Last week marked two years since I started My Petit Canard. Two years since I sat in bed one evening in the middle of the night feeding our little lady, and discovered this wonderful, friendly, collaborative community. Two years of documenting the life of our little family, and two years of blogging my heart out. It has been a journey of self discovery and self awareness, one which has led to finding my passion. Here’s 10 things I’ve learned from blogging over the last two years:
1. Everyone has a reason for starting a blog. Everyone has a story, or a message that they want to share.
2. Blogging is a journey and a voyage of self discovery.
3. I have a voice and some people out there actually want to hear it.
4. I am a creative. I feel alive when I write and blog.
5. There is room for everyone. In two years of blogging I have come across so many different types of blogs. No two blogs are the same, each one has something different to offer and that’s what makes blogging so great.
6. You meet interesting, amazing, inspirational and fun people and organisations through blogging.
7. You won’t always feel like blogging or have something to blog about and that’s ok.
8. You can have a blog burn out. Blogging can be fun or stressful depending on how much pressure you put on yourself.
9. I can do and actually enjoy the technical bit. I’m not quite writing HTML yet, but I know how to throw a blog together and navigate our rather technical world of blogging.
10. Blogging is what you make of it, a hobby, a lifestyle, a job. The opportunities are endless.
Whether you’re new to blogging, or you’ve been blogging a little while, I’d love to hear what things have you’ve learnt from blogging!
Great post you do learn so much don’t you and it’s nice to have it all stored away to look back on. Thanks for hosting #marvmondays
lizzie ( firstooth ) recently posted…Why Bother With A Routine?
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Thank you, I’ve learned more than I realised until I reflected on it! Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
Wow two years! well done, I am dreaming of two years away at the moment :p I think i’ve gotten as far as to realise that there is a lot of personal descovery to be found through blogging! – not sure anyone wants to listen to my voice though :p Thanks for hosting #Marvmondays
Charlotte recently posted…Canadian Cat Fostering
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When I started I was unsure whether anyone would find what I had to say interesting, but I blogged anyway. I think as long as you are blogging for you, or your message or cause then people will find you and want to hear what you have to say. You have a lovely blog so I’m sure it will stay the course :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays again x
Happy two years!!! I love this post. I’ve been blogging since march and I’ve found most of the things to be true too. I can’t get over how friendly everyone in the blogging community is either. it’s nice that everyone is so supportive of each other. thank you so much for hosting #marvmondays xxx
Chloe recently posted…#MYSUNDAYPHOTO
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Thanks!! I can’t believe you have only been blogging since March, your blog is great! The community is definitely one of the best things about blogging :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays x
A great post! I’ve only been blogging for six months but I’ve learnt so much already. I began blogging to share my journey of recovering from PND but, have learnt so much more about myself – my skills and my passions (and my limitations *ahem* technology).
Thanks for sharing #marvmondays
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Hi Laura, that’s great! I think blogging helps us all in some way, shape or form. Not only have you helped yourself, but I’m sure many others along the way. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
Two years?!! Wow! A oap in my newbie blogging timescales. Great advice here to sustain a happy balance with blogging xx #marvmondays
Mummuddlingthrough recently posted…The ‘worst day’ competition
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Ha ha! Thanks. I still feel like such a newbie when I look around me at some of the more professional bloggers. I’d so love to be one of them :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
I’m relatively new to blogging as a parent. I began my journey after I suffered a terrifying panic attack. I’ve found blogging to be cathartic and a way of dealing with unwanted feelings since becoming a mother 7 months ago. It’s been wonderful to link up with other mums and find that I’m not alone in many of my feelings.
