Can you believe that one year ago I didn’t know what “zoodles” were? I know, I’m shocked too because that word is now part of my regular vocabulary.
As someone who is hesitant to try new things, I’m happy to say that blogging has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve tried things out of curiosity and because of recommendations from blogging friends. I’ve learned more than I ever anticipated, and I’m not just talking about the techy stuff. Actually, this list doesn’t include any techy stuff because I just “fake it ’til I make it” in those aspects. Do as I say not as I do.
I realize that some of these things aren’t a direct result of me blogging but mainly reading other blogs. Also, I know these are silly and small accomplishments but, hey, you’ve gotta start somewhere!
Thanks to Amanda for encouraging me to Think Out Loud
Because of Blogging I Have…
…gone through approximately 5,000 jars of new-to-me nut butter (Wild Friends, TJ’s, Whole Foods, Justin’s, etc.). I *think* I’m an almond butter addict now. Deep breaths, people.
…tried and mostly loved green juices. Even those that aren’t green.
…made new friends. Yes, “virtual friends” are real and awesome.
…(mostly) converted to new running shoes. Hoka One One’s! Never in a million years would I have tried a new shoe without reading about other bloggers’ successes.
…spiralized my life away.
…jumped on the overnight oats bandwagon. This one was just last week and I’m mad it didn’t start sooner.
…learned that I can’t do it all, and I don’t have to. This is applicable to workouts, school, personal commitments, blog maintenance/writing, etc.
…become addicted to kombucha.
…opened myself up, “thought out loud” and worked through issues via writing. Some of those posts were never published.
…been stressed, nervous, excited and proud about certain posts. I tend to overthink things, which anyone who has read for a week knows, and I’ve felt ALL THE EMOTIONS about my writing, mostly because it shows my vulnerable side. I don’t think what I write is that profound by any means, but sometimes just typing things into my WordPress text box makes me face some of my own fears. I kind of hope this doesn’t go away because I like the challenge.
…bookmarked a billion posts about blogging. Have I read them all? No…but I have all the intention to!
…developed a little space on the big bad Internet that I feel safe and inspired. I enjoy writing about my passions and interests and hope others feel welcome to express their thoughts as well.
love this! i can totally relate – especially to the kombucha and green juice thing – love them both now!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Summer Bod Compound Workout
My wallet may not love them but I certainly do ;)
Totally agree that virtual friends are real and awesome :) I’ve met so many amazing people through blogging that I sometimes talk to even more than I do my friends here. It sucks that everyone is so scattered all over the place, but I guess that’s just more reason to travel? :P
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #131 .
AH yes I want to travel to meet up with people! One day it will happen.
Blogging has definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone to try new things too! I never would have thought I would be meeting people in person that I met online, and it not be creepy at all (yay for blogging friends!). I am so on that overnight oats bandwagon and am so happy you jumped on too. I still have yet to try Kombucha though…
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
I used to thing internet friends were creepy too! Not in the least.
I love the virtual friends aspect of it all! I’ve “met” some pretty sweet ladies that have helped me through some rough times and have become true friends. That’s one of my favorite parts! I’ve also gained a lot of confidence, to be honest. I’m confident in myself and while sometimes I think maybe my posts might be kinda vain or maybe people don’t care, I love writing and if it makes one person smile, that’s fine with me. :)
Jessie @ Just Jessie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #14
I’ve gained confidence through blogging too. Just learning that other people have gone/are going through similar experiences as I am has made me less self-conscious in real life. Oh I feel like a lot of my posts can be vain but like you said, if it makes one person smile then I’m all good :)
Blogging definitely has helped boost my confidence and get addicted to more expensive things like kombucha haha
Lauren recently posted…A Mile is a Mile is a Mile {Workout Comparisons}
In some ways I’m not happy about the kombucha addiction ($$$) but I do really like the taste.
