It’s hard to believe this week marks the two-year anniversary for my blog. I remember being nervous, full of doubts and questions. I didn’t know where to start or who to even ask. And more debilitating was the constant voice in my head shouting, “it’s too late for you. You can’t learn something new now. Who would read your stuff anyway? This is going to be a miserable failure.” And yet something inside me pushed on. I let go of panic, doubt, worry, and insecurity. I knew I had a voice and things to say; and so my blog was born.

So what have I learned the past two years? The list is quite literally pages long. But I’ve narrowed it to 5 main themes:

2 Readers or 2 Thousand?

I never set out to get rich off my blog. I know there are many successful bloggers that have done just that. But that was never my goal. I did become hyper-obsessed, however, with the number of ‘views’ or ‘likes’ on social media, as if that was a barometer for the validity of my words.

I’ve learned that doesn’t matter. I’ve learned to share my authentic self with others, but to write for me. And I know that goes against every blogging advice column I’ve ever read. “Know your audience and write for them.” But I don’t believe it’s possible to really know your audience and write for them, when I’m still discovering who I am.

Faith, Family and Friendship

The cornerstone of my character rests in faith, family and friendship. My relationship with God, which has grown immeasurably the past 2 years, has thrust me into deeper communion with my family and friends. I have prayed, and laughed and cried more in two years than I can recall in my lifetime. This is so much more than a “#blessed” statement. Rather, a truly humbling on my knees prayer of gratitude, for the relationships in my life. You all know who you are. Thank you!

I’ve learned nothing short of this matters.

My Boys

I know I just mentioned family, but as I reflected over the blog posts to date, the majority have to do with “my boys”. And why not? There’s never a shortage of stories to share! “My boys”. Just typing those words brings a smile to my lips. Why on earth God ever entrusted me with the precious boys in my life, I’ll never know. From their first breath, to their first steps, to their first steps out into the world on their own, I’ve had a front row seat to the movie of their life, and have been honored to be a part of their supporting cast.

I’ve learned there is no greater joy or job in the world than motherhood, and there is no other group I’d rather do life with.

Living Inside Out

In 2015 Disney – Pixar released the movie Inside Out. This movie showcases a young girl struggling with her conflicted emotions over moving. I love this movie for so many reasons, but mostly because it depicts the importance and relevance of all her emotions, not just the ‘happy’ ones. Life can be joyful, and funny and thrilling. But it also can be hard, and messy, and disappointing. I never know from post to post what you’ll get because I never know from day-to-day how I’ll feel.

I’ve learned to feel weird and sad and angry and happy and scared and disappointed and disgusted and curious and loved; and to embrace each feeling as they happen. It’s unashamedly who I am. It’s who we all are.

I Am Not Perfect

I know that statement is a shocker. Let me explain. While I did not set the goal of making money off this blog, I did have blog goals. I told myself I’d post something once a week. Well, it’s been 104 weeks, and I’ve posted 39 times. Yeah, I’d say I fell a little short. I’ve also neglected the house, failed to cook dinner occasionally, yelled at my kids more than I’d like to admit, exercised only intermittently and fallen off ladders. Plural, and yes, literally.

I’ve learned some days will be easier than others, to not beat myself up over missed goals or opportunities, and while perfection may work for others, I’ll settle for being perfectly made.

2 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. Thanks for sharing in my story and encouraging me on thisjourney. Stay with me as we continue this adventure!