There used to be a time when I disliked referring to myself as a blogger. I’d say I’m a content creator, or that I own a creative website or blogazine(because it sounded more professional)…. anything but being a blogger and having a blog.
Why? Because I started blogging at a time where the internet became rife with blogs cropping up every other day. It seemed like the “in thing” and a trend and because I wanted to be taken seriously, I despised that I’d be seen as another wannabe.
It was even made worse because as soon as Linda Ikeji(popular entertainment & gossip blogger in Nigeria) started making the big bucks and then bought her own mansion in the most expensive real estate community in Lagos- Banana Island, every one likened me to her when I eventually said that I owned a blog.
Also, it was because I really did start off Sewafolie as an online portfolio for my creative writing(search short stories and series, I still have them lurking some where on this site), so I felt being a “blogger” cheapened what I was trying to do.
The perception was that blogging was done by girls who had nothing better to do than to stand at a street corner posing in their Sunday bests, so I wanted nothing to do with it.
How did my perception change? I can’t really pin point how or when, but gradually I began to realize that there were others like me out there who were blogging to bring about positivity and inspiration to other people’s lives and it wasn’t really just about the clothes, but the ideas, values and experiences that went along with it. And to be honest, it did get tiring trying to describe what I did with everything other than saying blogger when clearly the word was already on the lips of people who asked. So I agreed- “Yeah I blog” I’d say.
But what made it even better was realizing my purpose in blogging, writing, living creatively or whatever it might be translated to. I can express myself in any way I please and as I continued to develop and got feedback, the label didn’t matter as much because I am in my own lane. Blogger or not, I had something to offer, something to call my own in the world wide web and it’s since grown from there.
Today marks the third year since I began blogging and I’m as ever, still inspired to continue going on and sharing all my finds and experiences with you. I feel blogging is a way to keep myself learning and sometimes, accountable to what I “preach”. When you keep telling people to live fiercely and fearlessly, with time, you start to abide by those words too and push yourself to practice what you preach. So indeed, sometimes what I write isn’t just for you, but for me too, to keep going and be responsible for the life I want to lead. Not just with words, but with plans and actions.
I’m still growing and ever evolving and I’m happy to have you along on this journey with me.
So tell me, which of my posts do you enjoy the most and will like to see more of?
I’m all ears 😀
Aww Liz, I love this post!! It’s quite funny because I was also thinking about the wording “being a blogger” these last few days.. strange connection! Beautiful how you get to the essence, bringing about positivity and inspiration to other people’s lives, at least that’s what i would probably consider the essence. And you are so right, it’s a two-way thing, writing is so wonderful for self-awareness and reflection as well. But yeah, when people ask me what my dream is, i tell them that i want to be a writer. Being a blogger is maybe the pre-step to that. I feel blogging (aka writing a blog) helps to become a writer….. Anyway, great photgraphs as well! 🙂 Oh, and in terms of favourite content, just do you! 🙂
xx finja | http://www.effcaa.com
Thank you Finja, you’re totally right. Blogging helps a lot with improving your writing skills as the more you write the better you become. Thank you for your kind words, that’s the essence indeed 🙂
Great post. https://meilifisayo.wordpress.com/2017/03/12/comfy-day-out/
Thank you!
This really resonates with me. I fought “blogging” for years because it was the “the thing SAHM’s do”. But I wanted to write and write publicly. I wanted a space to offer positivity and ideas about something I’m passionate about – gardening, food & sustainable living. Anyway, your words are encouraging. I look forward to exploring this space more. Congratulations on your third year. ????
I’m glad you found this post as relevant as you did. Keep on going 🙂
By the way, what does SAHM mean?
Thank you.
And lol… Stay At Home Mom. Starting a blog about decorating, motherhood, children’s crafts etc. was/is very popular. It’s referred to as being a “Mommy blogger”.
Ah yes, Mommy Bloggers are very popular. Thanks for replying.