Every now and then I feel compelled to draft a personal blog entry with some of my thoughts on what is going on in my life. I have always enjoyed journalling however there is something unique about this online forum that allows you to maintain something beautiful and aesthetically pleasing while also the risk damage and waste (which is a potential risk with a physical journal).
As I am writing this we are approaching the end of 2023 and naturally I am doing an internal audit of what I’ve accomplished this year both professionally and personally. I am also contemplating what I’d like to focus my time and energy on in 2024 and how I plan on doing that.
2023 was somewhat of a blur however for my blog, I feel as though it was a true struggle being consistent and writing entries that I found meaningful and, more importantly, enjoyable to write. I am trying to get back into this world of blogging that I have spent so much time in during the pandemic. I’d like to make a more consistent effort to make posts that are both interesting, helpful and informative.
My biggest issue with blogging is that it is usually a means to an end. A way to escape the regular and mundane stresses of our jobs with hopes and dreams of potentially being able to leave the corporate world and collect PR while making videos and funding our lavish lifestyle with our affiliate link cheques and paid partnerships. In reality – I’m just a working girlie trying to make it in my field however I truly do enjoy blogging in itself. I love being able to share things I truly enjoy: home decor, money information, styling tips. I also read and follow tons of influencers and admire their ability to create content (bonus points for those that work a full time job outside of their content).
As someone who is very aware of the issues with the new influencer world we live in, I am am often faced with the conflict of working towards making my blog profitable or just try trying to garner engagement and foster a community of like-minded women who love to fellowship over common interests. Most days I prioritize the latter however I’d be lying if I said I am not often distracted by these full time content creators that are bombarded with paid sponsorship agreements and free PR product.
It is for this reason I generally try and stay away from affiliate links. At the same time I totally understand the desire to read blog posts and have the product ready available for purchase with a simple click of a button. I want to discourage this habit and encourage my readers to really take that extra effort in searching out the product and buying it through a means that they wish. It’s important to be mindful when spending and consuming traditional “lifestyle blog” content.
This leads to my last writing point about no-buys. This year I want to focus on planning my purchases more carefully especially when it comes to my closet. I find that I often will feel down or stressed whether it be from work or other personal life stressors and that negative feeling will trigger me to go on a binge shopping spree which I often regret. I think in terms of spending I will try planning my purchases and focus on buying unique items or upgradings well used pieces in my closet.
Personally, 2024 will also going to be the year of increased in-office days so that will mean getting to use my wardrobe more. I’ll have more of an opportunity to be creative with my looks. However with this also means increased expenses when it comes to opportunities to potentially buy lunch, hit the mall and pay for things involved with getting to work (tolls, gas, increased makeup use, parking, etc). I am curious as to how my spending categories and amounts will change this year given the frequency at which I am required to attend the office.
My goal is to write at least one of these “thought dump” posts a month somewhat of a “hot takes” diary of sorts. It would be great to look back on the year and read about what was on my mind that month and a great way to make this blog a bit more personal.
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