THanks for hosting #marvmondays xx
Kirsty Ho Fat recently posted…Side Effects Of Weaning For Mum
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Hi Kirsty, thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays and for commenting. I think it’s great that blogging has helped you in the way it has. I also find it hugely cathartic and love the community that it brings with it. Keep on blogging, I’d love to read some of your posts 🙂
Firstly, congratulations on your 2 year blog birthday! I started blogging about a month ago and I’ve been really enjoying it – my frustrTion though is that I have so little time! The morming nap is just too short to let me get going with all my ideas! So I have to admit, occasionally I feel a bit stressed about the stuff I’m not yet Doing! But what a lovely,supportive and fun community. thanks for hosting #marvMondays
Sarah recently posted…Ten ways to survive the neonatal journey
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Thanks Sarah! I totally get that, it’s so difficult to fit everything in. I often find myself thinking I could achieve so much more with my blog, if only I had more turn. But I guess that is half of the challenge, finding some type of rhythm and routine alongside everyday life! I’ve loved reading your posts so far so keep them coming ;-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays
Great post! I particularly like number 5 – I’ve been blogging for 4 months and a few ppl have said that so many ppl do it, I cant possible do well! Id like to prove them wrong… #KCACOLS
Arthurwears recently posted…Danger – please share – choking hazard
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Go for it! I think there’s room and space for us all to thrive and I haven’t been proved wrong yet 😉
Loves it! I was so surprised by how much I enjoy learning the technical bit. I remember being baffled by computer science at school so it’s very satisfying, you can teach an old dod new tricks. Thanks for hosting #MarvMondays
CHarlene recently posted…Manage your inner overprotective parent
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Same here! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the technical bit, even though it’s felt like a very steep learning curve at times. I guess that’s what makes it so enjoyable though, the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve learnt something outside of your normal comfort zone :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays, great to have you!
huge Congrats on 2 years! That is fantastic. I agree with what you’ve said…mostly i blog for me and because i love it and that shone through in blogs that there is real passion. heres to the next 2 years!!
#MarvMondays
Well done on 2 years and still loving the discovery. I agree with all your points here and must say I find the ever changing nature of this relatively new world the most exciting part.
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Thanks Fiona! It’s very exciting isn’t it. I love that it never stops growing and evolving 🙂
I hit the two year mark a while back and had a similar moment of reflection, you’re absolutely spot on with your post and congratulations on the milestone! #Marvmondays
The Speed Bump recently posted…Stigma Is Alive And Well
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Thanks Maddy! It’s great to take the time to reflect and realise just how far you’ve come. Congrats on reaching a similar milestone 🙂 and thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays!
Happy blog birthday!! I totally agree with you about blog burnout it’s tough when it happens! thanks for hosting! #marvmondays
Helen Gandy recently posted…Elarna Birth & Beyond – Update #7
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Thanks Helen! It’s a tough one, but I’m sure it happens to most of us at some point or another. I learnt that quite early into my blogging journey so I’m hoping that I’ve learnt from it and it doesn’t happen again! Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
Happy second birthday to your brilliant blog! I’m a total newby at this and can only imagine how proud you must be to have a whole two years of blogging under your belt? in my very short three months experience though i have been overwhelmed at how fantastically supportive the blogging community is. bloggers are seriously lovely people!
Thank you for hosting xx #MarvMondays
Rhyming with wine recently posted…Sometimes…. I just can’t do it!
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Thank you, that means so much! It’s great to hear that you are enjoying it too, it is such a lovely community and everyone is so supportive like you say :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays, lovely to have you join us!
great post and happy 2 years to your blog! 🙂 I cant belive mine is 2 and a half years! Will be 3 in May! Mad how fast it goes.
xx
Beth recently posted…5 Tips To Stay Warm This Winter & Save Money
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Thank you and congrats on reaching a similar milestone! Here’s to 3 years and beyond!! 🙂
Great post – all so true. Happy 2 year blog birthday to you! #MarvMondays
Silly Mummy recently posted…Only the Weak Are Cruel *
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Thank you, much appreciated! Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
Wow, congRATULATIONS ON TWO WONDERFUL YEARS AND HERE’S TO MANY MORE! I’M A NEW BLOGGER SO THIS POST HAS GIVEN ME INSPIRATION AND DRIVE TO KEEP DOING WHAT I ENJOY – WHO KNOWS IN TWO YEARS TIME I COULD BE WRITING A POST LIKE THIS. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM! #KCACOLS
Lex recently posted…Why being a child beats adulthood.
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Hi Lex, it’s so lovely to hear my post has encouraged you to keep going as a new blogger. It’s a great and supportive community that will always welcome new bloggers like with open arms, so keep it going :-). Emily
You know what, a nice, happy little post like this was exactly what I needed to read right now. I’ve had ‘one of those days’ but this has reminded me that blogging is a little outlet for these times when I want to just curl up and not bother. Thank you.
