Comparing My Blog to Yours

by Christie on March 18, 2010 · 64 comments

in Blogging

Tech tipsComputer Tricks

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post called “Why do you read blogs?” and it got an amazing response from you guys. It was an interesting conversation and if you haven’t read it, I encourage you to read it along with the comments. One of the themes that popped up in the comments, and in other related conversations, was the idea of comparing ourselves to other bloggers. We blog a certain way because of what is expected within our “niche” or we worry what our readers would think about having a bad day. We see the number of comments on others posts and wonder why their morning bowl of oatmeal gets more comments than the posts we pour our hearts and souls into. Or worse yet, we don’t feel comfortable wearing our heart on our sleeve for fear of what the others might think.

Yesterday, I found myself falling into this mentality harder than I ever have in the past. I felt misunderstood, under appreciated and wondering if my blog was “worthy”. I tried to get involved in conversations on twitter only to be ignored (which could probably be a whole other post). I stalked my stats, my comments and my emails so much that I could hardly focus on anything else. I see people post about needing to manage hundreds of reader emails each day and I wonder why I only get a few a week.  I see some of my posts get lots of response and plenty of attention and others go un-noticed while others get tons of comments on their daily eats.

I compare myself and often feel like I don’t measure up. I wonder, why them and not me. What do they have that I don’t have. And then, to make matters even more complicated, I find others comparing themselves to me. And as full circle as that might seem, it blows my mind. After all, I am a small fish in a big pond.  So then, when does the comparing ourselves end? No matter where we are on our paths, do we ever stop trying to fit in? It feels like high school sometimes and I hated high school. So then, why does this cycle just perpetuate itself over and over again? If I’m comparing myself to her and she is comparing herself to me, aren’t we really just making ourselves miserable for no reason at all?

I think in the end, bad mood aside, I know that I am valuable in this community and that “those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind”. And that really, when I take a long hard look at what I do have and the impact my blog makes, I know that what I have created here is special and I wouldn’t trade my awesome readers and bloggie friends for the world. But boy, those days when I’m feeling misunderstood and under-appreciated, it sure can get brutal inside my head.

How about you? Do you compare yourself to others, blog or otherwise? Do you ever worry about measuring up?

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Christie is a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach specializing in changing your relationship with food and your body. To get free updates on intuitive eating, holistic health and new recipes subscribe by email or by RSS feed!

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{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty March 18, 2010

That is really interesting, I feel the same way. I just don’t understand why people love certain blogs and not others. Why one post (that is not a particular favorite) is more popular than another one! It’s very weird… but I know I love blogging, and I am lucky enough to have some awesome dedicated readers!! That’s all I a can ask for…. :)

Great post girl!
Jess

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2 Elle @ Acquired Tastes March 18, 2010

Thank you so much for this post! I feel the exact same way sometimes! I love your deep posts and I prefer that over seeing the same bowl of oatmeal day after day (with hundreds of comments).

It can be very difficult to not fall into the trap of commenting on popular blogs to get more readers, because everyone else is doing it, etc.

I think though, in the end, you just have to be true to yourself and keep trucking. A lot of the really popular blogs have been around for a long time. Some blogs attract attract attention for reasons I would never want my blog to attract attention! There was another really great article about this posted on BlogHer: http://www.blogher.com/hey-jealousy-blogigng-kind-course

It’s tough, but you just have to not pay too much attention to the stats and the people who don’t say anything back/don’t follow back on Twitter. You just have to focus on what the comments actually say (I would way rather have a few real responses than a hundred variations of: Looks delicious!) and the real connections you make :)
Elle @ Acquired Tastes´s last blog ..Favorite Easy Homemade Soup My ComLuv Profile

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3 Elle @ Acquired Tastes March 18, 2010

And PS – my comment was not to say that I don’t sometimes put up posts that I know will only elicit “looks delicious” types of comments. I just know that there will probably be less, and thats ok too :) Sometimes its nice to have to light reading as well :)
Elle @ Acquired Tastes´s last blog ..Favorite Easy Homemade Soup My ComLuv Profile

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4 Christie March 18, 2010

I know what you mean and agree 100%! I like the light reads as well, because, well, they are light and easy to digest, no pun intended. And I think that is why they are so popular.

