Imagine you travelled a long forgotten country road that led to a small rural hotel. Oh dear....with a start like that you may be thinking I'm leading you through a guided meditation...although come to think of it, if that were the case I wouldn't be guiding you to a pub, right?Anyway where was I? Oh yes... inside the hotel you found a publican, three or four locals and perhaps, just maybe, a lost traveller or two. A happy, comfortable enough place, life here was safe, predictable but not overly exciting. Ultimately, the publican longed for something more; new acquaintances, exciting stories and connections to like minded souls. This imaginary hotel is my blog. It started out just like this; a small insignificant space visited by a few friends and family. In the beginning it served one purpose; to share our new island life with the family and friends left behind. Not long after, I started dreaming of making bigger connections, whilst simultaneously promoting Norfolk Island - a place not known to many.
My current scenario is a bit different and the journey continues to evolve. Lets take another trip shall we? This time you take a slightly more travelled road. You still find yourself in the country, but the traffic is more frequent. As it happens, this road passes through a village, also with a hotel, no, lets make it a general store this time, the kind that sells fuel, milk and everything in between. The owner is friendly, open and honest, but a wee bit sheltered and perhaps a little naive. Just like the quiet isolated hotel, this store is also supported by loyal regulars (most of whom are related to the owner). But guess what? A few others stop by too. Yes, visitors drive past frequently and some even take the time to stop and chat. Some even return again and again! The travellers come from all around, speaking openly and sharing their experiences. The store owner enjoys meeting these interesting and genuine folks. She finds that, to her surprise, their stories give her enjoyment and inspiration.
Yes this is my blog now. A slightly busier space than before. But you know what? I've been struck down with a debilitating case of stage fright all week - a serious bout of blog doubt! Suddenly I'm asking myself 'What's this all about?' and 'What is expected of me'?. For sometime now I've visited your "village", getting to know what makes you tick. I've poured over your wonderful words...and gazed longingly at your amazing, inspiring photographs.
So here I am writing about nothing in particular. I've baulked all week long...wanting desperately to type up a post, but not knowing what to write, and wondering what direction I should be taking. Thinking, thinking, reading and thinking some more and just feeling confused all round! Eeek...this blog business is supposed to be fun, right? I hope the bloggy-block shifts soon.
5 comments:
I hear you! This definitely happens to me from time to time but i have tried to become more focused lately and blog for a specific audience and about certain topics...i suppose it all comes down to the vision of your blog and what you are setting out to achieve. I just found you so i'm off to have a look around ;-) bec
I get stuck on what direction I should be taking, sometimes I cant be bothered taking any photos of what i'm up to, or feel that what I do is not all that interesting or blog worthy. but then maybe I find something amazing while op-shopping, or try a new recipe that turns out great and want to share it with like-minded people here in blog land who also like op-shopping, baking, crafting, simple living etc.
x
I love your blog. I love this post. Push past the stage fright!
I think the more I post, the more I know what to write about. I have also learned to let go of the crappy posts I have posted. Sometimes, crap is crap and hopefully it will compost into something better, someday. I also stopped looking at my stats: all that who and where and why people were coming to my blog had me going bonkers for a bit. I was anxious no-one would ever come again if I didn't have the right post at the right time. I had to let it go and just enjoy the moments when folks show up and say hello. I love comments and interacting with folks and kindred spirits more than the stats.
Anyway, I could go on and on....
all of this is to say ....just keep blogging along. it will come together! xo
Isn't it funny that by not knowing what to write, you have written a beautiful story as a blog post. Believe me Shell, YOU ARE INSPIRING yourself. just by telling people what you are loving at the moment, it is inspiring. By telling us what you believe in ...a rubbish free future tc, that is inspiring. By sharing what you are doing with your wonderful children... That is inspiring too.
Without even knowing it, you are doing what you are most worried about lacking.
You have never been lacking here, your blog has been wonderful right from the start. No more self doubt my friend. Your photos are gorgeous, your styling is admirable and you are very clever and talented yourself.
Candida is right, don't over think, just do and enjoy the journey along the way.
You have inspired me many a time and hope we can continue to do so for many years to come.
Norfolk Island is lucky to have us, even if we can't change our little world, this has become more about our place in the world, by hoping to encourage friends and family here to share it with us, we probably are inspiring some we may never have met to come and enjoy it. ♥
oh my goodness, YOUR BLOG IS THE ONE WE VISIT FOR INSPIRATION! it makes me smile when the very people i think have it all going on post in honesty and end up sounding like me! i have been through this in my tiny corner of blog world, i recently have added extra dimensions in and then have worried that people will be too confused and wont visit...am i am mummy blogger a over 40's fashion blogger a craft blogger what direction. what should i focus on and ive come to a decision....it's my space and nothing is wrong! i am none of these things i am just me and thats who im going to be and im going to post whatever i want! keep being you, that is so much fun to read xxx
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