I have been blogging since 2009 and I will tell you I have learned a lot about myself in all those years. A lot of what I have learned has come through the blogging that I do and the people who I connect with thanks to the amazing job that I have. I have been so blessed to have a job that allows me to set my own and schedule and work on my own terms. It is not something that I ever thought would be possible. I began blogging as a way to connect with others and share my thoughts on items. Early on it was mostly books and I will admit that my very first product review was for personal lubricant. I was so excited though because the brand had contacted me. You would have thought that I won the lottery.
I’M THICKER SKINNED THAN I THOUGHT
I have always been rather thinned skin and had my feelings hurt pretty easily. In fact the very first negative comment that I ever received made me cry for two days. It felt so personal like that were physically attacking me. I remember feeling the same way the first time someone said something really ugly about in an online group I was in. I kept going back to the group because I thought I had made some friends but at some point I had to do what was best for me and leave the group. Now when I get nasty emails or whatever I just brush it off and move on. Everyone has an opinion and not everyone will have something positive to say. That’s okay it makes life more interesting that way and all I can do is be myself.
I CAN MULTI-TASK LIKE IT’S NO ONE’S BUSINESS
You would not believe the nine million things that I have going on at any time during the day. I could be holding a kid in one arm, talking on the phone, and stirring something on the stove all at the same time. Again this is something that I have learned to do while blogging. There are moments when I can be working and the kids need something or I have a conference call that I need to take and I have to again take it all in stride and just get it done. I have practices in place that help me make the most of each day.
IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO
No was a word that rarely ever said before. That could be the reason for my disastrous relationship! 😉 When I first started blogging I always said yes and took and every job possible. Now I can pick and choose what I want to do as well as have the skills to work other jobs. I work for Lenore thanks to the skills I have learned through blogging. The power of the word no can be freeing.
There are of course so many other things that I have learned. Enough that I could probably write a book but those three are the most important to me at the moment. They are the ones that have helped shape me the most.
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I’ve always wanted to start a blog… just never got around to it… even though I spend most of my free time inside and online lol. Great post!
I am happy you have thinker skin now an let go of the “not nice” comments unhappy people can project onto
you. It takes courage to “put yourself out there”. I really enjoy your blogs and the chances to win a camera (I really need one!)
xo~Alicia
Learning to say no is very hard to do. It took me years and years into my adulthood to learn. It really will set you free!
How funny your first product review was for personal lubricant! I would be too embarrassed to accept that challenge, lol. Hats off to you for your bravery!
It’s great that you have found your niche with this blog. I enjoyed reading how you’ve grown since starting it. Good for you for learning to say “no” and for getting thick skinned. Definitely big accomplishments!