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5 Tina March 18, 2010

I really try to ignore my stats and stuff and just post what interests me. If my readers enjoy it, great. If it gets more or less people interested in my blog so be it. I just have to be true to myself. And the only reason I will read a blog is if I enjoy it. I really don’t care for a lot of the more “popular” blogs because they are boring to me. They don’t have as much heart because they are part of someone’s “job”.
Tina´s last blog ..A Bit of R(est) & R(olling) My ComLuv Profile

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6 Katie @ Health for the Whole Self March 18, 2010

This really resonated with me because I struggle with comparing myself to others in terms of EVERYTHING, including blogging. It’s hard when you find yourself loving something so much – like you said, pouring your heart into it – only to elicit a lukewarm response while others are bombarded with comments, emails, etc.!

I know you know this already, but you really do have something amazing going on here with Honoring Health. I’m still a relatively new reader and I’ve already been inspired so many times! And in the end, all that matters is that you’re touching lives and enhancing your own.
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self´s last blog ..The Black Bathing Suit: Part 2 My ComLuv Profile

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7 Christie March 18, 2010

Thanks, Katie. I really think you have something awesome going on with your blog as well. I love your because you write such informative posts that are really helping people “get” what we are striving for with intuitive eating. And I can relate to your journey because I have SO been there. There aren’t many intuitive eating blogs at there and I am so glad to have found yours!

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8 Kelly (at a Local Foodie's Fight) March 18, 2010

You took the words right out of my mouth! I have felt like this a lot. I really started my blog to learn more about the issues I am interested in. Having people read my writing is just so thrilling and something I was never expecting when I started out. The day I had more than 5 comments on my blog I was on cloud nine!! And then I think sometimes we get a little “greedy”. The other day I saw my stats had dropped from 100-something hits a few days (mind-blowing) to 45 yesterday. And I am like “aww that is sad!” but then I remembered how 2 months ago when I started my blog if I had a day with 45 hits I would have been ecstatic! I also have a busy life, like we all do, and my blog isn’t my whole life yet–I don’t have time to reach out to people and cultivate those sorts of relationships, yet!

I love what I have been able to learn from the blogging community and I feel like sometimes the big guys, the more popular ones out there, as valuable as they are, don’t interest me as the ones that really tap into the values and interests that I personally hold. You basically said this. I agree. You have to just respect everyone out there and connect with those that you think have the most to offer YOU. And first and foremost have respect for yourself and your intentions with your blog. Because when it comes down to it, don’t we blog for ourselves first and others second?

And if it’s any consolation on your “tough days” with self-doubt…your blog is fabulous. It’s really pretty and well-maintained and I love your writing. So keep your head up!
Kelly (at a Local Foodie’s Fight)´s last blog ..I love butterhead lettuce & some lessons in Indian cooking My ComLuv Profile

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9 Christie March 18, 2010

Thanks for commenting and for your kind words. I appreciate it so much. I’m off to check out your blog now. I love all things local!

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10 darryn (brio.gusto) March 18, 2010

I think you’ve hit upon something that affects almost all of us Christie. In some ways I think it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible to stop comparing ourselves. I really think it’s partly human nature, and partly human conditioning that we’re constantly looking for ways to out-do others (“survival of the fittest”, right?). I definitely compare myself to other bloggers sometimes, but I try not to get too emotionally involved in it, at least when it comes to readership/comments/etc. It’s important to remember that some people spend a lot of time blogging (ie. full time bloggers!) and also getting their name/blog “out there” by putting it into databases/indexes/lists/search enginges, and by commenting on tons of other peoples’ blogs. For me, I know blogging will only be a part-time hobby, not a full-time commitment, because I am leading life outside of the blog-world that is more important to me. So, I accept that my blog may never have as many comments or hits as Kath Eats, for example.

