Bloggers’ Bench with Drinda
Welcome to the Bloggers’ Bench
Let’s sit down on the bench next to Drinda and ask a few questions about her blog: www.loveandliveit.com
I am a wife and mother, graphic designer, and a blogger. I started my blog after a really long year full of a lot of difficulties. It was an outlet, somewhere for me to gather my thoughts. It soon became something I loved doing, something for me to help others struggling to find peace throughout it all, and strength knowing they weren’t alone.
I love writing to mothers to help them grow and feel empowered throughout their daily lives.
I started writing sparingly on this blog at the beginning of this year, but it became a heavy hobby this past summer, and it has become a big part of my life in the last few months.
2015 was quite difficult for me. I had a lot of things happen and I was exhausted in every way. I lost a baby to miscarriage. I was sick beyond belief with another pregnancy soon afterwards. I was being challenged in every venture I attempted. When it came down to the last few days of the year all I could do was reflect. I found myself yearning to write. And so I started my blog.
Though it took some time this year, It grew into more than just an outlet for me. I chose to write to mothers because it is a crucial part of my identity, and I know personally how difficult some of the things we go through are. I chose to write to mothers because I knew that the support I needed likely not unique to me. I wanted to be that support to others.
About six years back while I was in college I had another blog. I wrote to inspire others. I think it’s always been in my blood, the yearning to help others find joy. That blog didn’t last long because of how busy I got with school and life, but my current blog is just an evolution of what that previous blog used to be.
It really varies how much time I spend on my blog. Some weeks it’s 5 hours, others 15 or more.
The best thing about being a blogger is seeing others around you read it and feel something. It makes me realize that it is worth it.
Finding time to do everything that I am involved with in my life makes blogging almost a burden at times, and I get frustrated at myself for thinking that way. I would never consider stopping, but it does get exhausting making my blog such an investment emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Definitely! It is amazing to me how supportive they are. It isn’t about competition, it’s about helping each other. I love and respect other bloggers I’ve connected with so much. It’s been beautiful.
Until recently I really hadn’t mentioned it to others. The potential for judgement felt tangible. But it dawned on me that if I am ashamed or afraid, I will never get anywhere. So now I tell people all the time that I write.
Vividly. It was a paramount moment for me to put those words in writing, and give shape to what I had been feeling. It was a liberating moment, and one I will remember forever. My Fight with 2015
I wish someone would’ve told me that it is okay that it takes time to build up an audience. I get discouraged so easily, and I have to constantly remind myself that my work will have fruit. There are so many people that I see where it just clicks for them, or appears so. That’s the appearance we like to keep up. But I think it would have been wonderful to hear someone tell me, “It’s okay that it takes time. You’ll get there. We all experience this.”
Know there is support and love out there in the blogosphere. Find support groups, learn, and be open to new ideas. You will find your niche, you will find your voice. Just keep at it!
I am constantly dreaming and trying to think of what’s next, but as always I only have large shapes that aren’t fully formed yet. I just know that I want to keep growing, and keep helping other mothers out there. What that means, we’ll see!
You can find me over at :-
@DrindaGrace
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
I would just like to say a very big thank you to Drinda for giving us an insight in her blogging life, and we wish her lots of success for the future.
