Be Brave And Keep Blogging

As I approach one year of writing this blog, I've been thinking a lot about changes.  A few cosmetic ones, aiming for a look that's more appealing and easier to navigate.  I changed the header a bit, re-did the fonts, and added popular posts to the sidebar.

I have been giving lots of thought to the name of my blog.  When C turned 20 earlier this month, Two Teens And Their Mama became kind of irrelevant. However, I've become fond of the name over the last year, so for now it's staying the same. Besides, he might technically be 20, but I'll probably still see him as a teenager until he moves out of the house.

I've been thinking the most about my content.  When I started a year ago I had a rough list of topics that interested me, although that list has been tweaked and changed as I've gone along.  Meeting other bloggers and doing link ups has challenged me to think outside the box and be more creative, which is the main reason that I do this.  To challenge myself creatively.  I love to write, I want to improve my writing, and the best way to get better is to keep writing.

But lately I've fallen prey to the blogger curse - comparing myself to others.  I was getting down about my writing style, the direction my blog is going, and my work-in-progress photography skills.  I was losing my way.

The thing that was giving me the most pause were my Wednesday fashion posts. My original intention was to show easy mom-style type outfits to maybe inspire someone to "get out of the sweats and into the style", because that's what I put on every day.  When I worked outside the home, I enjoyed wearing dresses and skirts and beautiful shoes.  It was actually a requirement, because I was employed in the fashion industry.  But there's not much point when I spend most of my time in a home office with my husband for company.

For a while I considered stopping my weekly outfit posts.  I wouldn't quit writing about fashion, since that's a love and interest of mine, but maybe I didn't want to include myself in the picture.

But over the weekend I was reading some older posts on Pam Lutrell's blog Over50Feeling40. I get so much inspiration from Pam, and I hope my blog can be similar to hers when it grows up!  Her header reads, "Encouraging women with ways to achieve strength, confidence, youthful thinking, inspiration and, of course, head turning personal style."  Pam is uplifting and positive, and her beauty shines through in everything she writes.

And then I came across Neil Gaiman's Eight Rules of Writing.  I love them all, but number 8 seemed to be speaking directly to me.

"The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like.  (That may be a rule for life as well as writing.  But it's definitely true for writing).  So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can.  I'm not sure there are any other rules.  Not ones that matter."

So what does any of this have to do with Dress For The Day You Want To Have?  Going forward, I will "dress" my writing for the writer I want to be.  I will blog about the things that matter to me, I will continue to develop my personal style, and I'll share what makes me happy.  Even my outfits.  Not every post will be perfect, but with each one I will be a step closer to the writer I hope to become.  

I'll do my best to not compare myself to others.  I have no idea where this will all end up, and my journey will be mine alone.  I'll be brave and keep blogging, because it allows me to be creative, and it makes me happy.

And isn't that the point?



Now, this definitely makes me happy....it's time for the Spring Style Challenge with Alison at Get Your Pretty On.  Registration is open until April 2nd.  The shopping list releases on the 3rd, and outfits start on the 12th.



I'm really excited about this one, because my shopping ban is over and I can't wait to try some new spring fashion.  This will be my fifth Style Challenge, and I cannot say enough good things about it!  Alison has amazing style, and shares it all during the 21 day challenge. If you don't have a lot of money in your clothing budget - no worries.  I usually find many of the items are already in my closet, and it's easy to substitute with pieces that you own. Plus, Alison's picks are always very budget friendly.  The girl knows how to shop a Target sale! The best part? Not having to figure out what to wear every day - because Alison tells me!

Click on the graphic to sign up or find out more information about the Spring Style Challenge - any questions, leave me a comment or shoot me an email!

**In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means I will get a commission if you decide to join the challenge.  I only recommend products and programs that I use and love myself, so I know you'll be in good hands!**