And anyway, as you say, *you are valuable*. I, for one, have gained much more personally by reading your blog, and fostering dialogue with you, than I have with most other blogs out there. So thank you for putting yourself out here, even when you do feel a bit misunderstood.

xoxox

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11 Kelly @ Kelly B Well March 18, 2010

I don’t know that I compare myself. I started my cooking blog as a sort of online recipe collection, and I started my fitness blog as an easy-to-access-anywhere diary of workouts, eats, moods, etc.
That being said, though, I still get giddy like a schoolgirl when someone comments, or leaves me a linky, or whatever ;)
Kelly @ Kelly B Well´s last blog ..03.17.10 – Short and Sweet – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My ComLuv Profile

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12 Kalli@fitandfortysomething March 18, 2010

I think we all wonder these same things as well. I think we need to love blogging and do it for that reason alone and TRY not to worry about the other things. Though I am constantly amazed at how a tiny post about oats can get so many comments sometimes :) And it is NOT happening on my posts either!
Have a good day!
Kalli@fitandfortysomething´s last blog ..So Sore and So Green My ComLuv Profile

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13 Chelsea March 18, 2010

First time reader and I have to say that I completely agree. Just this week I decided that most of the “popular” bloggers were just making me mad and, to be quite frank, were boring me. I cleaned out my reader and deleted them-I also deleted them from my twitter. Guess what? I don’t miss their whining about their readership going down or their life being so hectic. We ALL have hectic lives.

Anyway-very thought compelling and honest. Thank you.

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14 Christie March 18, 2010

Boy, did you take some words out of my mouth. :D

Thanks for stopping by!

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15 Angie March 18, 2010

I just started blogging myself recently, but have been reading for a long time. This topic is fascinating to me; to see some blogs take off and others (in my humble opinion, much more brilliant ones!) seemingly go unnoticed. It’s so bizarre! But I read the gamut, so I guess there’s a place for all of them :)

I think when I started blogging, I really needed to evaluate what it was I wanted to achieve from blogging. Do I want it to turn into a job? A book? Freelance writing? Or is it just an outlet for ME? Depending on what you want from it, that would drastically change how you approach it. If you really want your blog to turn into something big, that takes a LOT of work and you might even need to change your style approach, and you’d really have to consider if that’s worth it. At least to me, that’s what I think makes the most sense! This way, I’m upfront to myself on what it is I want, and I can’t get disappointed if the results are any different.

That being said, if someone wanted to “discover” me and offered to pay me a large salary, fly me around the world, and change lives all in while writing about it, I’d PROBABLY be ok with that :)

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16 Spiceaholic March 18, 2010

Christie, I do believe you are in my head! This is something I think about a lot and have anguished and even cried over sometimes. Sometimes it does feel like I’m back in school and looking in from the outside. But I have to keep reminding myself it’s quality over quantity, whether you’re talking comments, readers, or posts.

I’d rather have a smaller group of readers and feel more of a connection with them than have hundreds of strangers who don’t really care about me and vice versa.

I’ll even go so far to say that I’m starting to get turned off by some of the popular blogs since all it seems they talk about is how perfect their lives are and I’m really not interested in seeing picture after picture of them posing for the camera or drinking.

Wow. Sorry for the vent but I think you just hit on a sore subject! :)

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17 Jenny March 18, 2010

You know, I knew I knew you from somewhere…GDT! ;) Hi! And you took the words right out of my mouth. I think that the connection can be so much more valuable than the number of hits or quick comments you get. We all have to remind ourselves of that sometimes.
Jenny´s last blog ..I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want. My ComLuv Profile

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18 Maria (realfitmama) March 18, 2010

@Spiceaholic…YOU took those words right out of MY mouth!! There are some of the more popular blogs that I started out reading and leaving comments on that I no longer read at all because I cannot take looking at another PERFECT body shot or listen to another “my life is so great I can’t believe it’s mine” post. I don’t begrudge anyone for having things, but MY life is not perfect 100% of the time – I have kids!! :)
I do post everything I eat everyday, but I post so much more than that too. Some posts are short, sweet and boring others are not about food at all, but I hope to find a good balance and inspire others with my posts. If I can make time to exercise, eat right and work at a shitty job all while having a crazy husband and out of control girls (9 & 2) then others can find hope that they can do it too. That’s my main goal – well, that and pushing myself to make it to the half marathon I say I’m going to run in October!!
Maria (realfitmama)´s last blog ..A Good Run… My ComLuv Profile

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19 brandi March 18, 2010

I think (at least for people that are relatively new to blogging OR not any of the insanely huge blogs out there) that this happens to everyone! I know I compare myself to others in way too many aspects of my life, and that definitely bleeds over into blogging some days.

