Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Be your "REAL"



We all blog for different reasons and our blogs take different forms. That comes with the territory, since naturally we are all different people. Some use their blog as a "private" space away from their real world to share their feelings and secrets. Some people give tips on beauty, fashion, or decor. Some people share funny stories or antidotes about life. Some people (me, me!) give a little glimpse into their life. Whatever it is you blog about, it's your space.

Lately I have noticed an upsurge in the term "real" blogging. We all say that we enjoy reading blogs that are real. But what exactly defines a "real" blog? It seems to me that most people think real blogs are the blogs that share insecurities, secrets, intimate details of their life. Posts that most people get scared to post. I've always appreciated these posts and admire those who are brave enough to share these things with the world.

At the same time, I don't think these types of posts are necessary to make a blog "real." People who are sharing these things have created a space in which they want to share these things and feel comfortable doing so. Not everyone's blogging space is meant for such personal details. Now, I am not trying to discredit the people who have posted so many wonderfully brave posts, but just trying to get all of us here in the blogging world to take a step back and think about how we define a "real" blog.

My "real" is not posting about things I have no business posting about. Make-up tutorials? Ha, trust me you don't want my help. Money saving tips? You are better off just googling that. My "real" is staying true to my original purpose. My "real" is only posting when I feel inspired or have something to share. My 'real" is sharing the good times in my life, but also the silly and hard things that make my life not so perfect.

Most likely you won't find me posting my secrets in this little space. Am I scared? No. Is my life perfect? Not by any stretch of the imagination. I have had my share of struggles in life and my day to day isn't always sunshine and rainbows. First, I don't think I could give my struggles the right words they deserve. Second, I don't really feel like that is what this space I have created is about. Sure, I share some things that aren't always positive and upbeat, like my struggle with the language barrier. I also have a few posts sitting in my drafts that edge toward the more vulnerable side. But in general, if you are looking for a blog that shares every insecurity or struggle I've ever had, you've come to the wrong place. Does that make me or my blog any less real? I don't think so.

So if you find yourself wondering if your blog is "real" or wanting to make sure it is, think about what "real" is to you and your space. Think about your original blogging purpose. Remember that each blog takes its' own shape and form and all types of blogs are needed and enjoyable here in the blogging world. Be your "real," whatever that may be.


7 comments:

  1. This was such a great post! I think we all kind of start blogging for some of the same reasons but it can be hard to figure out what your blogs purpose is as time goes on. I don't like to post too much personal stuff about myself for fear people I know will read it. My blog is my outlet from my normal day to day life. It's kind of become my journal in a way. But not so much that I share every single detail. My motto is if you don't like what I'm posting there's 193786257985 other blogs out there to read. Its not going to stop me from blogging about what I love!

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  2. I love this post. I've thought about this idea a couple of times, but I've considered it "showing that I'm human" like staying real to what I want my blog to be, but also sharing some of the not so good times along with the good times. I guess I don't want my readers to think everything in my life is perfect because half the time I feel like 90% of my life is spinning out of control!

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  3. Loved this post. You have to be true to you and the feel you are trying to create for your blog.

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  4. I want to copy-paste this into my blog for today, but that would be fake ;). I struggled with this concept a lot, and it shows if you look at the numbers in my archives. When I started blogging, I only read the big names around here, and didn't connect with any smaller bloggers who were similar to me. When I decided to switch all that up, I found people like you (though with a bigger readership) and it's been so much more fulfilling to write. I feel the same way as you, only posting when I want to or have something to say. Lately, I've found the voice of my blog to be so much easier and clear, and I used to struggle with the "kind" of blogger I wanted to be. Here's to real, and I definitely consider you to be one of them. (that's why I keep coming back ;) )

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  5. Thanks for this post! I love it! It's so true that bearing all of our secrets isn't what makes a real blogger-- being true to yourself is.

    Bailey
    BecomingBailey.com

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