2 Years Of Blogging - 10 Things I Wasn't Aware Of

So two years ago today, I hit publish on my first blog post and after that I really got myself involved in the blogging world. It's crazy to think I have stuck with this hobby for two whole years. I don't think there has been any hobby that I've stuck with for this long so it's definitely been worth it. Of course, like everyone's blogging journey, I've had my ups and my downs. There has been times when I've wanted to quit and other times when I feel like I'm really on my game. But I'm really pleased I've stuck it out even when times were tough. Although when I first started, I never realised what I could achieve nor what blogging really entailed. It was a complete mystery to me. There's so many things I wasn't aware of and I thought I would share some of those things in today's anniversary post:
1. How much hard work blogging would involve - I think when you first start blogging or even just from an outsider's point of view, you underestimate how much work you have to put in to running your blog successfully. It takes up a lot of time and effort, so dedication and motivation is a must. But it's all 100% worth it and the whole process of creating new content is so much fun. I wouldn't have it any other way!

2. That I do actually like taking photos - This one is definitely something I've realised the past few months, but I do like taking photos. When I started blogging, I actually hated it and it was the part of blogging I would dread. But now I've understood how to use my camera properly and been working hard to try get my photos to how I want them to look, I've actually fallen in love with taking photos for my blog or Instagram. You can be so creative and free with it. It's great.

3. That you can work with brands - When I first started blogging, I literally had no clue that you could work with brands, let alone be sent stuff or even charge brands for wanting to work with you. It's crazy. I had no idea it was even possible. It's made me feel very privileged to have been able to work with brands since blogging as I had no idea it could even ever happen. But it's certainly one of the perks.

4. That you can turn blogging into a full time job - Just like working with brands, I also had no idea that you could turn blogging into a full time career. It's so crazy to think this hobby that so many of us love can really take you places and put you in a position where you can go full time with it and build a career.

5. How important promotion is - After I published my first few blog posts, I didn't realise that I actually needed to promote it across social media for it to be seen. I just thought people would come to you. But however wrong was I! Promotion is so key to driving traffic and building an audience that will keep returning. It's also the one I find to be the most time consuming, but works really well and is such an essential step.

6. That there are actually blogging events and meet ups - Again I really had no idea that blogging events and meet ups took place. But it does make sense since there is such a large community of people and it's always great to see such a supportive group of people coming together for one thing.

7. How competitive blogging can be - It's not always fun and games. It can be tough and competitive. Everyone wants to be successful and get their content seen. And sadly not everyone will be nice and supportive to you. But it's important to focus on what you want and enjoying blogging whilst being supportive and kind to people.

8. How I would not be able to stop thinking about blogging -  I'm sure I'm not the only who finds themselves thinking about blogging pretty much all the time. I'm always thinking about what posts need to be written, what photos I need to take and how I want them to look, future post ideas and plans, any promotion I need to do for posts or my social media channels. It's like a never ending cycle of blog related thoughts, something I never thought I would think so much about, but it's definitely a good thing as it means I'm always trying to be on my game.

9. The importance of finding a balance - Even though blogging is always on my mind, I think it is important to have a balance between your personal life and your online blogging world. Lately I think I've finally discovered my balance between the two which is something I never realised was important when I first started. It's always good to spend some time away from social media and the digital world.

10. The benefits to your confidence, skills, experience etc - I didn't realise how good blogging would be for you in so many different areas. It's given me confidence online and offline that I had lost dramatically. I''m proud to stand up and share my blog off to the world. It's given me so many different skills and improved the ones I already had. Blogging has also provided me with experience and an added additon to take with me throughout my career in whatever that may be.

Before I go, I just wanted to say a big thank you to anyone who has ever read my blog, shared my posts, commented or followed me on any social media channels. I really do appreciate it and it means so much. Blogging has definitely helped me through so much and I've met so many lovely people from doing it. So a big thank you to you guys :) here's to another two years!!!!