What Blogging Has Taught Me

What blogging has taught me. Eleven years into my blogging experience I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned. Some have been bonks on the head, others have seeped into my consciousness, like a lovely scent. Today I want to jot down some of the lessons, before they slip away. They do that more and more, you know.

Blogging for over a decade has taught me:

  • Innumerable computing skills, including how to use WordPress, Instagram, Pinterest, photo-editing, Blogger quirks and video edits. I’m young again!
  • Better composition skills. I have always been an adequate writer, and often got drafted for writing projects at work. But blogging, this kind of personal writing, called on another part of me – how to disclose, entertain (one hopes), and make contact with a larger audience through electronics alone.
  • Not to take criticism too personally. OK, I knew this before; you can’t get to age 66 without being criticized a few thousand times! But from strangers, it stung/stings. I’m still working on this. Every reader is entitled to his/her view, and as one of my wise former patients once told me, “Not everyone is going to kiss your ass in this life.” Smart lady.
  • To be unafraid of change, risk, and adventure in style. It’s not surgery, it’s supposed to be fun. Don’t work too hard at it, throw something on and check it out. Take a freaking chance.(Thanks to George Carlin, who used a saltier word.) Let your flag fly.
Ten years ago: not my most winning fashion moment, but I was feeling it!
And a more flattering look, from five years ago.
In NYC a couple of months ago. Greatest city.
  • That we are all in this together. Best lesson of all. I was fearful of putting myself out there for the world to see, at age 56. Fashion and style are for the young beautiful bloggers who resemble the models of Vogue and Elle, I thought. So wrong: I found hundreds of “just like me” women, some my age cohort and many much younger, who are not models but beautiful all the same. We have got something to share and we’re Not Dead Yet.
  • That sometimes, no matter how rewarding an experience, blogging requires a break, a rest. It’s not that I’ve run out of things to write about – at least three topics cross my mind every day – but that now in retirement I have new, even unfamiliar goals. I’m reading and listening more, exploring new music. I’m going inside to work on the Important Things, and preparing for a long summer of travel.

This is probably not the end of my blogging adventure. Just an exciting bend in the road.

Any bends coming up in your roads? Good fortune and good thoughts to you all in your travels, and thanks for all the love.

Stay fabulous, xo

Wear what you love, always. Here are some goodies to browse:

 

Please be aware that links to vendors may be affiliate links. I may benefit from your purchases through the links on the blog. Header photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.

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patti

40 Comments

  1. Have fun on your travels! Your blog has really delighted me; you have the ability to write optimistically without ever coming off as cheesy or woo-woo. You’re welcome back at any time!

    • I couldn’t agree more with what you said. Blogging still brings me joy. I hope that you will give us more stories after your break.

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  3. Patti I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and you were one of my main influences to try it for myself, which I did around four years ago. I love your honesty, wit and style. I really enjoy writing my blog but I’m totally with you that sometimes a break is needed, and I don’t post every week, just when I’ve got something to share which may interest someone.

  4. First of all, congratulations on completing 11 years of your blog. I am glad to know that blogging has taught you so many positive things. Stay blessed!

  5. Thank you so much for your sharing. But I would like to tell you I love the third pictures in which you wear a scarf standing by a painting wall. It looks full of life and art. I’m so glad that I have found your blog today!

  6. I’ve just started blogging and I appreciate your insights from a decade of work. I’ll be digging through your archives. Cheers!

  7. I’ve been a reader for a long time (even if not always a commenter!) and totally enjoyed every post!. Love your style, your witty remarks and your attitude. So I’ll miss you. But you have to do whatever you feel!
    Love to read about blogging as a process, you nailed it, dear Patti!
    besos

  8. I think my list of what I learned from blogging would be very similar to yours. I miss being able to write longer pieces, as Instagram is not conducive to that, and I miss the more meaningful connections that were forged in our blogger community during that time when most of us started our blogs. Kudos to you for keeping it going. If you come back to it, great, but if not, know that there will be other creative outlets in the future.

  9. Enjoy your adventures! I have really enjoyed your blog-you have managed to write positively without resorting to being “woo-woo” or saccharine. You’re always welcome back!

  10. What a great retrospective! I have been one of your followers for a long time. I had been one of your Visible Mondays participants more than once. Fashion is so much fun. Me getting back to in office work means I get so see what others are wearing. Our outfits are constantly evolving.

  11. I love your blog. Could you just do pictures if you don’t want to write. Of your travels. I love NYC.
    I have given up on Instagram

  12. I love your blog! I will miss it terribly; you are always so positive and fun to read. I hope that whatever you do, you will be enjoying yourself! Thank you for everything.

  13. I will miss reading your blog. I don’t always comment but I usually read everything. Thank you for all the encouragement. And the reminders to do ME.

  14. As always, do what you gotta do, Patti. Thanks for the years of “Visible Mondays” – omg, those were awesome – and your inspiration and gentle nudging to be more ourselves. So glad I got to meet you in Van. Big hugs! S.

  15. Thank you for all your very wonderful beautifully presented, uplifting informative blog posts. I am aware preparing blog posts are very time demanding and am glad you are taking time to relax, travel, and enjoy life. I also am exploring new music and am looking forward to experiencing a Sound Bath as the concept sounds great. Hope you one day return to blogging as you bring such joy to all your followers.

  16. You are so amazing! I have totally connected with your way of thinking!

    Many thanks,
    Victoria

  17. The best quote! “Not everyone is going to kiss your ass in this life.” But hopefully the next! Cheers to wherever your journey is leading.

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