#MarvMondays
Lady Nym recently posted…I Don’t Want to Talk About It
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Aw, I’m so pleased. Sometimes we do need those lovely happy posts that make you smile. Glad my post did that for you :-). Lovely to have you link up to #MarvMondays again Nym x
Happy blog birthday! I’m only two months in, so still in the honeymoon phase, but it’s very encouraging to hear it is still doing it for you after 2 years. Thanks for hosting #MarvMondays
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Thank you Lucy! It’s so exciting when you are in the honeymoon stage of blogging, everything is a discovery, it’s fab. But what’s great is that the excitement never leaves you :-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays, lovely to have you! Emily
Happy 2 years blogging!! I have only been blogging since May but I absolutely love having somewhere to write down all of the drivel in my head, rant about things and share my memories as the children grow. Thanks for hosting!! #marvmondays
laura dove recently posted…The end of an era
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It’s great isn’t it! I absolutely love it and that totally comes across in your blog too. I love your posts, they are so honestly written. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays again, it’s always lovely having you link up Laura 🙂
I like this positive post. Congratulations on two years of blogging! I have been doing mine since March and really love the creative outlet that it provides. Its always inspirational to read about mummy bloggers that have managed to keep going for as long as you have. #MarvMondays
Kate recently posted…Meal 18 – Butterfly pasta
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Hi Kate, thanks that’s really lovely. It’s a constant juggle to keep the momentum going, but it’s a great challenge to have. Lovely to hear that you too are enjoying it, it’s always lovely to hear from and discover new bloggers! Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays 🙂
Blogging can be an up and down adventure. I am learning to write for me and what I love, and wanting to get out to the world and not about things that aren’t interesting. I lose motivation fast that way.
karen grosz recently posted…4 Tips to Calm Your Body, Mind and Emotions
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Hi Karen, I completely agree. You have to write about what you are passionate about and interested in. Otherwise what’s the point in doing it at all..
Blogging can be an up and down adventure. I am learning to write for me and what I love, and wanting to get out to the world and not about things that aren’t interesting. I lose motivation fast that way.
karen grosz recently posted…4 Tips to Calm Your Body, Mind and Emotions
Congratulations! I’ve blogged before, but this is the first time I’ve kept it up for any real length of time in years. I like being able to get lots of different angles on topics, and getting to peek into other people’s lives. x #MarvMonday
Jessica Powell recently posted…Japan Candy Box
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Hi Jess, thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays again, lovely to have you back. It sounds like you are on a really similar journey. The last two years have been a mix in terms of consistency of blogging, but it feels like I may have finally found my groove. Hopefully it’s the same for you too 🙂
Congratulations on your 2 years! I agree that there are so many inspirational bloggers out there. I had no idea that this huge community could be so supportive and lovely.
Annette recently posted…5 steps away from becoming ultimate ‘bag lady!’
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Thanks Annette, that means a lot. It’s such a great community, I’m constantly coming across new fantastic bloggers and making new connections. It’s such a great thing to be involved in 🙂
What a lovely post! And it is all so true! I have been blogging just over 6 months now and have learnt so much I didn’t know about myself. Happy 2 years! #KCACOLS xx
Clare recently posted…Spectrum Sunday #1
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Thank you Clare! So glad to hear that you’ve found the same thing since you’ve been blogging. It’s a lovely community to be involved in 🙂
I have only been blogging for 7 months and I never knew I would enjoy it so much! Like yourself, I have come across so many amazing blogs and people. I started reading blogs when I had my first baby and it made me feel so much better when I would read someone that was having the same thoughts or problems as me, it got me through some tough times and I can’t thank them enough! #twinklytuesday
Hayleigh budgetfoodmummy recently posted…Meal Plan Week 4
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It’s so true, reading someone else’s experiences can be so helpful, and sharing your own can be empowering. It’s a great thing to be involved in and contribute to 🙂
Congrats on your 2 year blog birthday mine will be 3 in february. I have dipped in and out it and only recently decided to take it to the next step and really focus on making the best I can I look forward to keeping on reading great posts #KCACOLS
tracey bowden recently posted…Ambition
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Thanks Tracey, and congrats on yours too! 3 years is an amazing milestone 🙂
Ah lovely post and congratulations on being 2! #twinklytuesday
Mummy Fever recently posted…How to be…
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Thanks lovely!!
