Thursday, October 11, 2012

BLWB's First Birthday

That's right...one year since my very first post! (Okay, actually, it turns out the blog birthday was October 9, but I guess we're celebrating today because I thought it was the 11th. I'm a superstar.)

Knowing that this post was approaching, I've been thinking about it a lot. And now, of course, what do I say?

First of all, and perhaps most obviously, blogging has changed my daily life. I usually post once per day, and an average post takes about 60 minutes, including uploading photos, linking to previous posts and/or other bloggers' posts, and writing. This time also affects my time with my husband, and I am so thankful for his support. Terry really encouraged me to start the blog in the first place, so I'm particularly grateful that he helped me find something I am so passionate about.


Blogging about healthy living has helped me live a healthier life. I feel compelled to be honest when I write, which encourages me to eat healthy foods, indulge only occasionally, exercise frequently, and learn as much as I can about health.

Blogging has thickened my skin a bit. As a high school teacher, I already feel that I can handle a lot of negative comments. (Earlier this week, a student said, "You went to UCLA? And you became a teacher? Why didn't you become a doctor or something?") But blogging is much more personal than teaching, because everything I write here reflects my opinions, my lifestyle, and my personality. Any criticism I have received has motivated me to reflect, made me stronger as a writer, and helped me to stand even more firmly behind BLWB.


The question I receive most often: "How do you fit it all in?" Teaching, blogging, cooking, working out, traveling, spending time with my husband, visiting friends and family (please don't assume that this list in any way suggests the order of my priorities)...it certainly does add up. But I think we all find ways to fit in the stuff that's important to us. Some days (okay, most days) are more hectic and less calm than I'd like, but the things in my life make me happy and I am unwilling to cut anything out. So I guess my answer is I just do it. I don't always do everything perfectly, and I wish I had more time to do it all, but it works for now.

A Year of Posts
Inspired by other bloggers' recaps of their first years blogging, I tried to find my favorite posts (and yours!) to share with you.

My Very First Post:
Random Favorite Posts:
My Most-Read Post
Most Fun to Write
Posts that Make Me Proud
As a gift to you for reading, I'll actually be hosting a giveaway very soon, so stay tuned. Also, I finally updated the workouts on my FITness page!

Apparently I feel I deserve a medal for that 

Thank you for reading. I blog because I love it, but your comments and support mean the world to me. To my silent readers, I thank you for reading along---here's a big hug!

Special thanks to my family and best friends who have been reading all along and encouraging me. And of course, to my husband, the whole reason this thing started: I love you and thank you for everything. 

9 comments:

  1. i love this post! i'm so proud of you for staying so committed to your blog, because i definitely feel you on being so busy. i'm glad you have because i love reading your blog everyday! since i haven't read it for that long i'm excited to find some time this weekend to go through your favorite posts. i love recap posts like this :) happy blogiversary!

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    1. Thanks so much, Molly! I'm glad you found me too and that I have a new blog on my everyday list too! :-)

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  2. Aw man congrats! I love reading how blogging has changed them and see the progression of their posts. I am so glad I found your blog.

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  3. happy bloggy birthday, julie!!! blwb has quickly become one of my favorite blogs - i always look forward to reading your posts! :)

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