One year ago today, I posted my first blog post (It’s my blogiversary!!!). At the time, I was fired up by the prospect of a new idea, yet completely terrified of putting myself out there. Though there continue to be reasons for excitement within my blogging journey, the doubts are also still there. My numbers are not where I want them to be and it’s super hard not to play the comparison game. Even some of my all-time favorite bloggers have been expressing why they are a little disheartened by the industry right now (which is pretty heart-breaking tbh).

Instead of focusing on the negative, I wanted to share what has motivated me to keep blogging (and why I think you should too!).

Remembering my “why”

I started Ambitiously Cierra because I wanted a space where I can share how I find balance in my busy life and hopefully inspire others to live life to the fullest. I believe that so often people get caught up in their obligations (work, school, etc.) that they forget to take care of themselves mentally and physically. That’s why I challenge myself to reach new goals, develop habits, and try things that I think are reflective of a balanced life. The responsibilities are always going to be there, but is your youth/health/the opportunity to do something new and exciting always going to be? Maybe not. That’s WHY I share my experiences and bucket lists with you all.

Finding myself

This past year, I feel like I have really begun to grow into myself. Some of this may be confounded with aging in general, but I honestly think that having this space as an outlet has helped me figure out how to be more confident and accepting of who I am. Blogging has also been a great mechanism to look back on who I was actually see who I was. Having a catalog of life experiences is a useful way to measure growth!

Pushes me to be a better person

Not only has blogging been helping me figure out who I am, but it also challenges me to be a better version of myself. I have watched my priorities shift throughout the year (much more into wellness and positivity!). Blogging has forced me to actually express my opinions and truths about things instead of hiding behind the voice of others. That girl who used to get flustered and nervous about talking to new people, can now walk into an event without knowing a single person and not have the urge to run and hide (the nerves are completely gone, but it’s a whole lot easier). In addition, publishing my bucket lists and challenges have held me more accountable.

Community

Lastly, I keep blogging because it has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with such amazingly supportive people. I have never met so many people who are genuinely positive and helpful. Everyone who took the time to leave a kind comment, responds to a poll, pass on some advice or words of encouragement has had a positive impact on my blogging experience. Sometimes it amazes me to see names that I recognize from the beginning of my journey still interacting!

Blogging hasn’t been easy. I’ve had my share of growing pains and disappointments. However, there are so many aspects of blogging that has made this venture worth it. Today Rachel Hollis (yes, still fangirling over her and Dave after listening to her book) share a quote on Instagram that stated: “Stop letting your head talk your heart out of it.” It resonated with me as a reason why I need to keep going and why anyone who has ever thought they would like to blog to just GO FOR IT. The worst that can happen is that you learn a little more about yourself 🙂

I wanted to quickly note that I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my team. Thank you for being there to help snap me out of it when I’m feeling discouraged, for helping me choose the best picture to post (lol), for providing (very honest) feedback on my posts, for snapping the both impromptu (and scheduled) pics, and for letting me come to your house late at night and scattering confetti all over your floor ♥

♥ Cierra

Thank you Michael Ellis Photos for always coming through with amazing pics