Happy 2 years of blogging and counting…. I’ve been blogging for 6 months now and I’ve learned a lot, made friends and become part of this wonderful blogging community…. Lovely post! #TwinklyTuesday
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Thanks Cheryl! It sounds like we’ve had really similar experiences. Here’s to many more months and years of fantastic experiences 🙂
Happy 2 years of blogging! I am almost reaching my two year mark next year! Blogging is a grwat way to express yourself and your point of views. I have learned to take a break when I need to. I then come back with so many great post to wrote about 🙂
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Thanks Ros, and congrats too! It’s such an achievement to keep it going over two years, but learning important lessons like taking a break from time to time definitely helps 🙂
Happy birthday! I am a newbie but i am really enjoying it! xxx
Natalie recently posted…Christmas Preparations
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Thanks Natalie! It’s always lovely to meet new bloggers 🙂
Happy 2nd blog birthday. You have definitely achieved a lot in 2 years, great tips as well, especially regarding blog burnout! I think it’s important to know that it happens! 🙂 x
Jenny recently posted…Winter has Arrived
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Thanks Jenny! Ive learnt so many lessons over the last two years, but they’re all great ones. Wish I’d know about blog burn out before it happened, but hopefully my post will help others know that it can and does happen! 🙂
Wow 2 years blogging!! Congratulations emily!! THat is fantastic and what an achievement!! I feel the same like you in the way we both love our blogs and we really want it to keep growing. It is a passion for me, it makes me happy, although. It demands a lot of work and you can feel very overwhelmed sometimes. I also like a lot this community and I have met so many wonderful people like you for example! I hope we can meet in person one day! Thanks for hosting #marvmondays, 🙂 xx
A Moment with Franca recently posted…Feeling Swamped!
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Thanks Franca! I definitely see similarities between us :-). It is a challenge to keep it going, but a great one to have and worth the fantastic sense of achievement that it gives you. We definitely need to meet at some point, it would be so lovely. Something for 2016 perhaps ;-). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays again! X
happy two years hon! this is such a sweet post and it truly highlights the best parts of blogging. in my year of blogging I have come across some truly amazing, and caring people who are always there to lend a hand. i have also read some wonderful and inspiring posts. Isn’t the blogging community great! xx #KCACOLS
Mommy’s Little Princesses recently posted…Sheffield Botanical Gardens
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Thank you! I totally agree, it’s such an inspirational and supportive community of amazing people 🙂
Lovely post! I’ve been blogging for a year now and have learnt so much already. I think your point about being a creative is an important one – I have loads of family and friends who I don’t think really get it but I think it comes down to enjoying it so much and as you say ‘it makes you feel alive’. Also so true that blogging is what you make it. I have phases of being too hard on myself, and then other weeks where I don’t care if I don’t have anything to write about. Enjoying it is the most important thing. Congrats on 2 years! Thanks so much for sharing with #KCACOLS Hope you come again next Sunday xx
Mum in Brum recently posted…Are you obsessed with your blog stats?
Burn out – yes! I’m often feeling that by the end of the week and try to take a bit of a break over the weekend when my husband and kids are at home. By Sunday night in refreshed and ready to go again with plenty of ideas. If only there was enough time in the week to do everything I want to! #KCAcols
Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…Travel Timehop #42: Clovelly, Devon 2014
I know I have already commented this post but I just wanted to come back again to say thank you so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. So happy to have you this week!! 🙂 xx
A Moment with Franca recently posted…Welcoming Home our Elf on the Shelf®
Happy blog birthday! Great list. #marvmondays xx
Something Crunchy Mummy recently posted…Just Another Linky #31
Ah happy bloggy birthday! i think the main thing I have learned is to be myself xx
Katy (What Katy Said) recently posted…Me & Mine – November
I agree with everything on your list! I am amazed by how much I have learned since I started last year, especially on the technical side of things. But the more i learn, the more I realise I have SO much more to master! THanks for sharing on #KCACOLS xx
Becky at Pinkscharming recently posted…How we (finally) ditched the dreaded dummies!
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Oh its so exciting when you realise how much you’ve learnt and how far you’ve come. Im still amazed by how much I know and can do myself now, but as you say there is still so much too learn too! 🙂
Just reading this now as saw your link on twitter. I’m only 6/7 weeks in to blogging and I’m finding it great. Such a lovely blogging community out there, and I’m enjoying doing something other than looking after a little one and tidying the house. It’s also such a great way to capture and diarise life. Great post. Happy 2 years plus blogging. Claire X x
The Pramshed recently posted…Perspectives on Going Viral
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Thats fantastic, welcome to the blogging community 🙂 I think you are doing fantastically well. Its always lovely to meet and welcome new bloggers into such a lovely fold of people. It is definitely a great way to share stories and experiences, but also document new family life 🙂 Thanks for commenting! x