Happy Wednesday! I have officially been “officially” blogging for five months now and have no idea where the time has gone. I thought it would be fun to use this week’s Afternoon Rose Chats as a way to kind of reintroduce myself and give you all some insight into how I started blogging. Over the past couple of months I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing ladies, collaborate with new brands, grow my reach and learn so much.

Looking back on what I originally posted to now, it seems like two different people. I used to be so insecure in my content and afraid that people would judge everything I published.

I created my first blog in 2010, but I did nothing with it at all. I would write a few posts here and there, whenever I had some free time. But I was too afraid to share it with anyone, let alone make it public knowledge that I was blogging.

Fast forward to 2016- I decided to start “officially” start blogging in November of 2016. Originally I started out using a different Instagram account because I did not want to fully commit. After a push from a few friends to drop the second Instagram and transfer all of my blogging content to my original Instagram I took the plunge. It was terrifying. I am not going to lie to you or sugar coat anything. I was constantly nervous that what I was posting would come across as a joke or ridiculous.

I was terrified of what everyone thought and ultimately afraid it was a real waste of time. I remember having a conversation with my friend Maggie about everything happening in my mind. She was one of the first people to encourage me to blog, so it only felt right to share my thoughts. We talked about everything I was feeling and how I just didn’t think it was a good idea. She encouraged me and told me that I shouldn’t be afraid of what a few people thought.

After a month of putting myself out there and seeing a positive result from the blogger community there was no turning back.

In the past five months I have had the opportunity to connect with a whole community of wonderful women. It’s mind blowing still that I’ve had conversations and developed friendships with other bloggers in Utah, New York, Florida, Michigan, Kentucky, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Germany. These women not only encourage one another, they help you realize your worth

This may sound silly, but I’ve also developed a honest sense of not caring what a single person thinks. I’m not sure if this has come from being comfortable with myself or if blogging has played a role.

After these past five months I am so proud of the goals I have accomplished. The connections I have made and the doors that have opened I am beyond thankful for.

I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with some amazing companies. A few of these companies were brand new to me and others I have loved for years. Having a company respect my work and willing to believe in my follower base has been unreal.

With all these positives have definitely come some negatives as well. Blogging is such an emotional rollercoaster. There have been times where I have doubted that people are interested in my content. I’ve also been afraid that my content looks just like the other blogger down the road. It’s really easy to compare yourself to those who have been blogging for years. Those bloggers who seem to have the formula to success.

I constantly remind myself that everyday is a new day to improve my content, connections and self. I am so thankful for those who have stuck with me these past five months. I promise there are better things to come and I am so excited to have you all along this journey. If there is ever anything you would like me to try or feature more please reach out! I love hearing your feedback and learning what you like/dislike.

I’ve linked this outfit in my shop! Just click the image and it’ll take you to the pieces 💙