A new direction: back to basics

I've been feeling a little in the dumps about this blog lately. It started out as a creative outlet, something I did for myself, for expression. I question myself a lot lately. I obsess over losing or gaining followers. I begin wondering why I'm not satisfied with the amount of followers I have.

Am I not pretty? Fashionable? Funny? Thin? Talented? Am I a bad writer? Is my content not specific enough for any one audience?

And I finally came to this conclusion: I am enough. I shouldn't need that kind of validation to be happy.

I've turned this blog into a source of revenue. I write because I think it's what readers want to see, rather than writing what's in my heart. I've researched other "successful" blogs and tried to emulate their style and focus. I've become ingenuine, which is my worst nightmare.

I won't lie. I love that people read what I say. I love that some people find me interesting.

But I realized that no amount of money, no amount of followers could make me happy. What makes me happy is impact. If I help or touch people, I have done more than if I make a million dollars (which I certainly have not). So until further notice, in an effort to regain my true-ness, I will no longer be pushing for sponsoring or having sponsors. I may go back to it in the future, but for now, I'm taking it easy. This blog is not about money, and it is not about amount of followers. 

It is about writing. Documenting my family's milestones, big and small. Saying what I like. Saying what I don't like. Posting things for my own remembrance, and for the benefit of those who want to see. This will be a place of sharing and a place of personal growth. I hope you stay and read and grow and share and learn.

Pressure's off. Back to basics.