Life Lessons I’ve Learned Through Blogging
At first glance, blogging seems effortless and straightforward, doesn’t it?
I began my journey into blogging at the age of 15. Back then, blogs served primarily as online diaries where one could share daily experiences. However, this current blog is light-years away from my early attempts. Managing it has opened doors to incredible experiences and introduced me to remarkable individuals. Yet, it has also been a landscape filled with self-doubt, criticism, and anxiety.
Honestly, I can’t even recall what life was like before blogging. It has evolved into much more than simply sharing my favorite foundation or lipstick shade. It has become an integral part of my existence, a genuine outlet for my creativity, and a powerful tool for self-discovery.
Here are some profound life lessons I’ve gathered through my blogging experience.
DON’T EVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF
Three years ago, a clothing brand reached out to me. Although my follower count wasn’t large, I was modestly successful in terms of traffic. It felt fantastic to receive recognition from a well-known brand. They wanted me to create a post featuring them—at no cost. To my disappointment, they weren’t willing to send any products, citing “we don’t have an established relationship.” How could I promote something I hadn’t even tried? I felt this was illogical—why should I provide them with free exposure?
After some contemplation, I replied that I appreciated their interest but could not write about a brand whose products I hadn’t tested. I thanked them for the opportunity, and that was the end of it.
This was the first time I ever said “no” to a PR offer—if you can even call it that. The next day, I received a response that read, “LOL you’re funny! You only have 30 Twitter followers; do you really believe you’re in a position to negotiate?” That response was both unprofessional and disheartening.
Upon reflection, I realized that if I didn’t match their criteria, why would they reach out to me? Clearly, something about my blog caught their attention; otherwise, they wouldn’t have contacted me. This revelation taught me a valuable lesson: never underestimate your worth. Always recognize your value and don’t allow others to diminish your passion. I’ve invested significantly in this blog—using high-quality equipment—and creating content requires a great deal of time, particularly as I balance it with a full-time job. I prioritize quality and authenticity in my work. While I love collaborating with fantastic brands, I refuse to write an article on a product I haven’t experienced personally, especially in exchange for something trivial.
For me, blogging goes beyond acquiring freebies or partnering only with brands willing to pay for sponsorships. It’s about authenticity. I refuse to write about products I don’t believe in or wouldn’t use myself. That’s why I turn down around 80% of offers. Sometimes, saying “no” to adequate opportunities opens the door to even better ones.
TRYING NEW THINGS CAN BE FUN
Pushing your boundaries and doing things that frighten you can lead to substantial growth. I used to dread writing about personal challenges or offering advice. However, stepping out of my comfort zone turned out to be one of the best decisions I made for my blog. Had I not mustered the courage to embrace new experiences, I would have missed out on remarkable opportunities.
I’ve never been particularly good at forming new friendships, and networking always felt dreadfully uncomfortable. Blogging has allowed me to develop these skills at my own pace, fostering personal and professional relationships in the process.
IT’S OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES
I used to be terrified of making mistakes. I am the type who tends to criticize myself harshly. Gradually, I’m learning to let go of that mindset. As a non-native English speaker, I often grappled with self-doubt about my writing. Every time I spotted a grammatical error or a typo in a published post, I would experience a surge of anxiety. It was irrational, yet it consumed me until I corrected the mistakes.
Mistakes are essential for learning. Whether it’s partnering with a brand that doesn’t resonate with me, exploring atypical content, or focusing on the wrong aspects, blogging is a continuous learning process. With every experience, I’ve come to understand what suits me best, and that requires a few missteps along the way.
Do you find yourself being self-critical after an error? Such tendencies only exacerbate the issue. Challenge your perfectionism and embrace your mistakes. Consider the concept of wabi-sabi—a Japanese philosophy that appreciates the beauty in imperfection. This principle can extend far beyond art; making mistakes is part of what makes you authentic. So, when you err, don’t punish yourself. Acknowledge your mistakes, forgive yourself, and move forward.
YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR THAT PERFECT MOMENT TO COME
When I transitioned from my first blog to Thirteen Thoughts, I envisioned perfection—flawless images, an appealing layout, and exceptional content. I grew frustrated as I struggled with photography and blog design while feeling overwhelmed by WordPress. For a long time, I hesitated to publish anything, convincing myself to “wait until I master this camera” or “wait until I acquire studio lights.” However, I realized that the only path to improvement was to begin. Had I clung to my perfectionist tendencies, I would have overlooked discovering a passion that now brings me immense joy.
The perfect moment never arrives if you keep waiting. Trust me; many spend a lifetime in anticipation. I frequently hear people say, “I can’t wait for a better job,” “I’ll be happy when I have a bigger house,” or “I’ll start when I’m ready.” You could easily spend your entire life deferring living.
My advice? Don’t wait. If there’s something you wish to pursue, start right away.
