1 Year Down

A year ago this week I shared with friends and family (and basically the entire internet) that I was starting this site as creative outlet and passion hobby. I can barely believe it’s been a whole 12 months – which have been some of the greatest of my adult life. It feels as though it was just yesterday that I announced that I was introducing this space. And I was scared shitless. Seriously.

Why was I so nervous? Creating a site of my own and having a space to exercise my creative muscles every once in a while was something I wanted to do for years. Between reading blogs for over 10 years and interning at The Everygirl, I loved and relied on the community of bloggers and content creators for years. I still do. I trust this community’s advice with nearly every aspect of my life – the influence that used to be in the hands of magazine editors and talk show hosts has now shifted to be in the hands of nearly anyone with Instagram. Think about it. After years of being a dedicated reader in the community, I wanted to step in as a creator and try it. But of course, I didn’t want to do that unless it was going to be perfect.

I’m not an expert at anything that’s necessary to run a site of personal content – not writing, photography, design, editing. Nor am I an expert on any of the topics I write about. And yes, I know most people aren’t. I realize this now. But after procrastinating, and making excuses for myself for months before starting, I finally honed in on what my true hope for this site was. I simply hope what I share brings some help, excitement or togetherness for anyone stopping by – similar to how the blogs I read have done for me.

There’s an excitement that comes with sharing new imagery, recipes and inspiration that I absolutely love. It’s similar to sending off that final paper in college – okay, actually a lot more fun than that. If I’m being honest, sometimes I struggle with the motivation to start creating in the first place. My mind will slip back into the nervous talk that almost held me back from starting in the beginning. That’s when I remind myself why I wanted to start – to contribute. To myself and this community. And if I’m struggling to create, maybe it’s a good time to recalibrate and  be sure I really love and feel strongly about what I’m sharing. I never want to post just for the sake of posting. Ya feel me?

From trying to teach myself to build a site in WordPress, to FaceTiming for Photoshop help, starting this site has been an amazingly challenging and humbling journey – and fun too, of course. All of which was exactly what I was looking for. Something to keep me on my toes. Keep me growing and learning, which I’m understanding we have to make an effort to do as an adult. It’s helped me identify my support system as a single adult, and connected me with friends and acquittances of the past that I maybe wouldn’t have reconnected with otherwise. I’ve been introduced to new internet friends, and have made relationships with folks working for some incredible brands. And challenged to understand how I want to use this space and where I want to take I tin the future.

To anyone who has stopped by over the past year as I shared a hodgepodge of content and love – thank you. I am so humbled and appreciative of any kind comment, share or engagement. Truly, I mean that so deeply. Not to mention the excitement I get when I see that someone’s made a recipe I’ve shared. Like what!? I’m so, so glad to have been a part of your day – especially in the best way possible.. through food, of course! And a special thank you to my Kenzie, who always agrees to  full-day photoshoots which usually result with me paying her in food. Thanks for being the best teammate and hype girl throughout this process!

I hope you all continue to enjoy this site and connect with me as I create and share more in the years (?!) to come. I’d love to hear any recommendations for what you’d like to see more or less of on this site. I’m excited to share fresh content and direction in this next year. And for anyone debating to start something of their own –  I encourage you to start. Just try it. I think you’ll be happy you did.