1 Year Blogger-versary!!

Wow, a whole dang year has gone by since I started this little blog of mine! How fast does time go by? I swear I was just thinking about starting a blog and writing down ideas for the blog that never seemed to happen... and then it did and it's a year later. It's like having a baby... you plan and wait, then before you know it, your baby isn't a baby anymore.

What being a 'Blogger' means to me
This year blogging has been more than I ever could have imagined. I had absolutely no idea the kind of universe I was entering and becoming a part of. Bloggers are their own people, their own special community that anyone on the outside has no idea exists. The network of people who share their feelings and let strangers into their homes, lives and heads is quite transverse. I still don't feel as though I should call myself a real blogger and be a part of this group, although this post is my 239th. To say I belong to such an amazing community of trendsetters, artists, crafters, cooks, parents and all around sharers and do-gooders just seems false and far fetched. But I am a blogger, infact, and have met some of the most wonderful and most talented women from all over the world, who inspire me to want to be a better mother, wife, friend and human. I feel so lucky to be part of such a community.

The hardest part of blogging
This might not be any surprise to fellow bloggers but the hardest part of blogging is self doubt. The ideas are there, the internet is waiting for the thoughts and words, but in one second all those great ideas and stories can seem so silly when someone you really think highly of or admire posts something {in your opinion} is better. The same goes for all the social media accounts that are linked to the blog... beautiful photos, picture perfect lives on display, food porn, happy children, romantic vacations and adventures can push anyone into thinking they are not good enough to share their lives with the rest of the world. I will say that with every bad blogging day there are those fantastic ones {when a post gets crazy page views or numbers are high} that reignite the blogging flame and push me to keep going.

What I look forward to in the future of blogging
I started SimplyWright to meet people, start dialogue with like minded people, and share my thoughts and opinions. I knew I had a lot to share and say. I'm by no means an expert in anything but I like to write and be creative. My blog is nowhere near where I envision it to be one day, but I will say that it's made more progress this year than I ever could have imagined. Considering I knew so little about the blogging universe {more like nothing}, I think I've done okay for myself. It's not easy, it's super time consuming, and it never turns off. For that, I hope to continue sharing my ideas and connecting with so many I'd otherwise never have had the opportunity to meet. It really is such a cool experience.

With the help of social media and sites like StumbleUpon and Pinterest, these are some of my top post from the last year....

Why I leave the handprints on the mirror
Out Around Salzburg
10 things that happened before and after childbirth that were unexpected 
Reusing Birchbox boxes
Taco Tuesday Meatballs
Pregnancy Shaming: Why I make no apologies for wanting more than two children

And here are some very helpful posts from some fabulous bloggers {who know their stuff} sharing their tips and know hows to successful blogging!!

Creating a blog media kit 
6 things I've discovered about blogging 
Books you need as a blogger
What I wish I knew about blog monetization  
10+ ways to increase your Facebook reach without paying 
5 easy tips to becoming a better blogger 
Balancing motherhood and blogging 

Thank you... I really appreciate everyone who continues to read my posts and support my little space on the web. I'm so happy to be sharing with you, and look forward to continuing this journey with you all!!! xoxo