I hate it, and I try NOT to do it, but it still happens.
brandi´s last blog ..Bland, but Good My ComLuv Profile

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20 Jenny March 18, 2010

You have this way of saying the things that others don’t have the words or even the courage to express. In doing so and sharing these things, not only are you working through things and enriching your own world, you are helping other people- no joke. Your words always resonate with me. You have such a gift.

So, thank you for coming here every day and writing the way that you do about the things that you do because you DO MATTER, you DO MAKE AN IMPACT, and I think you are AMAZING. Absolutely amazing. You say the things I only wish I had the guts to say, my dear friend. And you are a truly wonderful friend.

Much love,
You know who (it says it above, anyway ;) )
Jenny´s last blog ..I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want. My ComLuv Profile

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21 Lele March 18, 2010

I definitely am annoyed with myself if my pictures aren’t good- I actually (I know this sounds crazy) feel like I’m doing a disservice to something delicious I made if I post a less-than-pretty picture of it- it’s frustrating when yummy things make for mediocre pictures!
I definitely use other bloggers as examples, and compare myself to them (a lot of camera envy, for example) but honestly sometimes I see them as a what NOT to do, too. Like complaining- my blog, at its best, is a creative outlet for me. When I want to whine about my life events (and sometimes I definitely do!), I write it in my private journal that only I see. I like my blog to be vibrant and creative!
Lele´s last blog ..the gift that keeps on giving My ComLuv Profile

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22 Nicole, RD March 18, 2010

I could not agree more. I’ve felt this way lots of times, sadly. And while I don’t understand why some of the more “popular” blogs are popular, it is what it is. Like I’ve told my readers, I listen to what people eat all day long as my job…I do not want to do that or read about that when I get home. I look for innovation and new recipes and research that I can bring into play in my home. I have never posted my daily eats and never will. *Yawn*

Keep rockin’ on and doing your thing. I’m of the opinion that others will love your blog for what you bring to it and that’s a real person, whatever and whoever that means. And don’t stat stalk! It’s never going to be a continuous climb. I know those plummets are hard to bear, but they always rebound :)
Nicole, RD´s last blog ..Luck of the Irish! My ComLuv Profile

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23 Not Amused March 18, 2010

Yours seems to be seriously commercial.. get a life.

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24 Christie March 18, 2010

Hello Not Amused, thanks for stopping by. Commercial is one I haven’t gotten before. Thanks for being creative.

Oh and, love the hat.

{{{HUGS}}}

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25 Gillian March 18, 2010

I do the exact same thing. I’m still learning about blogging and reading others’ posts to see what they’re doing as much as to just read for pleasure. I find that the more I read, the more intimidated I get and the less inspired to write on my own blog!
Gillian´s last blog ..The Terrible Truth About Naps My ComLuv Profile

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26 Megan @ Healthy Hoggin March 18, 2010

Hi! I’m new to your blog, but I’m so glad you wrote this post! You’ve taken some of the words right out of my mouth! (as have some of the above comments!) :D

I’m sure many of us struggle with jealousy of others’ success, but we just have to remember to stay true to ourselves! I, for one, really appreciate the friendships I’ve made through blogging, and I’ve always felt that if my blog helps just ONE person, then I’d consider it a success! I started off blogging to motivate myself and others to live healthier lifestyles, and I just need to keep that in mind. I don’t need a million comments to be a success. ;)

So glad I found your lovely blog!
Megan @ Healthy Hoggin´s last blog ..Luck O’ the Irish My ComLuv Profile

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27 Maria (realfitmama) March 18, 2010

