Anniversary – What I’ve Learned and Goals for the Future
It’s an anniversary people – my blog anniversary to be exact!
Happy Anniversary | The Daiquiri Diaries
Y’all – the blog is officially a year old! Can you believe it?!
A year ago I had silver hair and I can still remember the back and forth decision to start this journey, worrying how I was going to find the time between my already packed schedule but knew it was kind of a now or never moment.Ā and I’m so glad I did.
Blogging has been an adventure of (mostly) self taught lessons filled with so many new cultivated relationships and shockingly minimal tears. I have surprised myself with the success and traction the blog has gained over the course of a year and am super eager to see what’s in store in the next year to come. I told myself this would be a fun project to document my undying love of fashion, chronicle the quirks of my personality and daily encounters, and passion for bringing a little light and warmth to those around me. While all of that is still very much the soul of this blog, it has also become a business which is both an accomplishment and another addition to my schedule, which in turn inspires me to be more, do more, and grow more!
So you’re probably saying okay – where’s the good stuff, I’m looking for advice lady! While I’m definitely no expert and am continuously learning each and every day, I have discovered some bits of advice I think are key in this last year and moving forward, so here goes.
Find your Voice
When I went to the BlogHer conference in Orlando a few weeks ago (which I have mixed feelings about) there was one bit of advice in the keynote sessions I found particularly noteworthy –Ā find your voice. What does that mean exactly? Find what is going to make you noteworthy in a sea of zillions of bloggers, which seems to be growing by the minute, like dividing cells. I started my Wednesday Wellness series as part of my blog’s unique edge – catch the last series here. Discover your unique contribution and run with it!
You’re like, really pretty
There’s zero room for Regina George in my world. I have a zero tolerance policy for bullies and mean girls, or mean people in general. Did you know I had a fellow Dallas blogger send me a nasty message on Insta because she thought I followed and unfollowed her, and then called me pathetic? The message was so shocking to me, especially from a local blogger who might happen to run into me at a function one day, I didn’t know how to respond. Instead of returning the nasty, I simply left it alone. Sadly, the blogging world can be competitive, cliquish, and cold. But on the flip side, I’ve met some amazing bloggers and just want to emphasize the importance of being kind – no matter the size of someone’s following or affiliations. It’s not a competition, it’s a community. And this applies to life in general guys, it costs nothing to be nice.
Plan Ahead
So this part I’m still working on. Planning out my posts and content calendar is a goal I have moving forward into this next blog year. While the beginning of the blog was definitely me getting a grip on things and a feel for blogging in general, the last month or two has been much more scripted I’d say. My life has been so hectic in the past year, changes have unfolded I would have never planned or expected. In the last couple of months, I left my career in transplant to unwind mentally and fully commit to my doctorate, or at least that’s what I thought. Now an opportunity has presented itself literally out of the blue. Funny how God shows His hand when you’re not looking isn’t it? I’ve honestly been struggling with the plan for my future and what I’m meant to do with my doctorate, how I’m supposed to fulfill God’s plan for me.. and then He answers me. If I say yes, which I think I’m inclined to do, this will be something entirely unlike the hospital setting – still healthcare related but different. So- planning ahead will be all the more necessary with a full time job, full time school, and a full time blog. Whew!
Sharing is Caring
Some might say I overshare (largely) on here but I believe in the beauty and power of being wonderfully flawed. So many of us fight battles every day, personal and intimate battles no one else may even know about. Sacred secrets perhaps that gnaw on you or seemingly drag on your soul. It is so important to me for you all to know I am just as f’ed up and nuts (probably worse) as anyone else out there, and we’re all humans trying to live and figure out life together. Instagram and social media do a beautiful job at prettying up an ideal life, but Snapchat and instastories will show you me in my sweat pants with ratty hair and no makeup.. possibly having a tantrum. Believe in your flaws and love them to bits, because I sure do.