I just started blogging, but have been a big reader of HLBs for the past 3 years. I have been super excited to start getting involved with these “link ups” and love love love finding new blogs! I am obsessed with nut butters, of all kinds! But I am currently on the chickpea grind – trying lots of new recipes to incorporate chickpeas : )
Jamie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Little Bit of Everything
Amanda’s link-up is my favorite! Glad you joined in :)
Yes! I’ve come so far since I started blogging. I never realized just how life-changing writing a few words for strangers to read on the internet would be, but it’s pretty amazing!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…TOL: Breaking all the Rules
Sometimes I forget that I’m writing to an “audience” but those posts end up being the most therapeutic (and not always published) because I start posing questions to myself.
So true! I have started cross training, speed workouts, joined a running group, and have some initial thoughts that I might run a marathon someday…all because other bloggers shared their experiences and I decided to try them too! I never would have tried so many new running things without the support of my blogging friends!
Kristen recently posted…GOTR Season Recap
Exactly! The next thing I want to do is a Ragnar Relay. I’ve read so much about it on blogs!
When I started blogging the first time around, I was super into overnight oats and kombucha too! Not gonna lie, I haven’t had either in like a year now though because I overdid them a little haha. My favorite thing about blogging is definitely realizing that whatever I’m going through, there are SO many people out there who can relate. It’s a lot easier to express and have others express their struggles through writing sometimes, as a lot of real life encounters can be surface level.
I go through food phases and have to take a break after a while. I think overnight oats is a refreshing take on the hot oatmeal I’ve been eating every day for years. I agree! I feel comforted that I’m not the only one who goes through certain things (like being a homebody or introvert).
My nut butter addiction fully started because of blogging…And I feel the same way about green smoothies and overnight oats. I honestly had no idea you could do that much with oatmeal. I thought oatmeal was just milk, cinnamon, and raisins. LOL! Love this post…XOXO
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Essentially Coconut Review + Instagram GIVEAWAY
I blame Georgie for a lot of my nut butter addiction ;)
I pretty much just started blogging, but I had been reading blogs for a while before that. I find that blogging feels a little self-indulgent, but there’s really this excellent exchange of ideas and shared passion that is so rewarding (and maybe a little addictive?). I love getting new workout ideas, meal/snack ideas, and reading about what others are thinking. Basically, I’m really glad I started writing and excited about all the opportunities blogging presents :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #15
Completely agree that blogging is self-indulgent at times (part of the reason I was hesitant to share with people) but I do love the exchange of information. It’s also comforting to know that I’m not always alone in my experiences, even when I think I am.
I’ve learned SO much…too much? Maybe? I’ve lost a lot and gained a lot, but I don’t think I’d trade this ride for the world!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Recipe ReDux #19 Cantaloupe Pistachio Granola
One of the big things I have yet to learn is (good) food photography. Or photography in general!
I think I actually haven’t jumped on most of the blog bandwagons somehow! I haven’t gotten into overnight oats, kombucha (I’ve tried it but it’s so $$), or spiralizing, but I do love my peanut butter & almond butter :)
Since starting my blog, I’ve made some great connections with other bloggers which has been lots of fun :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Summer Workout Playlist + Plank Challenge
Yeah part of me feels embarrassed that I followed the crowd for so many things…but I really do like them.
I still have yet to try zoodles! My hesitance is holding me back, but I have only heard good things! Because of blogging, I now love almond butter as well! I don’t think I would have really known about it without the blog world. How is sunflower butter?! I saw it in your collage of pictures, so I figured I would ask!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Purchase My Clothing!
Sunflower butter is really good. I was hesitant to try it at first. Wild Friends is my favorite brand and the Maple and Honey flavors are the best!
Love this! Blogging introduced me to kombucha, my coconut obsession, almond butter (yay team a-butter), overnight oats, a million squash varieties, zoodles… the list goes on.
It’s also connected me to so many fantastic peeps!
Georgie recently posted…Hemp Heart Superfood Cookies
Ah I forgot to add coconut to my list! Very important part of my life now ;)
i just started overnight oats a few weeks ago too ! i also bought that brand of pb (forget the variety) because it had a big GF on it….welll little did i know after i got home i noticed its made on shared equipment. i think it totally sucks to take a product like pb which should naturally be GF put a BIG GF on the jar and then in tiny writing note that it may contain wheat. sooooo angry. waste of money and it looked so good ! im sending it to work with my boyfriend to have with apples, etc…or who am i kidding…probably just eaten by the spoonful in 2 days : )