A Letter to My Pre-Blog Self

A Letter to My Pre-Blog Self

Blogging and Business Life Lessons by Dia

This month marks the one year anniversary of my blog. So much is happened in the past year so I thought it might be a good idea to reflect and write a letter to myself before it all began.

Hey you.

You watch way too much t.v. this isn’t a lecture, sorry to start on that. The truth is I know why you do it now. Because you love seeing stories of people doing the things you want to do but are too afraid to.

You love the female voiceovers you hear on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, you love watching Jane get lost while typing away on some romance novel on Jane the Virgin. Well stop watching and start writing.

The next year of your life will bring so many things good and bad so buckle up and just go with it.

 

You are about to embark on a life changing journey

I know that sounds cheesy, don’t roll your eyes at me. While it will stress you out, keep you up late and make you hate your laptop sometimes, your blog will be your salvation.

You will have two major blows in your life and you will feel a sadness in a way you never have before. You’ll draw strength from the people you love, as well as dozens of people you’ve never met face to face.

 

You’re going to find your tribe in a way you didn’t know was possible.

What started as a night of being over anxious and the need to do something will lead you on the journey to Blogher 15. It will change your life. Going to New York by yourself will be scary in your mind but in reality ends up being one of the best impulse a decisions you’ve ever made. The first day of the conference you’ll look around this room of hundreds of women of different races and backgrounds and realize that you all have this great thing in common. For the first time you’ll feel this feelings of home you didn’t know was possible in a group of strangers. You’ll make a great friend (shout out to Corrine from The Feminist Feline), you’ll meet some of the kindest people and some of the strongest women. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll find a new fire in your heart for writing. Don’t be afraid, just go!

 

Stop sticking it out and quit that job that’s making you unhappy.

You’ve been there, the process of job hunting it sucks, I know (after all I’m you). But think of this, you’ve been at your job for over 2 years, you have some impressive experience under your belt. It’s not as frustrating as you’re used to. You’ll hear about a great job from a friend and it will finally be the kick in the pants you need to start looking for jobs that excite you and update that resume.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The people who love you won’t mind helping you.

You won’t hear back from that job but you will hear back from another the day after applying and you will get it! Because you are kind of fucking awesome. You’ll start and have that feeling once again, “I’ve found my people.” It won’t be all sunshine and rainbows; you will have to learn new things but they are things you want to know. You will find yourself wanting to burst into tears because you haven’t used an IMac since college but ask for a regular mouse…being able to right clicking will take away A LOT of your frustration.

 

You’ll never regret saying I love you.

You’ll learn this year how fleeting life is. How someone you love can go from present, to there but mentally gone, to totally gone. Rather it’s romantic or platonic, express love. It’s scary to say but when you get the words out it’s a weight off your chest. No matter the outcome you know that they know and that’s all you can ask for sometimes.

Don’t overdo it.

You have always had this blessing/curse of wanting to give things your all. In blogging all that will do is stress you out and put you behind. Don’t try to post a new blog every day, you’re literally just putting crap into the universe, there is enough out of there. Don’t try to participate in every Facebook thread or Twitter chat. Don’t agree to write every article you’re offered. Be patient, I know it’s scary to turn things down but trust me there will be other opportunities as long as you keep keepin on.

 

You’ll realize you have opinions about major issues and that you’re growing up.

When you start this journey you won’t expect to share some of your deepest secrets with the world, you won’t think you’ll be making public declarations on issues like race in America. But things will happen and you’ll realize you can’t remain silent. People may not agree with you but they don’t have to because you’ll have a true conviction in your heart.

 

Does that seem like a lot to deal with in a year? It is but you can handle it.

 

What are some things you’d like to tell yourself a year ago?

 

98 comments

  1. candy

    Know you limits and don’t overdo it. Yes always tell people you love them.

