Keeping Up With the "Bloggers"- The Need For Authenticity

Things are going to be a bit different on the blog from now on. This is something that has been on my heart for weeks... which is yet another reason why I took an extended amount of time away from the blog.

I'm done trying to keep up with what all of the "experts" say you should/ should not do if you have a blog.

{Though they offer reasonable, heartfelt advice based off of their own experience in the blogging world;

 I have had enough. I am tried of the rat race and I'm tired of trying to keep up with the "pro" bloggers}

I can't do it anymore. I simply cannot keep up with what all of the veteran bloggers suggest you should do in order to find your niche/ your voice in the blogging community. Whether its following advice like, "make sure to blog every day, whether you feel like it or not" or "be sure to craft your headlines to attract more readers" or "track the number of hits you get on your blog every day so you can obsess over see what topics your readers want to see." This is all valid advice for those who are trying to make a living off of their blogs, but this was not my motive or objective for having a blog in the first place. I am not trying to earn a paycheck off of my writing. If that were to ever happen one day- awesome- but I am not going to sacrifice who I am in order for that to happen.

I'm done trying to write in such a way that caters to my readers/potential readers/etc. I'm going to write about what is important to me: lessons that God is teaching me while I am imperfectly chasing after Him and attempting to bring Him glory out of the broken pieces of my life. If that is something that interests you- fantastic! I look forward to continuing this journey with you. If that is not something that you wish to read, then it has been a pleasure getting to know you! Of course, I am going to throw in posts every now and then on other things that I am passionate about: my family, fitness, our journey to running a half marathon, our desire to adopt a daughter, etc. But know that the bulk of what I will be writing about from now on will come straight from my quiet times- sitting at the Lord's feet. That is why I started this blog to begin with.

I sincerely hope that you will continue with my on this journey, as I have thoroughly enjoyed your company thus far :)