Saturday, September 13, 2014

Blog in Progress

#BackToSchool
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A few weeks ago, my blog celebrated its first anniversary. I know that I don't post much, but I really care about writing and having this little space on the web. I like to share a bit of my everyday life with other bloggers and readers from the rest of the world.

I started blogging a while ago, when I was about thirteen. I remember opening my first blog during the summer 2006, when I spent my first holidays at my uncle's in Ireland. At that time, I candidly wrote about the things I liked, such as celebrities, my favorite ice cream's flavors, my feelings and emotions. It was a simple web page in which I spent hours decorating each article, answering comments ... I was really involved in this blog for about three years and I wrote my posts with all my heart. But at some point, I had to face plagiarism and critics. I guess it is part of blogging, but when you are only a teen, it's not easy to see that people use (most of the time anonymously) the internet to pour their hatred at you, most of the time for no reason. It didn't stop me from blogging, but I think that it lead to a sort of self-censorship. I felt it harder and harder to reveal my feelings and to wrote about personal things, as I was afraid to be judged or to make a fool of myself ...

Moreover, as I grew up, I wanted a different kind of blog. I have seen the blogosphere evolving so fast, so many people creating blogs and posting that I have to admit, I became envious. I wanted  a nice design, more and more readers ... I wanted to do like all the other bloggers and started to feel stuck. I have lost all my inspiration trying to "copy" others ... And I am not proud of it, even if I never plagiarized anyone, I know that this is not how it works. Writing about the same things, having the same pictures or the same design as other girls don't make any point. Plus, I have realized that writing and self expression do not work if you are just seeking success. I don't want to write to have more comments and viewers/followers. I want to write because I have something to say and to share. Now, I am looking for a blog that would be more like me. Something personal, more mature ... But finding a real identity when you are still in between teenage-hood and adulthood is not easy. I wish I was able to express my emotions without complaining all the time ! I think that at the moment, I am still in a process ...

Lately, I've been reading a lot of posts about how to manage your blog successfully. Some people will say I need to find a "niche" or to define a specific topic. But come on ! I am only twenty one, I am not better than the rest of us. I have nothing to teach but a lot to learn. I am not a fashionista, I am terrible at doing stuff myself, I love traveling but don't have enough money to do so ... I don't want to expose my life and impress people. I just like to talk about the things I enjoy as a simple college student entering the real world. I am no expert in anything. And I don't want to pretend I am one. When I created this blog, my intentions were to connect with other bloggers from all over the world, and that is why I decided to write in English instead of French. I felt inspired by these young women blogging about their faith, their struggle, their joy ... I wanted to be part of this community and blog again, because writing has always been important for my well being.

Even if this blog doesn't look professional at all, I think it actually reflects a lot about who I am: a young woman trying to find her place in this world.

Friday, September 05, 2014

September Goals



Hey y'all !

September has always been a big month for me. First, because I was born in September and secondly, because it is the back to school season. Therefore, this month always means that I can have a fresh start in the school system but also in my personal life. Like New Year's resolutions, September is the opportunity to make some changes in my lifestyle and start over.

But before listing my new goals for September, let's get back to August's !

August Goals:
  • Write my thesis and my report 
  • Sign up to the public library 
  • Go to the farmer market 
  • Have breakfast in bed  x
  • Order pizzas from Domino's (missed them too much !) 
  • Go to the beach 
  • Donate blood 
  • Loose weight  x

Frankly, I am surprised I did so many things last month ! I usually plan to many things to do and never achieve them. Of course, I still struggle with my weight ... But I keep working on it ! I really focused on two major goals: being reunited with my family and Guillaume, and my studies. And guess what ? I finally catch up on my assignments ! I gave my thesis and report back last Friday and had an oral exam this morning. I don't have to rush anymore and can start my (hopefully) last year of college peacefully ! So now, what about the coming month ?


September Goals:
  • Write a post per week
  • Organize a birthday party with my friends
  • Be more supportive with Guillaume
  • Find an internship
  • Answer my emails more often
  • Be more serious about loosing weight
  • Start saving money
I am aware that I am not posting as much as I should, but now that I respected the deadlines for my homework, I will have more time to devote myself to the blog. Also, I will be celebrating my 22nd birthday in a couple of days, and it will be the opportunity to meet up with my closest friends ! Moreover, I feel that I need to be there for Guillaume. He finished his last year of masters and will have his thesis defense in a few weeks, so it will be a big deal and a lot of stress. Guillaume is also looking for a job at the moment, which is much more complicated than we thought it would be. I think that he is going to need me and I have to be compassionate.

What about you ? Do you like September ? It is not Fall in France already. To be honest, the weather is a lot nicer than it was in August ! We are having a late summer and we are still enjoying a bit of sun before the new season !



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