses in our lives!
I don’t post every day, and who knows if I will in the future. Blogging isn’t my job, so I don’t need to follow a schedule of posting. A big aspect for me in blogging comes from something my mom told me: “Blogging should be a hobby, not a habit.” Part of the reason I enjoy blogging so much is because I don’t have to follow a strict schedule of posting. Sometimes I might go crazy in the kitchen, sometimes I might not make anything for weeks. That’s okay. What’s important is that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it happily with a smile π
this is the coolest post ever so well written! oh nd im the first comment yay lol be who you like coz those who mind dont matter and those who matter dont mind :)xox
Thanks Lucy!! That’s another wonderful quote π <3
told people about your blog hopefully you will get a load more followers! π xox
I love your blog and I love that you mix up life stories, food and recipes! I have only just started blogging and I don’t know which direction I want it to take right now, but I guess that will come with time. (:
Aimee @Healthy petite recently posted…WIAW #2 β Adjusting
Yep! Don’t worry about falling into a certain category! Just write about whatever you feel like writing and that’s how you’ll get an audience that really cares π
I love this! I’ve been trying to find my niche as well! Idk whether mine is a lifestyle or healthy living blog. I had anxiety about talking about my eating disorder as well. It’s a rough thing to figure out, but it looks like you are well on your way to figure it out. Keep writing, girlie π xoxo
Sally Rae recently posted…WIAW – Carbs Galore
The post about my ED is still in the drafts… I gotta get in the right mood to write it! Thanks, Sally π <3 love ya!
I think this is my favourite post by you! I’ve definitely struggled with almost all of these things too – wondering what type of blog I should write and if I’m okay with people finding out about it. But you are so right – if anyone has a problem with you being you (and me being me!) then they are people that are not needed in our lives anyway. Blogging, and all the amazing things that come from it are so worth it!
Emma @ Life’s A Runner recently posted…What I Ate Moving Week.
Thanks Emma! I’m really happy I finally published this π great point!
Um, lovelovelove this. I’ve had this “thought” about my blog before and thinking about how much I wanted to share. There’s still a lot of people in my life who don’t know about my blog, but I’m learning to just accept it if/when they do find it and not be afraid of them judging me.
Molly@This Life is Sparkling recently posted…Oh my god I love Chipotle, Chipotleβs my life.
Yes! If they’re really meant to be in your life, then they won’t judge you π
Love this post! The thing I love the most about your blog is that you spice it up! I love getting a little bit of everything about you when I read your blog!
Chickgettinfit recently posted…WIAW #15βFood Rut
Thanks girly! I really enjoy blogging π
Amazing post! It’s your blog, do as you please! You know what they say “each for their own” π and you have an amazing blog either way π I won’t stop reading anywho!
Iman recently posted…WIAW #2
Thanks, Iman! I’m happy you like it π
Nodding my head at everything you’ve written here, Leigha! High schoolers are busy people, and it’s important to remember that as awesome as blogging is, living our lives (and keeping up those grades π ) takes precedence. I used to sacrifice work and sleep to get a blog post up, but then it hit me: what the heck?? I’m doing this for FUN!
Keep doing what you do, girl. Love ya! <3
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…50 Shades of Fit
I have totally fallen into the trap of putting the blog before bed/homework/etc.. not good! I’m happy you like the post π yours was written so well! Love ya too girly <3
You are fantabulous, and I love you so much chica!
I’ll be honest, I NEVER thought that blogging would introduce me to the wonderful people I know now. My first intention was a journal, but I couldn’t predict how much of a love it would become, and how connected to/inspired by/related to people I would become!
You are such an amazing person, and I feel how genuine you are. You are you and that’s what makes you fantastic. π
LOVE YOU!!!
Jess @ Story of a Girl recently posted…MIMM
Love you too Jess <3 π
I write in a journal also! I started it on my 13th birthday and I mostly write about my day, my thoughts, whatever is on my mind. When I'm older I'm going to read it and laugh at my 13 year old self π you should start one! (along with your blog π )
That seriously made my day! I'm happy that you like me for me π love ya!
Yay! I love this! Only a handful of people know about my blog so far, and I have a separate Instagram as well. I’m so nervous for the day people start finding out, although I can’t put my finger on why. It’s not like anyone will care all that much!
Emily @ Greens and Granola recently posted…29 TMI Questions!
Exactly! It’s really not that big of a deal, it’s just letting go of people finding out who you really are!
Leigha!!! I love you. Hahah but seriously this post is perfect <3 Gosh I freaked out when people I knew personally started reading my blog, because I thought they might think it was weird or something- but all my friends loved it and you're so right- it feels so much better not having to lead a double life! Love the picture collage- so grateful to have met all or you! <3
Sunnie@ModernGirlNutrition recently posted…Tuesday Talk #3
Thanks girly! It’s SO nice to have people really know who we are π I can’t imagine life without you girls!!
AHHH I feel so honored to be featured in your “blogger friends” collage! I totally get you about not having a “niche” for your blog… but I guess that just means we have diverse interests π
Erica recently posted…nutella and biscoff pocky sticks
Of course you’re featured! <3 love ya girly! And exactly - we just like to do so many different things!
