While I am still in my “overhaul” process, I quickly wanted to reach out and welcome my recent new readers – thank you for following and I hope that I don’t disappoint!
Running a blog can be such a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it gives you the opportunity to reach out to a community that would otherwise be completely unknown to you and share yourself. You’re able to put your thoughts, your passions and desires, your soapbox opinions, and every ounce of feeling out into the world the moment your are thinking or feeling them. And it provides such an amazing sense of freedom, accomplishment, and joy that there are people out there actually listening.
But on the same hand, it also produces a sense of terror…holy crap, there are people out there actually LISTENING! That thought can stop you in your tracks. It’s truly terrifying to realize that you are sending a part of yourself into this unknown world, a part of yourself that you can never really get back. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. The moment you hit “PUBLISH,” there’s this overwhelming feeling of Oh. My. God. What have I done. And that is a feeling that never really goes away.
But you quickly realize, as much as this blog gives you the opportunity to share yourself – some of which you may regret down the road – it also gives others the chance to share themselves. If my blog can offer the slightest bit of inspiration, or provide even the smallest sounding board, or simply gives others a chance to learn from my mistakes, then that is inspiration enough for me.
So thank you, dear readers, for following, for listening, and for inspiring me in return! You are all a Godsend and a blessing.
Indeed!
Oh yes, and please, feel free to comment at any time. Don’t be shy! I get sick of my own thoughts sometimes so I would love to hear your own. If there is something you would like to see more of, or less of, or if you have any specific opinions and/or suggestions – do share! Your comments (even negative ones as long as they are constructive) are the fuel to my fire.
Xoxo.
themodagecottage.wordpress.com 
Lol! Kristen, how did you know what I was feeling this morning!? I’m a newcomer, and yes, wondering what the heck I’m trying to accomplish here! I just feel the overwhelming need to encourage and to inspire. Thank you for your wonderful contributions. My blog is pretty basic but I’m learning. Any suggestions would be greatly cherished.
Kim, I think you’re doing a great job with your blog! I like how you’ve inserted a question post to communicate and connect with readers out there. I think my greatest advice would be to insert as much of yourself as you feel comfortable. When asking “at what point does our to-do list become our bucket list?” (great question, by the way!), give your own brief but personal story. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Did something recently happen for you to ask yourself this question? What are some of the things on this to-do/bucket list? Also, at least for me, pictures are a huge draw. Make them as large as possible! Can’t wait to read more 🙂
Good morning, Kristen. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my message to you. It meant a great deal to me and came at a wonderful time because while I’ve been very busy and haven’t really had time to sit and write, I’ve had so many thoughts that I’d like to share yet can’t seem to find one subject, or even just two, that I would like to expound on. I have too many interests, I’m afraid! I’m also trying to better customize the appearance of my blog. I find that until I am somewhat satisfied with the formatting and flow that it’s more of a distraction to me when I go to write something. Ha ha! I definitely do have attention deficit disorder. Maybe I should write about that! But thank you, thank you, for the wonderful suggestions that you offered about my blog! I will definitely put them to use as soon as I’m able.
Kristen, I want to wish you the very best in the precious birth of your beloved son. It sounds as though you already love him more than life itself. Take it from me, as a mother of three, they are the very blood that keeps me going and the inspiration in everything that I do. Wishing you and your husband the very best. I will be reading to re-live it through your experience. Kim.
I just started reading your blog last week and have been trying to get a blog going. I’m not finding a lot of time to do it and look forward to getting to know the blogging world. I look forward to reading more! 🙂
Starting a blog can definitely be daunting. And sometimes there are glitches and road blocks along the way – but don’t get discouraged!! Just keep it simple and be true to yourself. It will take some time to get any followers, but if you enjoy writing simply for the sake of writing, and if you write from the heart, you can’t go wrong! Good luck and I can’t wait to read some posts!
haha that publish button is a scary thing, isn’t it? I love your blog though! 🙂