Oh My GOSH!! I spent last night doing the EXACT same thing. I find myself checking out how many subscribers certain blogs have, how many comments certain blog posts get and so forth. I love my blog and started it for myself so WHY do I compare it to all the other ones out there?? I am so glad you said this because it is good to know that I’m “not alone”…like I thought I was! I mean, if I compare my body to someone else’s and maybe someone else compares their body to mine – why are our blogs any different??
Thank you for doing this post. And I DO love your blog…
Maria (realfitmama)´s last blog ..A Good Run… My ComLuv Profile

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28 Stacy March 18, 2010

I am always surprised by what I think people will like, and what they actually do! I think the hardest part for me is feeling like I should post and giving myself permission not to if I am too busy. It is hard because you want to keep up momentum. Thanks for sharing your experiences and giving me a place to vent about mine!

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29 Jill March 18, 2010

My pet peeve is when people start out with Sorry I have not blogged in awhile…I really don’t care if you did not have time. I like to blog when I feel like it not because I have to. I read blogs for fun recipe ideas or cool product reviews. I also like to read blogs that make me laugh–so maybe I am in the fluffy department! :)
Side note–Did you get your book in the mail yet–The Sweet Life?
Jill´s last blog ..Coffee and Cream My ComLuv Profile

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30 Christie March 19, 2010

I did get the book and can’t wait to read it! Thanks so much!!

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31 Michelle@Sugarwand March 18, 2010

love it. you said it. people get it. you were honest. that’s the most important thing. Thanks for writing this. we feel ya.
Michelle@Sugarwand´s last blog ..Day 15: My Once A Month Indulgence My ComLuv Profile

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32 Nicole @ Making Good Choices March 18, 2010

As many people have commented today it’s so true that so many of us feel jealously, or ask “why” questions about certain blogs. I ask myself these questions everyone once in awhile or I worry about not posting for a day because traffic will go down. Then I try to remind myself why I started blogging, which was for my family to have a place to see my recipes. Thank you for posting such a heartfelt and true post. It makes us realize we all feel similar!
Nicole @ Making Good Choices´s last blog ..Chocolate Strawberry Banana Ice Cream My ComLuv Profile

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33 Heather (Heather's Dish) March 18, 2010

um, always! but your responses to those posts has been amazing…just write because it matters to YOU. i for one love reading your blog every day and SO appreciate the sweet things you’ve said to me. there’s no need to compare yourself because the beautiful thing is we’re all different, and that’s how we learn from one another!
Heather (Heather’s Dish)´s last blog ..Ending the Way It Started My ComLuv Profile

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34 Lily @ Lily's Health Pad March 18, 2010

I enjoyed this post. As a relatively new blogger, I often wonder if my blog measures up, and I do often wonder how in the world some blogs got so popular. Obviously they’re doing something right though!

This is a bit of a different topic, but I often wonder, who am I writing to? I love my bloggie readers! They’re my friends, but ultimately, I’m writing to nonblogging readers too. My stats tell me they’re there, but I know nothing about them! I often feel like they don’t exist since blogging readers do 99 percent of the commenting. And sometimes, I feel as if I’m ignoring them and only engaging the blogger readers.

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35 Rebecca March 18, 2010

I’m not a blogger!
I am a 25 year old, yogini, runner, reader, laugher, traveler and a graduate student in Brooklyn, NY.
I am also a binge eater (on the slow road towards recovery)!
I found your blog and over the last year ( I am a long time reader) it has offered me…
comfort, insight, motivation, laughter, tears, and truth about the strength and courage it takes to find balance in life!

So, I don’t know about blogging politics, but I do know that I am thankful for finding your blog.

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36 Jessie March 18, 2010

You are DEFINITELY valuable in this community! I don’t think I’ve told you before, but your blog was one of the first I ever read, way back when (“What I Ate Yesterday”), and I always loved hearing your insights because you are such an interesting and original person!

