Trudy
While everyone is outside in this belligerent, and disrespectful cold celebrating the new year, I am inside trying to keeping warm and trying to be introspective about what this year in blogging has taught me. Btw, that real feel is serious at minus 11 degrees!
The third anniversary of my blog has just passed on Christmas Day, and starting a blog was intended as a present to myself of sorts. I deserved it, and I decided to use it as a creative outlet to rekindle my artistic side. Along the way, I have learned so much from that thoroughly thought out decision I made sitting in my living room three years ago. This past new year, I was asked by the talented couple, Lynn and Justin from the MadHattersNYC to come off as deep and write some thought-provoking stuff about my last year blogging. So what did I learn? I know that I have forgotten some lessons from the months passed, so I’ll give it a shot.
In This Last Year, What Did I learn? Hmm, I learned…
- That even though it hard as hell to be consistent, it is a code that I have to crack in the end if I want to keep people reading. There are times where I’ve been burnt out AF and I can’t string a sentence together properly from exhaustion, or written and rewritten the same sentence five times from lack of oxygen or food, just trying to finish a post to keep its relevancy. It isn’t a process that makes for the best content, so being kinder to myself and better planning produce quality work.
- That a camera is necessary for my blog because my phone continues to let me down on the regular like a freaking cheating boyfriend. I learned that at Coney Island this year. Also that the quality of my images along with my content has to keep getting better.
- That blogging isn’t just about sitting behind a laptop remaining anonymous, the way I like it. It involves constant networking and putting yourself out there, which for me is a Herculean feat. But I did it this year and met some bloggers in my niche. It was truly amazing making those connections.
- That blogging is actually a full-time job no matter how you slice it. In between, social media, writing blog posts, editing of pictures and copy, setting up accounts, hosting, and maintaining them, I clock over forty hours easily and I am still working on finding my equilibrium there.
From Here On Out…
- I won’t be so hard on myself about my blog baby. It is always going to be a learning process and I will never be perfect but I like that about blogging. It’s not that serious in the scheme of things, even though I am serious about it. I’m writing about travel, food, and life and it’s supposed to be enjoyable.
- I want to write what makes my audience happy to return over and over. I want to continue having engagement with my subscribers and have them feel that they are peeking into my life.
- I will continue to find my voice in my approach to my blog, there are so many blogs out there and I am happy that you choose to come here. I don’t ever want to be another cookie cutter blog.
- I am going to keep putting myself out of my comfort zone, because that is where the magic happens, right? And I am always looking for more gold glitter and confetti in my life and that will be in the form of more adventures, travel, taste experiences and me meeting more talented people.
Do you have any comments about my blog and what you liked or didn’t like this year? This is the perfect time to point it out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, keep following me or subscribe if it is your first time here. 
Until our next rendezvous…
XOXO
Trudy
Congratulations on your anniversary! I must have found you toward the beginning of your blog life. Your posts are always well thought out and interesting. I’ve enjoyed larking about the metropolitan area with you, reading about eateries and the people you’ve been with. Thanks for sharing yourself in this great adventure.
Thank you, Anne for always being so supportive.
These are all great observations, and definitely ones we can relate to! We’re still struggling to find balance, and I tell myself every day that next week we’ll do better 😉
I think your personality comes through in your writing and I enjoy your take on New York City. You’re definitely not a cookie cutter blog! Getting to know our fellow bloggers has been a highlight of this journey. Here’s to knowing better and doing better in 2018!
Yes, cheers to that in 2018! And to whatever else, that I may have forgotten. Also, you’re doing freaking awesome as I’ve told you before!
whoever would cheat on you is totally classless. IMHO keep doing what you are doing. I find your posts fascinating. I get to see NYC thru your eyes. it makes for an interesting perspective. 🙂
You are always so kind, Jim. Thanks for riding with me!
OK just as long as we stop for some pie and good conversation during that ride.
Most definitely!
cool! 🙂
New York without car horns, how wonderful. The last time herself took the Grands to Coney Island, they came home with three gold fish. One fish survived and made it to the outside pond for a number of years. A great metropolis and I enjoy the ventures you take us on. Happy New Year young lady.
Thank you so much. I hadn’t been to Coney Island since I was child so I barely remember it. But it was nice to be there as an adult with childlike wonder about it all. I can’t wait until the season starts again so I can enjoy it fully.
Great thoughts Trudy. I always enjoy your blog and agree with you, I like the learning side of blogging too and getting outisd eof my comfort zone. Your theme looks great (I use it too) 🙂
Thank you. I’m actually a little overwhelmed with learning at the moment. So I am choosing to remain ignorant for the rest of the month and just write and shoot. I’ve had my theme for three years, I was contemplating a change. I think I’m just getting itchy because of the new year.
Trudy, I’ve had fun getting to know you this past year. I’ve loved all the unique looks at NYC especially. And it’s so true that blogging is more social than we realize at first and I’m so happy that blogging has extended my “family.”
I’m such a hermit and blogging has undoubtedly made me more social than I’ve been in years. It’s a muscle that I’m working developing.
It is fun getting to know you this way! I came late to the party but glad I am here.
Better late than never. Thank you for coming!
Gonna smash 2018!
Also, congratulations on the anniversary! Slay this year!
I’m going to do my best. I can admit that I have moments of doubts.