Whether we blog as a hobby, or blog to become rich and famous, we all had a life before the blog.

Until Davina Haisell of Shades of Crimson mentioned it, I had forgotten what I did with my time before I started blogging.

Today’s Lesson

I remember spending a lot of time on the computer, but it was what I’d call “unproductive”. I played Spider Solitaire, manipulated photographs, searched Google for random articles of interest, clicked on links and ended up deep into the dark hole we call cyberspace.

When I look back, I realize I wasted a lot of time. Time I’ll never get back.

But that’s the past.

Now I blog.

Even though some say blogging is a waste of time, I don’t see it that way. With blogging we’re able to create an online personality, share that which we’ve experienced in life, make new friends, learn from others who have “been there” and practice our writing skills.

With blogging we can showcase our talents, advertise our wares, create a business and in the process build a foundation from with we can grow.

I see blogging as an activity which has endless possibilities.

Starting a blog is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. It’s brought more joy into my life than I could have ever imagined.

For me, it’s truly a blessing.

How about you?

Today’s Assignment

How did you spend your free time prior to blogging?

Was starting a blog a good decision?

Care to share?

Remember when you first decided you wanted a blog?

Remember:

1. Picking the name?
2. Deciding on a blogging platform?
3. Finding just the right theme?
4. Deciding what to blog about?
5. Hitting the “publish” button the first timet?
6. Seeing the first sign of traffic to your blog?
7. Receiving your first comment?
8. Leaving your first comment?
9. Making your first dollar (or pennies); if you monetize your blog?

Starting a blog incorporates lots of decisions, and often a vision of what we want our blog to become.

Today’s Lesson

I had a vision for my blog.

My dreams were BIG.

I saw thousands of visitors coming to visit me each day.  I also saw myself making enough money with blogging I could quit my job.

I KNEW where I was going.

But,
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It didn’t work out that way.

You see, the vision I had was for my first blog, Observation Mountain.

This blog was just a lil ‘ole online journal where I was sharing what I learned as I blogged. I had no vision for it, whatsoever.

For months I published on both blogs. Traffic slowly grew on each one, but soon this blog was where I was spending most of my time. Readers began commenting, I began reciprocating, and it was then I got my first taste of the “community” we find in blogosphere.

When I found that, financial gains didn’t matter quite so much. Instead, this blog was leading me in the direction of “teaching” blogging in an unconventional way.

Being an analytical person, I question things, and sometimes wrongly, assume others do, too. It was my questioning, and your comments which become the premise for the lessons and assignments.

I know I don’t have all the answers, but between all of us, we can find that which works best for each of us.

Blogs seem to have a mind of their own. As much as we think we know where they should go, if we listen carefully, they may guide us in new directions.

I didn’t know here is where I would land, but you can bet, I’m awfully happy I did, and I thank all of you for coming along for the ride.

Today’s Assignment

Has your blog taken you on an unexpected journey?

Is blogging all you thought it would be? Is it more? Or less?

If you’re new to blogging, what’s your vision?

Raise you hand and share. I’d love to hear your story.

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P.S. One of the first bloggers I met was Catherine Lawson, writer and entrepreneur. She recently returned to blogging after being on hiatus. I missed her words of wisdom and am thrilled she’s blogging again. Welcome back, Cath.

I like to go down memory lane as it reminds me of where the journey of life has taken me.

Sometimes I’ll recall my childhood days. Other times, challenges I conquered. And today, it takes me to my why I started blogging.

Today’s Lesson

Although it was nearly three years ago, I can remember my first days of blogging like it was yesterday.

The excitement of publishing online. The challenge of learning something new. The thrill of having a platform from which I could share. The hope of helping others. The nervousness of wondering how my words would be construed. The anticipation of my first comment. And the dream of where blogging might take me.

I’m reminded I’m not alone.

Many new bloggers go through the same emotions as they embark on the blogging journey.

Although we can’t change the past, nor erase mistakes we made, I do think the knowledge we’ve gained can benefit others who are new to the world of blogging and who may be uncertain as to what to expect.

With that said, today’s lesson is about sharing what we’ve learned and mentoring to those who are new to blogging.

I’ll go first.

Although I realize it’s often our mistakes that can teach us the most, one of the things I learned is, there is no one right way to blog. Our blog is what WE make it and trying to make it a cookie cutter copy of what someone else is doing only takes away from our authenticity.

To a new blogger, I would say, “Follow your heart, be true to yourself, speak from your soul and proudly showcase your individuality”.

Now it’s your turn.

Today’s Assignment

If a new blogger chose you as their mentor and asked for your best blogging advice, what would you tell them?

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