Today, I want to share how blogging completely transformed my life. It helped me pay off student loans, travel, find happiness, and earn a great income. You can read more about my journey in my post “How I Made $320,888 In 2015.”
It might sound crazy, but blogging really did save my life. In the fall of 2014, I was struggling with the idea of going back to work after having my daughter earlier that year. Being a new mom was tough, and I wanted to stay home with her. When my daughter turned one, I realized I couldn’t go back to work as planned. I felt conflicted and was battling postpartum depression, which eventually turned into major depression. I didn’t have a clear career path, and everything I tried felt wrong.
Before having my daughter, I had a job I didn’t enjoy, and it barely helped financially. After her first year, I started applying for jobs and scheduling interviews, but I always ended up canceling them because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my daughter. I felt torn between wanting to be a homemaker and wanting to achieve personal success. I was worried about ruining my career prospects and sinking deeper into depression.
I wanted to help my family financially but also be there for my daughter. The thought of not supporting my family made me feel useless and more depressed. I knew my little girl needed me, but I still felt insignificant. I was searching for a purpose that would allow me to support my family and be present for my daughter. Being a parent alone didn’t feel like enough.
The struggle of being a woman in 2016 is different from previous decades. Women now have the power and resources to do anything they want. While this is great, it also adds pressure to excel in all areas—education, parenting, managing a household, traveling, and looking good while doing it. I felt anxious and worthless trying to balance raising a family and having a career.
Then, on a rainy day in October 2014, I stumbled upon a blog income report on Pinterest, and everything started to make sense. Blogging appealed to me because I loved writing and saw its potential. It was exciting to think I could stay home and still make a good living. I researched more and discovered many women were successfully blogging to support their families.
I started blogging with a lot of motivation and excitement. The idea of being my own boss and traveling whenever I wanted was enticing. My husband and I had also discussed homeschooling our daughter, which would only be possible if I stayed home. Blogging seemed like the perfect solution to my personal and financial worries, and it has definitely helped.
However, my first few months of blogging were a mix of excitement, confusion, disappointment, and defeat. I sought help for my depression, which helped me with my personal battles. Blogging gave me purpose and goals, but it wasn’t as easy as Pinterest made it seem. Blogging was much harder than I imagined, and I considered giving up several times. I got frustrated, felt worthless, and had to start over multiple times.
Blogging is something you have to genuinely enjoy to keep doing. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it might not make you any money for years. Blogging is a job that requires passion and perseverance.
If you’re interested in starting a blog, I created a tutorial to help you start one for cheap, starting at only $3.49 per month for blog hosting. You’ll also get a free website domain if you purchase at least 12 months of hosting through my Bluehost link.
Today, I’m grateful I didn’t give up on blogging. While I haven’t made a fortune, it has allowed me to be my own boss and fulfill my entrepreneurial dreams. Having a purpose is crucial, especially for someone with a history of depression, and blogging has given me that. I still get excited about new post ideas and interacting with the blogging community. I’ve found a work-life balance and feel limitless. Blogging has made me feel important again in my own world.
Blogging can change your life, just like it changed mine. It has given me hope and allowed me to pursue my passion. I encourage you to invest in your passions and talents and not ignore your needs. Whether it’s cooking, technology, or human rights, follow your passion and don’t let society dictate how you should feel.
Chantal Steele is the creator of Ironwild Fitness, a blog focused on helping women realize their potential through blogging. She believes women shouldn’t have to choose between family and career. When not blogging, Chantal enjoys reading and gardening.
Are you interested in blogging? If you’re already a blogger, has it changed your life?