So, of course I want to have tons of followers. I want to be hip. I want to be cool. I want people to rush to get out of bed to read my blog. Don’t we all haha? But honestly, what I long for more, is relationships with other writers and true engagement. And I write on here because I have innate need to express myself. But time. Elusive time. I just don’t have a lot of it!

There are oodles and oodles of how to articles on getting more followers on social media or how to make it as a top blogger. I’m kind of sick of reading them, because after a while it’s like- blah blah blah. I’m not saying they can’t be useful, because some are. And, there are MANY awesome writers who have done some amazing things with their blogs by following certain steps or formulas.

But honestly, I don’t think I’m that disciplined with writing nor do I want to be. To an extent anyway. I have my little family and my workout regimen and hopefully my spiritual regimen is going to take shape soon. I think writing often is great. I want to do it more, but I want it to be fun not drudgery. I would write all of the time if I could. But, I Am Very Busy!

I’m not saying people who write a bunch don’t have a life. As for me, I personally have to squeeze time in for writing because I have so many other parts of my daily life. It doesn’t make me less of a writer, it just means that I choose to (or have to) balance priorities and writing cannot always be at the top. Even though it is super important to me, my relationships are always gonna be first.

And the fact that I’ve been a single mom for almost a decade, putting food on the table has had to be a huge priority. Keeping the lights on and providing well for my child so that she can be successful is always on my mind. If I was well off, then I could dedicate more time and be more effective as a writer. Hence, more time to write would mean my blog would probably be on point and all the rage :).

There are two underlying factors that I think many successful bloggers have going on. This is not meant to be critical in nature, it is just a real look as to why some people are able to soar as quickly as they have. Some people have just taken off with their blogs because they’re extremely talented, but many times it is because of these reasons: (2 factors are within)

1. They don’t have a job

2. They are independently wealthy

3. They have a lot of time on their hands

4. They work intensely on social media

5. They develop real relationships with other writers

These 5 items are related two things- time or finances. These writers either don’t have to worry about when they will write or how they are going to survive, or both. Having added stressors in your life can really affect what you can accomplish. So if you can’t post constantly or devote hours upon to your social media, then you are among many other people in the same boat.

Of course, there are super heroes among us who can work 60 hours a week and become successful writers or artists and they have six children and they’re just superhuman. Most people just aren’t this together. I know I am not. I can’t even find time sometimes to comment on the wonderful blogs I read, but I do like them as often as I can. We all just have to take it easy on ourselves and always do our best which may not be the same as what others can accomplish.

I wrote this post to keep others from feeling discouraged when nor being able to write on schedule or if your blog is not coming along as successfully as you’d hoped. Keep pushing on doing your thing. Give credit where it is due for amazing artists, but do the same thing for yourself. You rock too! I sometimes see what people drive or how thin they are and how much money they have and I just get really upset about and wish that I had those things. Right now, I don’t have it going on, at least in my eyes. but I keep working towards my goals.

A bunch of us will never make it as full time writers and some of us don’t care to be. Blogging can be cathartic or just for fun and that is okay too. I am just trying to encourage myself and other people who desire to grow through this process, to not feel like you are lacking if you can’t or don’t master the steps of the influencers. I am sure you have heard of the saying-

“Jack of all trades. Master of None.”

I don’t think this is totally true. When you have a lot going on in your life, it is hard to really hone your God-given gift(s). But it doesn’t mean you can’t do well. People will also say that if it’s important to you, you’ll make time for it. And I concede. But even 10 minutes a day dedicated to doing what you love, no matter what it is, is still time. There is no magic number or recipe. Your path is different and when life allows you can fully go for the gusto!

Fight the good fight. Do what you can. Maybe one day you will be the one with buttloads of followers. But if you are, don’t forget to include all of the reasons that you have arrived. We as educated readers are tired of the fluff answers. And everyone is different!

~simply

Dee