Funny story: On Tuesday night, I was lying in bed trying to get to sleep and then, out of absolutely nowhere, it hit me: I straight-up forgot that I hit the four-year mark of blogging recently.
Every year at the beginning of August, I share a post about my “blogaversary.” The fact I missed this year’s makes me think my blog is like a stereotypical marriage โ the longer I blog, the more prone to forgetting the anniversary I am. Ooooops. To make up for not writing my annual anniversary post, here’s one almost a full month late.
On past blogaversaries, I’ve shared highlights of the previous year and goals for the next one. You can check out my previous posts below:
As for this past, FOURTH year โ which I actually am really excited about despite completely forgetting about it โ I see this blog aligning more with what I want it to be. Although it’s still got a ways to go, I much prefer its current direction and purpose to my random, aimless ramblings of years past. This blogging venture is a never-ending journey because what I want in this blog seems to constantly evolve.
I do have a confession though. Over the past year I’ve been questioning more than ever if I want to keep blogging or finally give up the massive time commitment. It’s really weird thinking about just…abandoning this long-running stream of posts I’ve slaved over. Every time I consider quitting, though, I remember how it has become a part of me. While it’s not always rainbows and kittens, I still cherish having the creative outlet, and it most definitely feeds my passion for living healthy. So…as for now, Gettin’ My Healthy On is not going anywhere.
There has been a big shift in this blog, though, which seems really obvious to me. I’ve taken a major focus off my personal life because, although I appreciate reading about others on their blogs, I don’t want every detail about me online. That’s why this site heavily focuses on healthy recipes and leading an active life these days โ but still with pieces of my life peppered throughout for some extra flavor.
If you’ve been reading for awhile, or even if you just landed here for the first time today, I appreciate your readership more than you know. Getting comments and seeing visitor numbers rise puts a pep in my step (I don’t think I’ve ever uttered that phrase before). It’s nice to feel like even one person cares about my words and can relate to or learn from my healthy living journey. So, THANK YOU for reading. ๐
To keep things consistent with previous years, here are some top posts from year four (some that surprised me) in case you haven’t had the chance to check them out yet:
Top 5 Recipes
- Strawberry Chocolate Muffins with Greek Yogurt
- Maple Gingerbread Smoothie
- Blueberry Coconut Overnight Oats
- Cranberry Orange Smoothie
- Chocolate Coconut Protein Bars
Top 5 Posts
- How to Count Macros
- 7 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Workout (When It’s the Last Thing You Want to Do)
- 10 Ways to Make Your House Feel Like a Home
- Lower Abs Workout
- Health Benefits of Juicing
Goals for Year 5
As of today, I have published 672 posts on GettinMyHealthyOn.com. Despite the many topics I’ve focused on, there will always be more I want to discuss. I’m in the healthy living and fitness niche for a reason, you see. ๐ With each year that passes comes new and evolving goals. Here’s a look at some I have for year five:
- Redesign my header and logo: Design is so important to me. It’s the first impression and sets the tone before anyone can even read my content. I really don’t like my generic banner on this site, but I’ve never had the necessary knowledge or time to share a new one. I’ve actually already designed a new one, which just needs some minor tweaks, so I have high hopes I’ll get it added within the next year (without breaking the site, fingers crossed).
- Keep expanding my social media presence: This has become a huge focus of my blog’s online presence, and I find it to be rewarding in a very different way from this platform. Since I realistically cannot keep up with reading my favorite blogs anymore (my excessive computer use with work + blogging + life = my eyes and brain are dying), this is a much easier way to connect with fellow bloggers as well as my followers. (I’m lookin’ at you, Instagram.)
- Learn from analytics: One area that I’ve been wanting…no…needing to explore at a deeper level is the stats collected from my many blog posts. There’s a wealth of information within Google Analytics โ not only to interpret, but also to adapt how I blog โ which I know can help me better connect with my wonderful readers.
Despite where this blog goes in the future, I’m proud to have completed four years, even when it means pouring my heart into posts that don’t get a lot of attention. When it comes down to it, I blog for me, and I can tell I’ve grown as a writer, health advocate, photographer, and person by simply staying committed to this blog.
What kind of blogs have you been reading lately?
Fellow bloggers, why do you keep blogging?
Happy Anniversary! You’re doing a great job ๐ Thanks for existing
Thank you!! ๐