When I started my own blog, I told myself I wouldn’t compare myself to other people, and just make it my own – but it’s hard! I was afraid to be free and show my own personality at first, but I found that pretending to be more “normal” made blogging a chore. I enjoy it MUCH better now that I’m my quirky self :)
Jessie´s last blog ..What Would Maddie Say? My ComLuv Profile

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37 Cara March 18, 2010

Christie, I could have written this myself – especially the second paragraph. I spend more time checking my email for comments and looking at my stats than I care to admit. I see blogs out there who have, what I think is equivalent (or in some cases, far less original) content to mine, getting a bazillion more comments (which I equate with higher traffic.) I feel as if I can’t read my audience. When I’m most excited about a post – when I truly think I have an awesome recipe and picture – I seem to get the least number of comments. And then sometimes I post something that’s just so-so in my mind, or write a random post not about a recipe at all, and get many more comments than I’d ever expect. This makes me ponder whether I have the right audience! I try to get involved on twitter too, and tastespotting, but, I just can’t seem to break through. What am I missing?

On the other hand, I’m always pleased when someone I know in real life tells me how much they love my blog or they’ve made some of my recipes or just enjoy reading – and these are people who never comment. So I know I must have some value and I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.

Thank you so much sharing this.
Cara´s last blog ..Passover Prep Series: Moroccan-Style Stuffed Baby Eggplants My ComLuv Profile

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38 Gracie @ Girl Meets Health March 18, 2010

This is such a great and NECESSARY post. I’m almost positive that every blogger has asked his/herself this question at least once. I personally ask myself if I’m “cut out” to be a blogger all the time :/ I wonder what makes me different from all of the other thousands of blogs out there. When it comes down to it, all I can do is be true to myself.

A prime example of me trying to “fit in” was my attempt to become a runner. I created a challenge for myself to run 3 miles (it wasn’t a strict challenge, so I did stay true to myself in that sense). I felt as though I HAD to at least attempt to run since it’s the “blogger thing to do.” And you know what? I RAN those 3 miles. You know what else? I hated the ENTIRE challenge. I finally came to the conclusion that running just isn’t my thing….and I’m *finally okay with that!!* It was quite a freeing experience, actually. And it showed me that it’s OKAY to be different from other bloggers out there. That challenge/realization in a way shaped how I view myself in a world of thousands of other healthy living bloggers, and I hope that I continue to learn those things about myself.

By the way, your blog is hands down one of my favorites because of your honesty and your general health philosophy. So please…keep doing what you’re doing! =)

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39 Melissa S. March 18, 2010

I totally compare myself to other blogs but in the end, realize that i love my blog as an outlet, getting to write about whatever I want and people actually read it! that’s a start and i’m happy about it! It’s a bit frustrating knowing i don’t make as much $$$ as some others, but I put it to good use for the blog…for things like product reviews .:)
Melissa S.´s last blog ..15hrs Please My ComLuv Profile

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40 Rita March 19, 2010

Wow, what a great outpouring of support! I think I agree with most of the responses in that I it’s human nature to compare ourselves others no matter what it is we are doing. I know I do it as my blog isn’t consistently about anything but me and my life and struggles. And I realized that I write for me, not for others. Having said that I to compare my blog to other popular blogs and criticize myself often for not doing it “right”. Until I realized, that “doing it right” is subjective and if my goal is just to have an outlet then I’m successful after all.

I hope that makes some sense. And like Angie said, if someone wants to discover me, then that’s ok too! :-)
Rita´s last blog ..Empire Falls review My ComLuv Profile

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41 laura dishes March 19, 2010

I read healthy living blogs for a couple of years before starting my own… I always thought that I wouldn’t have anything to write about since “I don’t eat anything interesting” and “my hobbies aren’t unique.” Excuses! I think that we all bring something different to the table, and I’m just happy that I’ve met some nice people along the way.

