3 Years in the Blogosphere…

When I first started writing this blog – a whole 3 years ago this week – I had no idea what to expect.

It was born from two things – a frustration and desire to have a creative outlet after years of loving writing, but having no reason to do it, and a passion for fashion that I’d bored my nearest and dearest to death with and needed someone new to chat about it with! And so, when I hit publish on that first post on Picking the Day, all that time ago, there was no plan. If I’m honest, even though I was determined to have this for myself, I think I quietly expected it to be the kind of project I ran out of time for, and would eventually neglect to the point I just stopped. See, I’ve always been the kind of person that chronically fears being judged. So much so, that when I feel as though there is a risk I can’t achieve perfection, I opt out altogether rather than face the risk of failing. It has happened before. Picking the Day isn’t actually my first blog – I’ve had numerous attempts over the years at publishing my witterings, some which lasted longer than others, but none of which I was confident enough to put my real name (and face!) to, and none which stood the test of time, because my own self-doubt always won in the end. Somehow though, Picking the Day has survived! Not only survived, but is thriving, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me!

It’s been a bit of a slow burner. Posting was intermittent to start with, and it took me a while to find my real ‘voice’. Life got really challenging not long after starting out, and that was really reflected in my writing and the time I managed to devote to crafting my little corner of the Internet, but I persevered. My ‘About Me’ page has gone through numerous re-writes as my life has morphed beyond recognition – it’s strange now to think I started out thinking I’d be writing about Wedding dresses and starting a family! And while during the toughest periods, when there were times I just felt as though I couldn’t be bothered maintaining such a trivial thing, this blog has remained a constant, and I’m grateful now that I have this opportunity to read back through my own words and reflect on the journey I’ve been on. I’ve always known writing to be a cathartic pastime, but I had no idea what strength and comfort I would find in having my own space to talk openly and honestly. I still have a long way to go to get it looking and feeling how I really want it to, but I’ve really found my stride with it so far and am really starting to see the rewards of my efforts. One thing is for sure though – while I started out feeling inadequate next to the beautifully glossy blogs that had inspired me, I’ve actually come to love my slightly awkward, less than perfect, little space. It really is a piece of me, and I’m proud to say it’s a true reflection of my life and who I am.

The best part of this whole experience though has definitely been the community of like minded souls that I’ve found in blogging, who have never failed to brighten up my day with a kind comment or boost my confidence when the self doubt starts creeping in. When I first decided to start posting outfit posts, I felt certain I would be bound to come across an unwanted troll or unkind taunts at some point, but so far I’ve received nothing but compliments or lovely words of support and for that I am so grateful. My number of followers is very modest compared to some of the more successful blogs out there, but the fact that anyone at all bothers to take the time to read these odd little outpourings I put together just baffles me beyond comprehension – so I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to those who have stuck with me, some of you since the beginning, and for all your words of encouragement along the way. Nothing makes me feel happier than seeing those notifications pop up when I’m having a tough day at work or wondering if I’m talking to an empty room! You guys are awesome, my friends I’ve never met.

Here’s hopefully to many more years of Picking the Day! I hope you continue to enjoy reading my words as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them.

Love,

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