I did read a lot of other blogs. Craft blogs, mommy blogs, food blogs, you name it. I wanted to be cool like Pioneer Woman, post awesome craft tutorials or be able to review cool tech gadgets. I just didn't know how.
Until I met Justice Fergie. We're in the same moms group. She offered to drive to a girls night out and mentioned the former DC Metro Moms. The next thing I knew, I was blogging for the site.
Through DC Metro Moms, I met some awesome DC Metro bloggers. I felt like a fan girl. I was able to meet bloggers I had read and admired from afar: Jessica from A Parent In Silver Spring, Leticia from Techsavvymama, and others. Even though it was a while new world for me, I felt welcome. Everyone was so friendly and outgoing.
That didn't stop me from comparing my little blog to their "famous" blogs. My Inner Mean Girl was working her evil mojo. Their blogs had more readers, more comments. Their writing and subject matter was so much better and important than mine. They received tickets to fun events. They reviewed and hosted giveaways. I felt like a teeeny tiny fish in the big blogger pond.
What a vicious cycle it was. These thoughts would swirl in my head when I attended blogger meetups. I felt a little paralyzed. What do I talk to them about? How do I start conversations? Would I say something stupid?
The silly thing is, I had no reason to even feel this way. Everyone was friendly and willing to share what they did. It was all me. My Inner Mean Girl was insecure about my blog. She kept whispering in my ear.
What did I do?
As I got to know these women, I realized they're human just like me. I learned what made their blogs so amazing: PASSION. They were passionate about their blogs, whatever their subject was, and needed to share their passion. I asked lots of question. They shared their knowledge freely.
Then I realized a that each person definition of success is different. To be a successful blogger, I first had to define what my idea of success was. Once I discovered what my blogging passion was and combined that with my definition of success for my blog, I could write a game plan.
My game plan started to fall into place after I attended Blogalicious. Many thanks to my driving partner Urbanmama. She listened to my ideas and offered great feedback. That's when I decided to split my blog up. At this blog, I write about multiculturalism, parenting, and being a work at home mom. All my creative adventures such as crafts, food, and kid crafts are at Cup of Creativi-Tea.
Since then, I've approached other women whose blogs I admire. I got to know them as people first and let their blogs inspire me. Instead of comparing myself to others, I try to find what it is they do that I like and let that become a starting point of inspiration. That change in attitude has helped me come a long way.
Who do you find you compare yourself to?
This post was inspired by week two of the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse. Have you joined yet? It's free!I am participating in the Inner Mean Girl 40-day Cleanse as a Self-Love Ambassador. To thank me for my participation, I will receive a self-love gift from the founders of the Inner Mean Girl Reform School