  3. Anosa

    What a lovely self letter, if I could sit down and write me a letter it would take a while but I have been through a lot and conquered so much it’s scary to even think about then I remind myself I actually did that scary thing lol

  4. KRYSTLE COOK

    Very insightful! Sounds like you have learned a lot over the past year. I hope I learn that much this year.

  5. Rosi C.

    Happy anniversary 🙂 good points.

  6. Valerie Robinson

    Aww I love this- awesome reflections and I can definitely relate to a few of them. Happy blogiversary!

  7. Five Marigolds

    Aw, I’m glad to hear it’s been such a positive journey for you. Thanks for sharing!

  8. Michelle Rogers

    Love this!!!!! I’d like to see the letter I write to myself at the end of this year. I hope it’s as awesome!

  9. Emily

    Love this post :). I needed these happy vibes while being home sick :/. I am tempted to go to Blogher now!

  10. CAROL CASSARA

    “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Boy, is this a big one. Sounds like your journey has been positive!

  11. Julie Syl Kalungi

    What a letter to self….Its almost like a Vision of Your future, A prophesy on your life..I mean what! Gal run with it, step up and go get it! Blogging is such a blessing so get it!

  12. Cori

    Nice letter. I’m glad you were able to quit a job that made you unhappy. That’s never worth the paycheck.

  13. Fabiola

    Talk about embarking on a life-changing journey! Blogging is quite a ride. Congrats on your 1st year. I hope there will be many many more 🙂

  15. Zoe Alicia

    This is one my favourite blog posts I’ve ever read! I am the same when it comes to watching tv shows (you had me hooked on that opening line) as it’s a way of living out your life without you ever actually doing ANYTHING. Not a healthy habit, but one it’s tough to get out of. xx

  16. Top5life

    Making oneself happy is the most important point in one’s life. Loved your post very much.

  17. Kristen from The Road to Domestication

    Happy blog-a-versary! I think I would tell myself to calm down and quit stressing over every little widget and page view and post. It’s supposed to be fun, right?! 🙂

  18. Dia

    Haha right! Be sure to take some time for life outside of blogging.

  19. Dia

    I think once you realize it, you’re off to a good start. I still love tv but I balance it with…watching while cooking or walking in place or sometimes just unwinding. Thanks so much for stopping by Zoe.

  20. Dia

    Thank you so much!

  21. Dia

    Thank you!

  22. Dia

    Thanks Krystle.

  23. DANI CC

    Very inspirational, I love how kind you are to yourself. xo

  24. Dia

    Haha yeah I left out a lot of the details and just more of an overview because if I could write a letter to my past self I wouldn’t want to give away all the details.

  25. Victoria Stacey

    This is a fantastic idea for a blog post! I really should reflect more on my life pre-blog, pre-self-branding, etc.

    Thanks for the insight and the inspiration!

  26. Sarah

    I also watched way too much tv before blogging. Now I rarely watch any and read more.

  27. Idaintyit

    Loved the way you have written this, really good post. I am sticking with it even though it is taking up all my time!

  28. Neely (@Neelykins)

    I am a huge fan of any “letter to myself” type post and I love this one! I may have to write one too!

  29. Kerry

    Happy blogiversary! It’s so awesome that you attended Blogher in your first year of blogging. I’d be so nervous! I’d lob to attend a conference like that now though. My 2 year blogiversary is coming up. I just really like saying blogiversary!

  30. Ashleigh

    This is beautiful, Dia! I have often thought about my pre blog self and how much I’ve grown. I love the part about finding a tribe. Blogging is so much about being a part of something bigger than you. It’s wonderful. And happy 1 year this month! You have an amazing blog!!

  31. Beth@FrugalFroggie

    That is a loaded question about what I would tell myself a year ago. So many things and so little time to tell myself everything.

  32. Jenn Slavich

    Congratulations on a year! I hope you are proud of this accomplishment. I really love this letter to yourself style your wrote. Isn’t it the truth, looking back on our selves a year ago and thinking about what we were thinking about then, crazy!! I was just thinking about this similar thing and how a year can change so much. The thing is, is to not let fear get in the way of our success! Love this, thank you for sharing this!

