Why a Blog?

Starting a blog has been a creative, challenging and insightful venture and I often get asked…why a blog?

It’s humbling and encouraging when my family, friends and even people I just met take an interest in my new endeavor. When they ask, “Why did you decide to start a blog?” I typically share a condensed response of “It’s a way for me to design and create a project that’s my own.”

“This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission, at no additional cost to you, if a purchase is made by using the link. Read my full Disclosure Statement here.”

Here are some of the deeper reasons for starting a blog:

To create.

I often get to design and create at my day job and these projects often involve the input and ideas of many people. That’s one of my favorite parts of my job – working with teams and utilizing everyone’s talents to create something that achieves a united outcome. However, this process can sometimes be a bit deflating.

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered and now wholeheartedly believe that I have ideas and wisdom that are worthy of being shared. Fireworks & Leftovers is a product of my own design, creativity, imagination and purpose. An endeavor where I don’t need anyone’s approval. A space to simply be me and share what it is about life that I cherish.

Finding my Hello Trending website theme from Hello You Designs got me extra excited about launching my blog. The theme’s simple and modern elegance really got my creative juices flowing when it came to the design aspect of my site.

To be challenged.

I’m not a tech savvy person. Domains, HTML, themes, frameworks, search engine optimization and all that other tech lingo gets my mind frantically racing a million miles an hour. When I would research certain aspects about starting a blog as well as growing and maintaining a site, I’d feel like I was reading a foreign language.

I certainly don’t enjoy all of the back end maintenance of having my own website; however, the feeling of accomplishment and growth that I experience after completing a techie task is extremely fulfilling since I know it is a step along the journey to achieve something I do desire…creating an online presence that connects and inspires people near and far.

These aspects of maintaining my own website are certainly challenging for me; however, the support and customer service I have with SiteGround, my hosting company, alleviated many of my concerns and fears.

This little side hustle is also a challenge for me when it comes to mastering my time. Being intentional with every moment of every day to get things done at work and at home so I can have a clear, creative mind when I do spend time on my blog. This time usually takes place in the evenings after the Munchkin goes to bed. I’ll hijack our Microsoft Surface (love, love, love the size, portability and touch screen!) and start writing, designing and sharing.

To be vulnerable.

This reason for starting a blog is a bit terrifying. Putting myself out there to be real, vulnerable and open about my fears, challenges and failures. Who does that?

But that’s part of the purpose of Fireworks & Leftovers – creating a outlet for vulnerability and honesty not only for myself but for others. When we’re vulnerable and brave enough to share our failures and missteps, we grow. We learn. We connect. We inspire.

Sharing your trials may resonate with someone who’s experiencing the same thing and make them feel like they’re not alone. That other people in this world are experiencing the same thing. That other people in this world have experienced the same thing and have come out on the other side.

When we’re vulnerable with people, we strengthen our relationships. We get to know one another on deeper, more meaningful levels. Those are the relationships that will last a lifetime.

To supplement.

I also view this endeavor as an opportunity to supplement our family’s income. I’m not exactly sure how or when and I certainly don’t expect to get rich quick.

After I had been pondering the idea of starting a blog for a few months, the medical bills were starting to get the best of us and the ag economy was looking like the opposite of prosperous. Rather than dreaming and wondering if I could make a go of creating a profitable blog, I took action.

I dipped into my savings to fund the initial startup costs and I got through the nitty-gritty, not-so-fun tech stuff and started creating. I know this blogging adventure is meant to be part of my journey and I’m excited to see what insights and opportunities evolve from it.

Currently, you’ll notice some affiliate links throughout some of my posts as it relates to the topic at hand. This is one way I hope to fulfill this particular outcome of this new blogging endeavor. You can learn more from my Disclosure Statement and thanks in advance for your support.

All that was a really long answer to the question of why I started a blog.

The even more condensed version of why I started a blog. To share my spark with the world.