Moving Forward
Now here’s where I want to hear from you: what do you guys want to see more of/less of/newness? Looking for some fresh ideas to add to the blog and I always welcome your input! Ā But more than anything, I just want to say thank you to all of my readers, supporters and fan club. Your love, kindness, and support has guided me throughout this journey thus far and convinced me this blog is more than some silly little side project! It truly is humbling to know people you’ve never met actually care enough to read and continue to read your nonsense and follow your social media channels. You all rock in my book and I truly am grateful!
photos by Megan Weaver
Woah, these pictures are absolutely stunning! Such good little nuggets of advice, too. I love the “you’re like really pretty”. Tell that to myself everyday š
Lovely outfit. Yeah..the blogging world can be pretty vicious. It’s amazing how many people worry about what others are doing instead of just doing their thing. I wish you continued success and just keep on being you. š
Dress? Perfect. Shoes? Perfect!
That dress is so perfect!
This post couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time! Congratulations on making it this far! Your celebration outfit is gorgeous and I especially like the peekaboo bow and your earrings. I’ve just published my second blog post today. Currently, I think I am comfortable with publishing a new blog post once a month but who knows as I get more comfortable writing I just may up the ante.
Wow this is a wonderul post. I’m still developing my voice as of now. ai blog over at http:/:thewiselark.karlacruzado.com and I’d really want my personality to show on my posts. So I’m still trying to think of ways how to show it. Congratulations on your blogiversary! I’m looking for more bloggers like you who can give advice without losing their personality in their posts. Thank you very much for this! š
Happy Blogiversary! I also just came up on my one year anniversary š
PS I love these photos. You look gorgeous!
This is such an inspiring thing to read. I had just started my website two days ago and now I’m super excited to see what’s to come. Congratulations again, I hope to see you grow more and more. š
All the pictures are gorgeous. Congratulations and thank you for sharing what you have learned.
Oh my goodness you look so pretty! Your outfit is perfect and those earrings are amazing!
I don’t even know where to start. One, the pink outfit?!! I am screaming. I want it. Two, congrats on your anniversary! Three, I am a Dallas blogger too! Let’s go get drinks one day and chat about blogging. We have to rectify the mistake from the other local blogger. Keep it up.
Courtney- totally down! I would so love that!!
Happy Anniversary! What great tips! The best advice I’ve ever received was, “You do you!” and it rings true!
Congrats on one year! I definitely agree with you that planning ahead makes such a huge difference when it comes to blogging. Lovely pictures, lady! š
Happy Anniversary!! My first one is coming up in two weeks! Great time to reflect for sure. Congrats!
Congratulations on a year! Your hair and makeup are on point in those photos.
Great post! Love the shoes and dress babe!! Xo, Kristi
http://www.likesofablonde.com
Thank you Kristi! š
That’s awesome, congrats! The blogging journey can be a stressful one but, it’s certainly very rewarding!
Birdie Shoots
Great post! You look really beautiful—inside and out! š I would love to see more posts on Travel. I really like to see different places and what they have to offer. And yes, it is soo important to be kind. Cyberbullying is a real problem, and we need to be loving and gracious to everyone in order to combat this problem.
You look amazing! Congrats!
Wowza! You look amazing. I love this dress so much and your makeup looks perfect
Great post!! Awesome pictures. I love the dress. And I just started blogging this year so I’m always looking for tips and tricks from more seasoned bloggers. Good stuff.
Kate
http://Www.mwdgaf.com
Happy 1 year Anniversary!! I love how honest this post is!!! I’ve only been blogging for about 5 months, but I can relate to so many things that you speak about in this post . I love the way you write and your pictures are beautiful!! Thank you for the tips! I will definitely keep them in mind going forward in my own blogging journey!!
Congratulations on your anniversary! I love your outfit, it look great on you. Thanks for sharing.
Happy one year! Thank you so much for your thoughts. I’m just staring out so I have a lot to learn yet. On another note that dress is EVERYTHING! So adorable and super cute pics!
Ok your dress is absolutely gorgeous!! I love it on you! Also totally agree, just ignore the rude comments, so not worth anyones time.
Congrats on all the success your blog has had in a year! Thank you for the encouraging words. And I agree – the planning ahead for post content is hard. A goal I have for myself too.
I love your blog and the pictures in this post are stunning! Thanks for keeping it real and showing your true colors (as well as bringing a pop of color with those fun balloons!
Congrats on the year anniversary! Sucha beautiful post && outfit! Keep going strong!