When I was wine tasting in CA (hint, hint), the wine pourer told me how much one blogger makes per month (I told him that I read her blog, and he offered this info to me), and I was floored. I notice another blogging complaining about the book she has to write. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t compare myself to the “popular” bloggers, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not susceptible to comparing myself to other, more normal and inspiring bloggers.
laura dishes´s last blog ..Shake It Up My ComLuv Profile

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42 Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com March 19, 2010

What a beautiful and poignant post. I can’t express how valuable your blog is. I find you inspiring, thoughtful, wise, and interesting. I look forward to your blog.
I worry that I’m boring others with my blogging quite a bit, but I just recently said to myself, “The only reason you should be blogging is for yourself.” If that’s not enough, then I shouldn’t blog. Yes, I want to engage and possibly help others by sharing what I’ve learned over the past 25 years, but I know that I need to focus on the creativity and the outlet that blogging allows me. It’s really easy to get caught up in the popularity contest of it all.
Thanks for a great post!
Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com´s last blog ..Cheesy Black Bean Scramble My ComLuv Profile

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43 Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers March 19, 2010

i think this post resonates with a lot of bloggers! i think it’s natural to compare ourselves to others… we’ve been doing it since we were young and felt jealous over our friend’s nicer handwriting or something silly like that! :) it can be really hard not to get caught up in how “successful” your blog is, but whenever i begin to feel that way, i try to remember why i started my blog in the first place… as an outlet to write about things that i love and learn and share with others who share a similar passion for healthy (balanced) living and fitness. i’ve always tried to remind myself that my blog is my HOBBY and hobbies should bring you happiness. if it’s stressful or a source of anxiety or anger, it’s not worth it.

i think you have a great thing going with your blog. your posts are wonderful and make ya “think.” :)
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers´s last blog ..Not So Ugly Duckling My ComLuv Profile

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44 Christine @ Grub, sweat and cheers March 19, 2010

I’m fairly new to your blog and one of the reasons I love it is because it’s REAL. You get a real sense of your honesty, your struggles, your joys and that resonates with people.

In general, I think the less we play the people-pleasing and keeping-up-with-the-joneses kind of games the better off we all are. One thoughtful comment on a blog is worth a million ‘me too!’ or ‘that looks good!’ comments. (though I am guilty of saying those at times…but I meant them dammit!!) :)
Christine @ Grub, sweat and cheers´s last blog ..Le weekend… My ComLuv Profile

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45 Paula March 19, 2010

Well put! I understand exactly how you feel. I am very new blogger and seem to think the exact same things you just spoke of. I feel that my blog is silly sometimes. Then I end up getting that very special comment from blogger that I adore and it melts my heart. I love your blog, just so you know! Keep it up and treat the blog stats like a scale; don’t weigh in, ya know :)
Paula´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

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46 Lindsay (goodiesgalore) March 19, 2010

Hey! I think we all have our blogging insecurities and concerns. I remember about 2 months back I was going through a really difficult time and NEEDED a break from blogging. I was terrified because I thought that if I stopped blogging everyday (even if only for a couple days) then people would stop reading. At that point blogging became a chore so I went with what I needed and it was all good.

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and get rejuvenated for the reasons we started the blog in the first place.

You inspire me.
Lindsay (goodiesgalore)´s last blog ..No, I haven’t quit my blog. My ComLuv Profile

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47 Bonoca March 20, 2010

Don’t worry about the stats–this blog is for you! Your post reminds me of a monthly get together at a friend’s house. Each month she would “count” the number of people who showed up to her door. Instead of enjoying everyone’s company, she was too focused on the “stats”. Watching her do this every month made me sad for her. Life is too short.

People read blogs for different reasons. Recently I started reading Orangette and loved it so much, I went back to the beginning of her blog in 2004 and read forward. As you can imagine, her earlier posts garnered few responses and now she receives several hundred responses and she only blogs now around once or twice a month!

There is a Richmond food blogger (whose name I won’t reveal) who has been blogging for some time now and gets very few, if any responses. I honestly think she does it for the love of food and nothing else.

So, what I am saying is do it for YOU!

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48 Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl March 20, 2010

Wow. Thanks for your honesty!

I think most of us bloggers feel this way. I know that it’s so easy to put a lot of work and heart into our blogs and then wonder why someone who doesn’t seem to put as much into their posts gets way more comments or has a gazillion readers. But I’m sure they put just as much into their posts as we do – maybe just in a different way, ya know?

