Four years of blogging. Four years! I spent as many years blogging as I did in high school. Crazy to think about this whole adventure, It has been one of the most consistent things in my life. I have learned so much from blogging that I thought I would share with you some of my biggest lessons learned:

1. Something done over time has a different impact than something done once. Over time it becomes a relationship and not just a meeting. Over time it has become like a child that I have participated in raising (my regular readers also help raise it), and some days it feels like it has its own personality. 

2. Don’t ever pretend that you know what someone else will like. Can I get an amen? Some of the most profound things I feel like I’ve ever written had no response, and something I felt was ridiculous caught on like wildfire. As a creator of content, my role is to create, not interpret success. 

3. Always write with your heart more than your head. Probably just true in life, people want more heart in the world. 

4. Ship it. This is a term I borrowed from Seth Godin. It doesn’t matter how great of a writer you are or aren’t if you don’t post it no one will ever read it.

5. It’s okay if no one ever reads it. Some of the most healing blogs I’ve ever written have never been read by anyone other than me. Sometimes writing is for me, and that’s okay too. 

6. Take breaks. Someone told me just yesterday that my writing has been better since my break last July. Taking breaks creates fresh ideas, and good for the soul. If you never take time to break it might just break you.

7. You are what you do. This one has been huge for me – realizing that there is no magical wand that turns someone into a writer. That what makes someone a writer is actually if they write. It may not be good, but it doesn’t change the fact that you did it. Lots of people let the fear of doing something stand in the way of actually becoming what they want. 

8. Rearrange the furniture. Look, this is the internet, people change stuff all the time. If you want to change the way something looks, then just change it! I love changing the format of the blog, I love changing pictures. About once a year I rearrange the furniture, and I do it just because I can. 

9. If you put it out there, be prepared when people respond. Wanna blog for a long time? Wanna get vulnerable? Better be prepared for people to say what’s on their mind. In that aspect this blog has made me a much better leader, thick skin is good for a soft soul. 

10. Love the process. I blog because I love the creative process of it. I agonize over it sometimes, but at the end of the day, this is how I get to express myself. If you don’t love the process, I’d recommend you stop. Love the process and four years will seem like an instant. 

Well, that’s my short list. I’m sure there’s more, but I’m good with ten. I’d love to hear which one these lessons resonates in your life the most. Check out my facebook page to continue the conversation. 

And, if you are a four-year reader or a first timer – thank you. Thank you for being on this journey with me, and giving me the privilege of sharing my heart with you!