  33. Dia

    Thank you so much Ashleigh!

  34. Dia

    I do too! Lol I’m going back in August and can’t wait!

  35. Dia

    I almost let it get away from me. I’m so glad I remembered. I love letters to myself I don’t know if you’ve heard of futureme.org but you can write a letter to yourself and schedule it to be emailed to you in the future I do a few every year.

  36. Dia

    I still watch a good amount but it’s more when I want to veg out or am cooking/washing dishes etc.

  37. Dia

    Yes! Don’t give up!

  38. Dia

    It really helps you realize what it gives you.

  39. Dia

    Haha thanks Dani, it took a lot of time. But if you aren’t kind to yourself no one else will be.

  40. Dia

    Thanks Becky!

  41. Dia

    Thanks Fabiola! Me too!

  42. Dia

    Thanks Cori.

  43. Dia

    It really has all things considered 🙂

  44. Dia

    Be sure to share it with me!

  45. Dia

    Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  46. Dia

    Thanks Valerie!

  47. Dia

    Good luck Raina. You’ll love it.

  48. Dia

    It’s just worth it!

  49. Dia

    EXACTLY! Thanks Jenn!

  50. Dia

    You should! I can’t wait for the next one. Sarah Michelle Gellar is keynoting!

  51. Dia

    Thanks Julie 🙂

  52. Dia

    Haha yeah had to leave a lot out.

  53. linda spiker

    I would add “your time is worth compensation!”. Great post!

  54. Lara @MommyKazam

    Love this! It can be so easy to get sucked into over-do-it mode and get burnt out! My first year of blogging was spent bouncing back and forth between over doing it and doing nothing, it felt like it took forever to find a balance.
    Hmm… if I had the chance to tell my year ago self something, it would be: You can do it all, just not all at once. Spend as much time as you can with GiGi. Work smarter and you will see the results.

  55. Willow

    I love the idea of writing a letter to my pre-blog self. I totally agree that blogging is life changing! I have learned so much not only from blogging itself, but about myself.

  56. Diane

    Great post! Congrats on your first blogiversary. Wishing you many more – every one more successful than the last.

  57. Shann Eva

    Congratulations on your year anniversary! It sounds like you’ve learned a lot and had a lot of great experiences. I’m sorry you had to go through some tough times too, but it sounds like you handled it all. Best of luck in this next year!

  58. Amanda | Maple Alps

    Love the last point about having opinions! Seems we never know we have opinions until faced with having to express or defend them. Great read!

  59. Danielle | Twenty Dollar Date

    This blog felt like it was speaking DIRECTLY to me!

    “Stop sticking it out and quit that job that’s making you unhappy.” – I am in the process of doing this right now to blog and freelance (hopefully full time!) I love the reminder to not overbook. Its easy to put so much pressure on ourselves to do so much. But we can only do our best — and I don’t want to burn out! Love this post. 😀

  61. Alexis

    Blogging truly is a new journey. I had no idea bout this entire blogging world until about a year ago when I started. It has definitely been an exciting journey as well as a learning experience. But I wouldn’t change a single thing! Thank you for sharing such an awesome post!

  62. Christine Anne

    What a great letter. I never ever thought about blogging until 5 months ago. Super newbie to the game but love the adventure. I hope to find my tribe and embrace everything life has to offer. Happy Blogiversarry! 🙂

  63. Kusum

    You have been doing this just for a year, wait, what??? You seem like such a pro and you are doing amazing!!! Congrats on a great year of success! I know its not all roses but I know the effort is worth it. Such a lovely letter you have written to your last year self. If would tell myself to start with a game plan, I jumped right in and I am learning along the way. And asking for help is really a big one, so is to not overdo it!