I’ve decided to focus on sharing my heart and just do my best. I work hard to be creative, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and share important information, in-depth reviews, lots of contests, and a ginormous chunk of my heart. I do know that my readers would love for me to share more of my personal life – and I’m working on that.

I think we can all learn from each other, encourage one another, and just have fun. After all, if blogging becomes like a chore and isn’t fun anymore, what’s the point? Right?

My grandma said it best: “Do the best you can, and can the rest!”

Wise grandma, she was! ;-)

Awesome topic, by the way!
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Oats in a (Nuttzo!) Jar My ComLuv Profile

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49 JODIE March 20, 2010

First off, I just found your blog and what I have seen so far is wonderful. That topic hits home with me, when i first started my blog I was nervous and anxious because I thought no one would read it. Now that i have a few I so deeply and greatly appreciate them. I will admit I don’t post everyday, which was one of my goals for this year.:(
I am still working on that. I always try to leave a comment on every blog I read because we all put a lot of thought and feelings into our posts. Great topic and again great blog.

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50 marla {family fresh cooking} March 21, 2010

Of course I compare myself to other blogs out there. Way too often. Great post! Just found you via PreventionRD.
I hate those days where I check stats, emails….constantly. Those are the days when nothing happens!!! The days when I am carefree and doing my thing with a smile I reap the greatest rewards.
At least I know that on the heels of a bad day is usually a great one!!

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51 Christie March 21, 2010

Thanks for stopping by, Marla!

I agree, seems the days I am just doing my thing are the days when the best things happen!

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52 Holly March 21, 2010

I definitely find myself comparing my blogs to others at times. But then I guess I tell myself I didn’t start up a blog to make money neccessarily, and I’d rather have 10 comments that are meaningful than “Looks delicious!” or “Great job!” I’m glad there is a variety of blogs out there, though – it definitely keeps things interesting!

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53 Rachel@Coconut Crumbs March 23, 2010

Dear Christie,
Thanks so much for this post. First, I have those exact same thoughts at times. It’s easy for me to get carried away with stats and comment comparison. But I have to remember my original two goals for blogging: to practice writing and to get better at technology/social media. Thanks for your encouragement to me. Secondly, I just want to tell you that I like your writing style. Seriously, I do! Happy Tuesday.
Rachel@Coconut Crumbs´s last blog ..A California Girl Concludes Her First New England Winter My ComLuv Profile

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54 Elina March 26, 2010

You said it perfectly, but then I realize that so many bloggers view this as their job and this is my HOBBY so I enjoy it and only blog when I feel like it. No wonder my stats drop when I’ve been MIA for days. Hey, at least I enjoyed my weekend away from a computer :)
Elina´s last blog ..CEiMB: marinated chicken and grape skewers My ComLuv Profile

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55 Hangry Pants March 27, 2010

Christie, I think this happens to everyone. You are awesome, regardless of comments. I would rather get 2 legitimate comments on my post than 100 people telling me something I made looks yummy.
Hangry Pants´s last blog ..She Says: The Body Knows My ComLuv Profile

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56 Lisa March 30, 2010

What an interesting thought…I recently started a blog about how I lost 110 pounds and how I’m working to keep it off. I read a lot of other blog to see what people are eating for the most part. I started to compare my blog to theirs and felt like I wasn’t good enough because I don’t eat pumpkin, or brussell sprouts AND I eat meat! :) But in the end, I said “Who cares?” Mine is just a little different is all.
Lisa´s last blog ..German Food – Minus the Beer My ComLuv Profile

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57 tiffany@integrativehappiness.com April 17, 2010

WOW.. this post made me feel so much better as all those thoughts and then some have run thru my head numerous times andmade me want to give up!!
I am going to keep going because i enjoy it the comments are icing on the cake!

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58 Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 17, 2010

You could have pulled everyone of those words out of my mouth. And then I scroll allllll the way down through 50+ comments – I don’t think you (or anyone) needs to compare themselves to anyone but against the own standards they have set for themselves.

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59 Brittany April 22, 2010

Thank you for writing this Christie!!

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