How to Keep Going, Kitchen Goals, and a New Favorite Instagram Feed

I had been taking this week off from the blog. It wasn’t originally intentional, but my post for Monday was a massive flop. I was literally about to post it, when I just said, nooope. And since I was out of time to post anything else that was on my list + being overwhelmed by the blogging world, it turned into a little break.

I’m going to be writing more about this soon, but I just am tired of (and saddened by) some of the popular growth strategies in the “creative/blogging” world. Since I’m not willing to jump on board with these strategies, I am simply by definition limiting how fast I can grow.

And some days, that can be a tough pill to swallow.

But.

Here’s the thing. If running a successful blog means doing things I don’t agree with or writing posts I don’t love writing, WHY would I blog? I could take any number of jobs I don’t enjoy and be far better off than trying to take the entrepreneur route.

SO. That’s not why I blog. I think I needed Monday’s post-flop to show me that. Instead of rushing the whole week on projects because I “have to get a blog post ready!”, I spent a lot of time doing other things. Creative things that I probably won’t even post here. Why? Mostly because I didn’t rush to get my camera set up to document the before & after process. I just, created.

It was a welcome break, and helped me to realize that I could take this blog anywhere my heart wants to go. Without getting caught in the comparison/growth/must-post-as-much-as-possible trap.

Because you know what…

Sometimes “success” comes purely from being the one who is willing to do things differently than the crowd. If everyone is writing the same blogs, well of course the blogging world is becoming “crowded” or “competitive”. Being willing to take a risk and not follow a proven strategy is a little scary, but I believe (even if I have to continually remind myself) that it will be worth it.

So, this morning, after spending the last four or five days “on a break”, I woke up this morning and I WANTED to write.

And I mean, WRITE.

Not write a blog post with a perfect SEO score that features no less than six pinnable images or an Instagram-worthy introduction. I just wanted to share what was on my heart. And for you who are reading this, maybe it will provide some encouragement to forge your own path with confidence, instead of feeling the push to take the road well-traveled.

How to keep going and not let fear stop you

Since Friday is a day that I will occasionally share my “Friday Favorites”, I thought what better timing than to share this recent post from Marian at Miss Mustard Seed. Marian is a huge inspiration to me, not just because she is incredibly talented but because of her amazing business story. This post is about her struggle with fear. To read what she wrote was majorly eye-opening for me. It helped me realize that being an entrepreneur IS scary, and a “creative entrepreneur” perhaps even more so.

But, I love her conclusion and resolution, that “Fear’s not the boss.” AMEN, Amen. Don’t let fear keep you from accomplishing what you were meant to accomplish. Press on.

Kitchen update and inspiration for women who DIY

I also wanted to share this kitchen update from my “Insta” friend, Emma at Orange and Elm. I don’t even remember how we found each other on Instagram, but Emma is such an inspiration. In the midst of working a busy full-time schedule she is also pursuing her creative dreams, and totally killing the DIY game.

I love how she jumped into this kitchen update and just got.it.done. And it all turned out so beautifully. I would be so intimidated by each of these projects, but her success is inspiring me and challenging me to reach further with my own DIY goals.

(photo from Emma’s blog post here)

On a lighter note,

Cows

Yeah, smooth transition there. But I gotta be real with you. If I could have any pet of all the pets…I would be seriously considering a cow. Hubby still thinks I’m kidding. I’m not.

But, if you’re with me (or you maybe just think cows are freaking adorable), go follow Theedora on Instagram. Just so many gorgeous photos of cows.

Plus, I know now that “cow photographer” is what I want to be when I grow up.

If you took the time to read my ramblings this morning, thank you! I hope that something you read encouraged or uplifted you (even if it was just the cows!).

I definitely came out of this week with a new perspective towards blogging and this whole “creative business” thing. I’m excited to share more of that here as the weeks go on. If you are also pursuing creative entrepreneurship, I would love to hear from you. We’re in this together!

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

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