June marks 5 years in this space of mine.

5 years since I decided to create a new blog, and join the blogging community. And what a ride those 5 years have been. I’ve seen so many changes to the way blogging “works” — the beginning of influencers using Instagram as a marketing tool, the introduction of Instastories, affiliate marketing taking off, the end of regular link-ups and group giveaways and follow for follow threads. The blogging scene has changed so much.

I’ve learned so much in the past 5 years — about blogging and marketing and social media and graphic design and coding, for starters. But I’ve also learned so much about me, as a person. I started this blog when my first child was not quite 3 months old, and since then I’ve added two more children to the mix, moved across the state, started and closed a few MLM businesses, and just become more comfortable with and aware of who I am.

Just as I’ve changed, my blog has changed. I started this blog when I had a tiny baby, who slept a lot, and left me with time to fill. Now I have 3 children at home, and play dates, school, appointments, cleaning my home, feeding us all, and grocery shopping take up all of my time – and more! I no longer have lazy mornings and afternoon naptime to spend creating and researching and writing. All posts take time to create and publish, and sponsored posts take at least double the time, and triple the stress. I still dabble in sponsored posts here and there (both here and on Instagram) but stepping away from them was one of the best things I could have done for my family and my mental health.

I don’t feel called to be a blogger and influencer as it were, so it’s not something I chase after much, any more. I still will partner with brands I love if I’m able, but I’m not constantly stressing over winning campaign bids and deadlines. And it’s so nice. A little sad, because I did love it, but also, it’s so right for me.

Choosing to start this blog was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It helped me through my first few years as a mom, it’s taught me a lot about a variety of topics, and I’ve gained friends across the country. I’m grateful for every minute of it.

Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, thanks for being here. Thanks for following along. Thanks for caring about what I have to say.