I love hearing people talk about why they created a blog. I love hearing how they got started and where their inspiration comes from. But as seasoned bloggers, when we’re always focused on our current tasks of writing and creating, we might lose sight of our original goals. When was the last time you looked back to those early days before “blogger” was part of your title?
My one year blog-iversary is quickly approaching, and it’s bringing back all the pre-blogger-feels. I keep tabs on my blogging goals to remember why I started and to keep focus on where I want to go.
That being said, I’d like to share a little about why I chose my “niche” (although I don’t particularly like that word), why I’m a faith blogger, and why that really matters.
Blogging and faith are actually pretty similar. Both take work, effort, and intentionality. Neither happens by accident. And neither works unless you do.
Both take investing our time and energy, and both have lots of things to learn and lots of room to grow, but both have major rewards.
Both take our constant, honest effort to be a successful, nurtured part of our lives.
We can’t hide either from who we are.
While faith has been a part of me as long as I can remember, and I’ve only been blogging for a year (I had the mindset and need to write looong before then), both things are huge parts of who I am.
I could talk all day about all the reasons I started a blog, but none of it (my life or this blog) makes sense without faith in the equation.
I went on a mini-rant about this on my Instagram the other day, but faith is just a big deal to me.
Maybe you get it, maybe you don’t. But I’m never going to try and hide it.
Yes, I’m a college student attending a large, liberal university.
Yes, I’m studying political science (but that doesn’t mean I’m here to talk about politics) and yes, my goal is to be a lawyer.
Yes, I’m a major girly-girl, and I also love writing about fashion and pretty things.
Yes, I get that all of that might not fit into one blogging “niche” (which is why I’m not a fan of the word), and yep, that doesn’t bother me at all.
I don’t need to fit into one little box. As a person, I don’t fit in one category, so I don’t see why my blog should either.
I’m a college blogger, and a faith blogger, and a sometimes-style-blogger, too.
Like I’ve talked about before, all you really need to be a blogger is a simple “because…”
I’m a college blogger because that’s the beautiful phase of life I’m in.
I’m a style blogger because I love shopping as much as the next girl, and I’m always on the hunt for “the look for less”.
But I’m a faith blogger because I’m an imperfect Christian with a big love for the Lord.
I’m a faith blogger because I’m a God-made-girl struggling to live in a man-made-world.
I’m a faith blogger because I’m still figuring all this “faith” stuff out.
I’m a faith blogger because I’m living to gain eternal graces that go far beyond the satisfaction of this world.
I’m a faith blogger because without faith, I wouldn’t be a blogger at all.
I’m a college blogger, and a style blogger, and a faith blogger, because I choose all of the above.
I choose to let my light shine and write about what matters to me.
I’m not trying to say one type of blogging is better than another. I don’t think that’s true at all. I think it’s incredible just how many different types of blogs are out there; it’s one more reason I love the blogging world.
I’m just saying that to me, “faith”, “grace”, and “Jesus” aren’t just words to add to my Instagram bio. They’re much bigger, much more important, and much harder to explain.
That’s why I’m a faith blogger. And that’s why it matters.
July 26, 2017
I really relate! Loved this post and the pics!
July 26, 2017
Yay thanks, Sarah!!
July 26, 2017
Girl yess! I’ve heard that to be successful as a blogger you need to find your niche and stick to it…but I disagree. I definitely enjoy blogging about many different things, and I choose to not be limited by any “niche.” Tbh my favorite blogs here on WordPress are the ones in which the bloggers post a variety of content. 🙂
July 26, 2017
I totally agree with you, Veronica! I understand that writing topic-specific content may make you “more successful”, but it always frustrates me when people say that you have to cater to a niche to be successful! I agree, I like reading blogs who post about a few different areas, too! I think it helps you get to know the author a lot better as well. Thanks for reading!
July 26, 2017
I love this, Kristen. I’ve recently been thinking over my blog’s niche as I’ve only been blogger about 8 months. So this hit home. I know that I can’t get to caught up on what image my blog is going to convey because my first goal was the express myself through my writing, not create a specific image of myself.
July 26, 2017
I love this thought!! I’ve definitely been back and forth over trying to narrow my writing topics down more, but I’ve decided I’d rather it just be 100% authentically me, whatever that is, like you say! I’m sure you’ll figure it all out, I love your blog! 🙂
August 4, 2017
That’s awesome! Thank you for the encouragement <3
July 26, 2017
You’ve left me speechless! You’ve beautifully written some of the exact thoughts that I’ve had on my own blogging journey. I keep struggling to define who I am as a blogger, but I’m not just one thing. I love Jesus. I’m in nursing school. I love fashion. I love finding good deals. I like to cook. And I don’t want my blog to have to focus on just one thing, because then I feel like you lose so many of the things that make us human. But anyways, I love your emphasis on being a faith blogger, and I couldn’t agree more 💕
July 27, 2017
GIRL this comment made my night. I’m so so glad you relate so well! I’m right there with ya, I don’t see why we should have to narrow down what we write about. I say do it all!! Or at least try it all out and see what you like to write about best. Life is messy and things overlap and I love seeing bloggers write about a bunch of different things they enjoy!
July 28, 2017
I totally agree! Our lives are made up by so many different categories and there’s so many things that make us unique, why not share that? I think its more personal and you get to create bonds with people on a different level when you share more than just one aspect of your life!
July 27, 2017
Very real, and sweet expression of your heart……… I am a grandmother blogger………and feel like I have “found my people,” since I got in to blogging, hoping to put positivity into the world. I got in to it to GIVE, but I think I receive more. Have a wonderful blessed time of college dear. You are amazing! Thank you for speaking for Christ. I know you will use your service as lawyer, to glorify Him.
https://grandmamarymartha.blogspot.com
July 27, 2017
Thank you so much for your sweet words!! I really appreciate it. It’s these kind of connections that I blog for! I know what you mean about getting more than you give, with such an incredible community of bloggers! I’m still working on finding “my people”, but I’m always amazed by all the lovely people I meet. And yes, I’m doing my best to use my life & talents all for His glory!! Blessings!
July 27, 2017
Awesome post!
July 27, 2017
Thank you!
July 28, 2017
Keep it up girl! I love the honesty and truth in your writing! I’m a follower!
July 30, 2017
Thank you, Danielle! means a lot 🙂 blessings!
July 28, 2017
Nicely said! May the Lord continue to bless you as you embark further on your faith journey 🙂
July 30, 2017
Thanks so much friend!!
July 29, 2017
So well said, love this post Kristen! Beyond true.
July 30, 2017
Thanks girl!!
July 29, 2017
Amen x 1000! I’ve been thinking about all of this recently, and you worded it perfectly.
July 30, 2017
Aw yay!! I’m so glad you get me girl!
August 14, 2017
I loved this post for its incredible honesty! I love that you’re unafraid to be a faith blog, in addition to other things that are a part of who you are. You’re a very talented writer! I will definitely continue coming back to read more!
August 14, 2017
Wow thanks so much for your kind words!! I really appreciate that! I hope to have you back 🙂