Exploring the Shadows of Blogging

Exploring the Shadows of Blogging

This week, something unusual happened—I got really angry. I don’t often get mad at the world, but it hit me this time. It wasn’t one of those typical days where I’m just grappling to stay calm with my kids or trying to be more productive. This was different, and unfortunately, my husband had to listen to my frustrated rant.

What ticked me off wasn’t blogging itself—as I genuinely enjoy writing for my readers—but the whole blogging industry and the pressures that come with it behind the scenes. It’s about how bloggers sometimes feel the need to compromise, and that frustrates me because I pour my heart into every piece of content, making sure it’s top quality and personally meaningful.

There’s this perception that health bloggers are perfect. They’re thought to always cook gourmet meals, have exceptional style, and maintain perfect fitness. But truth is, that’s not the case all the time, at least not for me. Just like those well-curated social media pictures, bloggers often present an idealized version of themselves, potentially making others feel inadequate.

It’s important to me that no one visiting my blog feels they aren’t doing enough. I’m far from perfect myself; my home isn’t always tidy, and we’ve had hotdogs multiple times this week because work has been hectic. Sometimes, I opt for convenient meal solutions like Pete’s Paleo. I don’t make everything from scratch, especially when ready-made natural products are available.

There are moments when comments on my blog or social media bring me to tears. Despite trying my best, I’m not a perfect mom or person. My intention in blogging is to share helpful insights and support other moms without making them feel inadequate.

If you’ve ever felt you weren’t doing enough, trust me—you’re doing great. Embracing your imperfections is crucial because your family needs the real you, not some idealized version.

Recently, I’ve been bothered by certain things in the blogging world that seem to cross a line with readers. While I understand bloggers need to earn a living, turning the blog into impersonal or exploitative practices isn’t right for me. My readers aren’t just numbers on a list; you are a valued community and the heart of my work.

I’ve been blessed with a wonderful community through Wellness Mama—a sisterhood genuinely striving to make a positive impact. It irks me when bloggers disregard the importance of this relationship. Health blogging for me is about creating a better future for my children, not just making money or aspiring to celebrity status. My ultimate goal is to help millions, not make millions.

Passionate authenticity matters more than duplicating someone else’s content. Blogging for me is not just about sharing recipes or ideas but about genuinely caring and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Running Wellness Mama involves a lot of effort—from researching and writing quality posts to handling technical and logistical aspects. Sometimes, adding ads could help financially, but I avoid it because I dislike their intrusive nature. My focus is on maintaining quality and integrity.

I often struggle with feeling imperfect and inadequate despite the success of the blog. I want to make sure the community continues to thrive without losing sight of the genuine human connection we’ve built.

Looking back at 2014, it was a year of growth and challenges. I made mistakes by promoting things that didn’t align with my values, which took a toll on me personally. Yet, it was also a rewarding year, filled with wonderful connections and achievements.

Moving forward, I intend to embrace authenticity more, even if that means fewer posts. I want to ensure that the content remains helpful and true to who I really am. I need to stop worrying about perfection and let my true self be visible.

As I navigate the complexities of blogging, I would love to hear your thoughts on a few things:
1. What defines “selling out” for you? Would advertising change your view of WellnessMama.com?
2. How much of the real me do you want to see? More candid moments or a polished image?
3. Should I create more content like courses, or focus on recommending others?
4. What content would be most beneficial to you as I aim to help families lead healthier lives?

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