    On a completely different note, I finished watching a whole season of Young and hungry since the weekend, thanks to you, love the show but ugh!! 😉
    xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com

  64. Jenny

    Loved this post! This was such a fun writing prompt.

    xoxo, Jenny

  65. Justine Y @ Little Dove Creations

    I love this! I’d love to go back in time and tell myself some things when I first started. that I was going to do great, that slowly but surely I’d turn this little blogging “hobby” of mine into a business, and to work a little harder at that now gosh darn it! 🙂 Things have turned out okay but I wish I’d been a little more proactive years ago.

  66. GiGi

    I should totally write a letter to my PRE BLOGGING self… I would tell her that she is going to change SOOOOOO MUCH over the next 4 years and just to embrace it all!!! Wow, it’s really interesting to think back to when I didn’t blog. My life was so empty! ha! Or maybe I just spent more time not in front of my computer?

  67. Bree Hogan

    Great post Dia and congratulations on your one year blogiversary! What I would tell myself a year ago? Hmm, probably take a deep breath and take things one step at a time. Everything doesn’t have to be done at once – not to mention it’s simply not possible, so breath and prioritise!

  69. Corina Ramos

    This is a great idea Dia. You didn’t hold back on yourself and were honest. I need to do something like this for myself. I think it could be very therapeutic.

    Thanks for sharing. Wishing you all the best hun!

    Cori

  70. Angie

    What a great letter. Blogging really does change you. I found blogging to be my biggest form of therapy.

  71. The Southern Thing

    It’s amazing all of the unexpected things blogging brings. Love it!

  72. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife

    There’s so much to love about this post. I’m very big on teaching my kids to always say I Love You no matter what, to never be hesitant to say it. We say it a lot in our house 🙂 Thank you for this inspiring post!

  73. Dia

    That’s beautiful. It’s just so important.

  74. Dia

    It really does help you realize who you are and how you feel about things.

  75. Dia

    Haha yes me and my computer are attached at most times lol

  76. Dia

    It really was therapeutic. Thanks for commenting Corina

  77. Dia

    It really was fun and insightful.

  78. Dia

    Balance is key and taking your time.

  79. Dia

    It really changes your life.

  80. Dia

    I do feel like I hit the ground running but still have a way to go.

  81. Dia

    Isn’t it Hilarious!
    Yeah I’ve been blogging for work and stuff but this blog only started a year ago. It’s gotten crazy but amazing. I might seem like it’s been longer because I really put myself out there and take every opportunity I can to learn more.

  82. Dia

    Thanks Jenny 🙂

  83. Dia

    Thanks Christine! I really hope you do too. It is an amazing world.

  84. Dia

    That is exactly how I feel Alexis!

  85. Dia

    That’s amazing Danielle. As long as you’re dedicated and plan properly you can do it.

  86. Dia

    Thanks Lee!

  87. Dia

    Yeah that is so true!

  88. Dia

    That is so very true.

  89. Dia

    Thank you so much Diane!

  90. Dia

    I feel like my self-confidence has grown a lot knowing more about myself.

  91. Dia

    Thanks Shann Eva! It had been a roller coaster of a year!

  92. Dia

    Smarter for sure! Thanks for commenting Lara.

  93. Rhonda Swan

    These are great thoughts to your pre blog self. It would be great if we all lived in hindsight. Keep up the great work and live unstoppable!

  94. Dia

    Thanks Rhonda 🙂

  95. candy

    I missed your blog anniversary. Looking back I have learned so much from blogging and have meant some wonderful people even if it is only through the computer.

  96. Dia

    I totally agree Candy.

  97. 4 Lessons I've Learned in 2 Years of Blogging - All The Things I Do

    […] I remember about six months ago I was thinking about how two years was coming up and I wanted to do something big. While I didn’t schedule a live event as I had hoped, I did want to take some time to mark the occasion on the blog. Last year I didn’t too much write an anniversary post. Instead, I wrote a letter to my pre-blog self. […]

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