π You should most definitely blog about whoever the heck you feel like blogging about. I definitely went through periods where I struggled with my content and felt all sorts of pressure and guilt surrounding blogging, and the only thing that lead to was burnout and me quitting for about a year. Not good! Blogging is best when its done with passion. When it becomes a chore, that’s when you know you need to take a step back and reevaluate your approach.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #76 .
Passion – YES! If we’re not really into it, I think it shows in our posts!
Hey lady…stopping by for some Blog Love from Thinking Out Loud link-up. This is a beautiful post…and ditto Amanda’s comment above – Blogging is best when it’s done with passion.” I think we all question what we’re doing at some point in our blogging life….and wonder…should I do more…so I focus on one topic….but I think your niche will be were your passion lies. It will shine through in your writing. Like this post…raw and honest and open. Thanks for sharing!!
Jen K recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: May 1st
I’m so glad you liked this! It felt really good to just share what I was feeling. Isn’t the point of a blog to write about our passions?! π
You are such an inspiring young woman.
Blogging should be for you and what you want from it.
I think you have found your niche in general with just blogging.
Your posts come with a variety of information and that’s the best part about reading it for me!
Keep it up Leigha. π
Thanks Rebecca! You’re right π
i had overnight oats for the first time thsi morning…They are AMAZING! they filled me after my morning run which is greta so thank you! i finally found a filling breakfast that I LOVE although i made a tad to much π
Yay!! I’m happy you liked them π You can always put leftovers in the fridge!
i will remember that for next time…there will be many next times π going to try make a chocolate version with unsweetened cocoa powder yum π
I’m actually at that point now where I’m starting to have people in real life find my blog more. Some people judge, most of them probably don’t actually read it. I’m realizing I have nothing to hide and neither do you. I just wrote a post about this the other day for later in the week. Great minds think alike π
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Still Got It
I think that’s what I was surprised about – most people don’t even care! They have other things to be doing rather than reading my blog, lol. I’m excited to read your post!
You could always just call yourself a ‘Lifestyle’ blog. That’s what a call mine because it basically labels my blog but gives me COMPLETE creative control. I think a blog changes as a person grows and changes themselves. My blog isn’t what it was when it started, and that’s okay. I think the beauty of having your own slice of the internet is that you can write/be whatever you want. Yeah blogs like Chocolate Covered Katie and Sally’s Baking Addiction have loads of followers because they focus on one thing (which I’m not putting down their blogs at all because I LOVE them), but you have so much to offer! I love how you can post an AMAZING recipe one day and then your great fashion taste the next. Also, the little bits in between everything that make up your life are so much fun to read too! I wouldn’t worry about finding a ‘Blog niche’ that fits you perfectly. You’re in multiple niches, but that’s what makes your blog so special! It’s a food/fashion/healthy-living/personal feelings/travels/everything else in between blog! Your niche is just you- in your own new type of niche!
Also, I was SUPER worried about people I know finding my blog. I didn’t care if they saw what I was doing/posting, but I did care about what they would think of me etc. Some of my friends and teachers eventually found my blog and loved it. I’ve connected with people over really random topics or things I’ve posted on my blog! I also found that half the people who find out could care less! They don’t care what I do with my time! Anyone you know that sees your blog will just think you’re THAT much cooler π xx
(Sorry for the little word vomit! Didn’t mean to get so wordy, but oh well!)
Katherine recently posted…Chocolate Chip Granola! (Low Fat, Gluten Free, Sugar Free)
Awww I love you and your novel-size comments π you are totally right on EVERYTHING. Especially the part about half the people not even caring what you do with your time! So true, lol! I’ve connected with people over things that were on my blog too. It’s such a good way to get to know people!
I absolutely love this post Leigha! I can relate to so much of what you said! I like to post about so many different things, and I used to feel guilty about that. But like you, I realized that it’s MY blog and I can post about whatever. I’m not out to make money, and I don’t care who reads my blog. It’s definitely a good feeling. One of the things I love about your blog is how honest and real you are. Thanks for sharing! <333
Allie recently posted…Four Words Per Picture
Yes, yes, yes. And that makes me so happy that you think I’m honest and real! That’s one of the best compliments a blogger can receive π <3
Hi Leigha,
I completely agree with what you have written -how insightful you are! I too was quite self-conscious about starting a blog, and this feeling also prevented me from starting it for a long time. Because I wanted to write about what I know, and therefore my feelings and opinions, I was afraid of my friends and those close to me reading it and potentially judging me. If they didn’t like it, I worried that it was a reflection of myself. Now however, I have realised that that is a silly attitude to adopt. My friends are now the most supportive people of my blog, as I should have known they would be – they love me for who I am, irrespective of whether or not they like what I write (but thankfully most of the time they do). I can’t wait to read more of your opinions!
Sophie x
Hi Sophie!
I’m so happy you started your own blog! We shouldn’t feel bad about what we write… and if our friends don’t appreciate what we say then are they really our friends? Looking forward to reading more of your posts! π