I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you, yes you, fellow bloggers & friends for your beautiful comments, endless support, and ever-increasing interest in the Taste and Style Files! I have truly come to love blogging and networking with every new or old friend that I have found in each of you. When I first started this blog I never thought it would be where it is today, and I know it is only going to grow more in the weeks and months to come- and I am so thrilled about this! I know my love for blogging would not have grown this much if it wasn’t for the encouragement and support I’ve received from each of you. You’ve kept me going and motivated, and I am so thankful you have because I’ve discovered a new passion that I may never have otherwise found.
I’ve spent so much time the past weeks and months blogging or doing blogger things (like sitting on tweet deck for hours scrolling down my twitter time line, Follow me!), but I don’t hate it! I know all of you can easily relate, too. I’ve read countless articles on how to improve a blog, like here and here.. spent what seems like thousands of hours browsing other blogs, reading, commenting, etc. And is it worth it? YES! See, I love blogging and what it has become for me: It’s like an outlet, and each time I sit down at my computer to “do my blogging things” I feel as if I’m transported to another world, my blogging world. (and sometimes, I think my boyfriend really thinks I am hehe) But this world is a reality, a world that I love and that I am so glad I have found. What is blogging to you?
I believe blogging is going places, and is an area of media that while it is not well known to all, those who know about it know its potential. And I’m almost certain that each of us can agree with this, right? People reading our blogs, whether it be each other or the casual reader that stops by, want to know about us and who we are. People can relate to bloggers. We are real people, with real life pictures, stories, and passions. Seeing a style shot of a blogger, a recipe we made, or a story we have entertains the reader, because that is what’s really happening out there. Isn’t that what we all want to know? Personally, I know I have my favorite blogs, this this and this, and I can hardly wait to read their next post every single day. We all have our favorite reads and each of them have their own unique factor that keeps us coming back for more. What is it? Why do we all want to read about fellow bloggers and what they did, wore, or made that day. Because it’s personal and relatable. That’s what people want. Each of us bloggers has our own style, our own taste, our own inspirations and aspirations, our own uniqueness that makes each of us individuals; that makes each of you, you. That in itself is perhaps the most beautiful thing. Blogging is your way to show your uniqueness to the world.
So as a token of my appreciation to you all, for your support and kind words, I wanted to give you with a bit of encouragement myself. Keep being you. Be your unique self and broadcast that to the rest of us, because that’s what we want to see and read. That’s what keeps us coming back for more. That is what is beautiful about each of you.
XXXO,
M
“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.” – E.E. Cummings
Very well-written! I really enjoyed reading it and could absolutely relate to what you’ve written.
xxx
Vikki
http://stylometre.blogspot.com
I can totally, totally, totally relate to this darling girl!! Blogging is basically its own little world where WE ourselves can get lost and also find some amazing like-minded people along the way. An escape and a destination all in one. As a very new blogger friend, I enjoy your beautiful site very much. Always gives me a touch of inspiration and leaves me with a little smile on my face. YOU keep being YOU as well. 🙂
Hope you had a fabulous weekend!!
XO,
Jenna
Marissa, I LOVED this post!!! I can 110% relate to every single thing you wrote (and you wrote it so beautifully!). Just a couple short months ago I got really serious about blogging, and it has been the best and most rewarding thing I’ve done in a long time!! I’m super excited to see where it takes me. I’m also super excited about the wonderful people I’ve “met,” and I know I will *actually* meet many of them in person, too! Like you!! This week!!
I can’t wait! 🙂 Thanks for writing this lovely post!
Girrrrrl, this is totally the story of my life lately! I can seriously relate to everything you wrote 🙂
I too feel like this blogging world is becoming more and more of a reality for me and everyday, every new comment, every new friend is extremely exciting!
Keep being you, we love it and your blog is awesome and really inspiring 🙂
hearts and hugs,
Nina
Yes to all! Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
poet
A most insightful post. In the end, we are who we are. . and no pretension will change that. A great reminder to all of us bloggers 🙂
In the end, that is what blogging is all about–being fearlessly authentic. Gala Darling is the prime example of someone who has enjoyed great success by being herself. Love the quote. I posted it to my FB page.
Hey Maris! I miss you soo much! Chelsea is so CUTE I wish I was there with YA.
-Mallory
Thank you! What you wrote is very beautiful and encouraging 🙂 Love your blog! :)Right now I’m working on a project about bloggers for my university trying to convince my teacher people trust bloggers more that they trust any other source 🙂
XoXo
Fiamma
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/