You know what? I’ve been struggling lately. Struggling for some sort of direction. On my blog, in my life…but I think that it’s all intertwined. I’ve been wondering and thinking and really, really contemplating “where is this blog going?”…and I haven’t come up with an answer. Then I thought to myself…”Does it really HAVE to go anywhere?” Well, I guess not. The thing is though…that I’m having the same sort of “chaos” in my life right now. I’m having a tug-of-war with myself!
Do I want to be a “mommy-blogger”?
Do I want to be a “Christian-blogger”?
Do I want to be a “Housewife who blogs about homelife”?
Do I want to be that woman who has house clean & dinner on the table at 6?
Do I want to be the “fun mom”?
Do I want to be the “mom who has it all together”?
Do I just want to be “real”?
The thing is…I want to be all of these things…and in real life and on my blog…it’s a bit confusing. I think that’s why my blog is the way it is. It reflects how I’m feeling….confused….eclectic…and a bit of a pack-rat who isn’t willing to let go of some things. I’m scared that if I narrow my blog (and my life) down to just one thing…that I’ll miss out on something else! So I’m warning you….I’m feeling like I want something more. For myself. For my life….and for my blog. Blogging has helped me grow so much these past few months…and I want to do justice to my blog in return. What does this mean exactly? Well….I’m not sure. So stay tuned…and please bear with me as I figure it out. I kind of like the “eclectic-ness” of it all…but then again….I don’t. I think it’s causing disorganization in my life and here. In the new year I really want to change some things about myself…and that may or may not mean changes here. I hope y’all will understand and stay here with me!
What do you think? Do I need to narrow it down to a “niche”? Is being eclectic better? Is it confusing? HELP PEOPLE!! SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!! (Or…again….is that the problem?!)
Photo courtesy of The Axxis Blog
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Kristin! I'm so excited to know about YOUR blog too. Lots of great stuff to peruse. To give my 2 cents about your current struggle…as tempting as it is to be eclectic, you will find more clarity, peace, and very devoted readers if you embrace your most passionate niche of expertise. It is so scary to narrow down, but it is amazing how much more clear you become about who you are, what you're about, what you value, and what part of yourself you want to share with the world that will truly be of service. Thanks so much for reading noblemother!! =)
Hmm. I think you need to do what's going to make you feel at peace. I know that's not a very "definite" answer. There's nothing wrogng with eclectic…and nothing wrong with more of a focused topic.
For me it helps to look at who my audience is, and who I want it to be. I have readers from different belief systems, and I like it that way. So I try to be careful that I don't blog as if I'm assuming all my readers are Christians. On the other hand, I want my blog to reflect me, so there are times that I blog about faith though I try not to make it "in your face."
My dad, on the other hand, is a pastor and his blog is specifically written from that point of view. So while not all his readers are Christians, they certainly can't claim to be surprised that he frequently talks about faith, church, & God.
This is sort of rambly but maybe it'll help a little (and maybe not!)
Just be you. What makes you happy. I learned a long time ago you can't make everyone happy so why even try. Just speaking for me, but I don't enjoy reading blogs that seem fake. As you can see I read yours so it doesn't fall into that catergory. lol I enjoy blogs that make you feel like if you ran into them in Wal-mart they would be the same person they are on their blog. Don't portray perfect because none of us are. When I seriously look at your blog name I think of family, and God. Your heart is full of the blessings and joy He gives you each day. Your house is full of fun, but yet chaos at times as all of ours are. Merry Christmas!!!
I am 42. I spent most of my younger "mommy" years trying to be everything to everybody. I've learned to be myself and do the best I can. Eclectic is good. If that's who you are. My best advice? Pray, trust God, and He will guide you to the perfect path. He has ALL things in control and you don't have to worry about the future. Seek His will and you will be fine. Merry Christmas!
My blog is a mixed bag type of thing because I personally can't figure out where I want to go with everything and I don't want to have more then one blog. The most important thing is that your happy. If you write a little bit about everything that is ok. If you find your Niche that's ok too! Do what your heart tells you.
I'm with you on eclectic. I feel like my blog is a smorgasbord sometimes. But I think that's ok!
I understand! No advice, just hugs as you figure it all out. I'm having very similar blog/life questions right now.
Lisa @
All That and a Box of Rocks
I like the blogs that have a niche, but there are those of us who don't have a niche and like that too. I feel like if I have a niche I'm blocked in and have to stick to that subject so, I say "go nicheless".
I say do both. Find a niche or a few of them. I think you've already hit on some of them, right? You could devote a day for each thing and even though you are eclectic you would show your niche of each thing.
Maybe one day you can narrow it down, or you could expand each thing into its own site or blog. Who knows what it will turn out to be.
I say pray and see where God leads you. I think being an eclectic Christian Mommy is a great start
I totally understand what you're feeling because I am there too. I will just share with you what I have decided for my own blog….Just post as God leads you. Be it fun, serious, informative..whatever..just do it as He wants. I'm struggling with letting go of feeling like I need to have something on there everyday, but honestly, there are just some days that I have nothing to post nor the time to do it.
You have a wonderful blog my friend, keep up the good work!!
HUGS!!
Deb
Well I never worry about where my blog is going or whether or not I want it to be about just one thing. I am not about just one thing. I am all of the things you mentioned. On days I feel like talking about my faith I do. When I want to talk about being a mom I do and so on. I try to be as real as possible. I have always been what you see is what you get kind of person. All of my friends and family will tell you that I am who I am – matching my blog too! So like the others I am just going to say be yourself. It is so hard to try to be something you are not – so just be you!! Oh and I wanted to wish you and your family Merry Christmas!!!
My bag is a mix mash and thats ok
I personally find more enjoyment out of reading blogs that change things up a bit and are a hodge podge of different topics. Plus like you said the blog is for YOU not everyone else. I had this dilemma to and what I ended up doing was revamping the design of my blog and placing categories in which to sort my entries that way I can blog eclectically but in an organized sophisticated manner. You might want to think about this, it sounds like you may want to consider moving over to a self-hosted Wordpress.
~Tellie