The End

Writing this last blog post is hard, much harder than I ever though it would be. It is like writing the end of a book. How do you want it to end? It is the first post people will be seeing for a long time and I feel like I owe you all something more than just saying goodbye. I am still not sure how to define my end either, which also makes this hard. Though I am unsure it is really the ultimate end for this blog right now that is how I am treating. I may be back later in the summer, I may be back in six months, I may be back in two years or I may just pop in randomly every now and again, but for right now this is it. This is the end. So, here goes...

Last week I saw Kristin Chenoweth in concert and as soon as she started singing "For Good" I knew that is how I needed to close this door in my life:

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason 
Bringing something we must learn 
And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
 Well, I don't know if I believe that's true, 
but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you..."

This blog and my readers have really changed me and taught me so much! I am able to say with complete confidence that you each came into my life for a reason. I know many of you likely do not feel the same, but  after lots of time, thought and prayer, I know this to be a fact. I have grown and matured over the past four and a half years (just take a look through my photos and see my hairstyles....) due in part to this journey of which you have been an important part. You all have taught me so much about life and myself (yes, even you mean commentors). When I was laying in bed last night shedding a few tears (even though I know this is the best decision for me right now it is still hard) I started to think about all the people this blog has introduced me to and how much I have learned from each of you. I thought about how nervous I was before I met my first reader in real life...Blair taught me that meeting people on the internet was not all that strange after all. I thought about how I celebrated along side Tricia and Dee when they shared their miraculous news with me....they taught me that you sometimes have to wait for the good things in life. I thought about Muffy...she taught me that you can talk to someone almost daily for four years and when you meet them in person it they are still even better than you imagined. I thought about Susan and Kerry...they taught me that you really can make your dream business a reality. I thought about Bethany, KK and Marianne....they reiterated that you do not have to have a significant other to define who you are. I thought about Sydney, Royar and Carly...in their young age they taught me to enjoy life a little more because high school, college and soon, my 20's, will be over in the blink of an eye. I thought about Nina, Kristen and Erin...they taught me how wonderful motherhood will be someday. I thought about Alice, Wendy and Linda (two readers without blogs)...they taught me that good taste never goes out of style, no matter your age. I thought about Melissa, Melissa, Katie and Emily....they taught me that you can meet your best friends in the most unexpected places. I thought about all of you...you each have collectively taught me so much about life and myself and I thank you for that.

When I started this blog on March 31st, 2008 I never dreamed I would one day be able to say that something that seemed so petty at the time would one day come to mean SO much to me. I have been so blessed on this journey and I thank God at the end of every day for all He has given me. I have met women I would never have had the chance to meet otherwise. I have been on the front page of papers and even on national TV. I have been introduced to brands that are now some of my very favorites. I have been invited to events that I would never in a million years scored invites to otherwise. And I have met some of my very best friends.

Many of you have emailed me over the years asking me how these things just seem to fall into my lap. While I may not be the best about replying to emails I do read them all and try to address them in some form. It still sometimes blows my mind what so many people ask me for blogging advice. I still really am flying by the seat of my pants to be honest. However, in ending I thought I would share what I have learned with you all on this journey in hopes that you too might be able to apply it to your blog or life. So, here is my advice to all of you:

*Be true to yourself in every situation. Blog about what YOU like and what YOU want to write about. It is YOUR blog and your life after all. It is obvious to me when bloggers write just to write because their heart is not in a post. I quickly go on to the next blog when this is the case. So, find your niche (not the niche you think you should be in) and roll with it.
*Be selective. Remember that you do NOT have to write about every company that emails you.
*Relating to the above tidbit, unless I feel strongly about something, I always wait for people to reach out to me. Unless blogging is your full time job there seems to be no need to constantly be contacting companies. They are the ones getting the free exposure anyway so let them be the one to reach out to you. I promise it will make your blog seem so much more rewarding when you get those emails.
*Do not worry about the numbers/sponsors/giveaways. If that is what you yearn for just keep up your hard work and everything else will eventually follow. Also, be advised that having and hosting events with companies is way more work and much more time consuming than any blogger makes it out to be.
*Be realistic with your expectations. Let's face it, there is already a Julia and Julia and Pioneer Woman.
*Get to know other bloggers they just might become your new best friends! Also, do not take Twitter for granted. It is a great resource is getting to know others.
*Do not feel like you have to spend a lot of money to create a "successful" blog. I have made all my headers and graphics myself. I found it was much easier to achieve the exact look I wanted after doing some Googling. They might not be as perfect as if I paid $150, but they are me and they are mine.
*Do not let the haters get to you. As Taylor Swift said: "people throw rocks at things that shine."
*Blogging is not all about creating a brand. If you start off that way you will lose track of what really matters. I for one can tell you that today, even though all the perks have been marvelous, it is the relationships I have made that matter the most.
*Live your life first, then blog. Do not live your life for your blog.
*Follow your heart and your dreams will become a reality!

"It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime.

 So let me say before we part 

So much of me is made of what I learned from you.

 You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. 

And now whatever way our stories end 

I know you have re-written mine by being my friend...

Because I knew you I have been changed for good."

I think it is safe to say that blogging has changed my life and for the better. However, all good things must come to an end eventually. When a a door closes it simply means that another can then open. I have no idea what might be in store for me in the months and years to come, but I know I will always look back on this time in my life and smile. Thank you all for an AMAZING four and a half years! You have brightened my dark days with your comments, tweets and emails. You have taught me about myself and who I am. You have inspired me with your ideas. You have helped me be a better person. You have each changed me for good!