When Katie first asked me to take part in this series I think I laughed. I was in the middle of a blog pity party and questioning whether to continue at all. But I’ve read some brilliant posts from bloggers I really respect over the last few weeks and it has helped me to review my definition of the word success and look at my blog from another perspective…
When asking myself what is blogging success? I turned to google for help as I am sure many of you have done. My most recent searches include, other blogs, a clothes shop (sale time), a video about Mars and the kids school website, what’s yours? Anyway I digress. The wonderful Mirriam Webster was able to shed some light on what success actually is… I went for the simple definition.
OK according to this definition I have not made it. My blog has not brought me untold wealth (although I am very grateful for the opportunities it has brought me). I am also not famous and don’t actually want to be but it might be nice to appear on This morning and meet the silver fox that is Philip and the gorgeous Holly like some of my blogging buddies.
I started blogging with no agenda, it wasn’t an attempt at anything. I hadn’t read blogs and had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. I just needed to write … My brain was filled with questions and thoughts that needed a space to grow. Through blogging I found that space and started to breathe out again. Then something amazing happened – people started to comment. Other parents reached out to me. People told me that I’d helped them learn more about autism.
Raising awareness felt good, it felt like I was doing something, achieving something. Other autism parents reached out to me, other bloggers, friends, colleagues… people were reading my words. It felt amazing when I saw 1000 people had read my I hate Birthdays post. I was voted one of the most inspirational Autism Bloggers of 2015. I guess that meant I had achieved respect…
But the goal posts had moved and I started to reach for the full definition of that success. I wanted a measure. I started to look at those statistics, question why it had taken me so long to grow my following,. I began comparing myself to others, checking my DA and Klout too regularly and caring too much about charts. I felt my blog was failing. I was failing… and it forced me to reassess what I wanted for my blog.
If I needed reminding of my success then all I had to do was turn to the comments of my fellow bloggers and readers.
I am a blogging success because I am giving people a glimpse into what life is really like for families affected by autism. I am a success because I am challenging the stereotypes and raising important issues in the hope that the life of my son and other people like him can be improved. I may not be the best writer, campaigner, speller, social media guru but my voice is out there. I am a success because blogging has enabled my voice to be heard.
If you want to read more from Catie then why not check out her blog and her social media pages…
https://www.facebook.com/diaryofanimperfectmum
https://twitter.com/animperfectmum
https://plus.google.com/115220325528523657582
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdD07sOL3Ycd0xSwljIlqpw?sub_confirmation=1
https://nl.pinterest.com/animperfectmum/
https://www.instagram.com/animperfectmum/
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/cimperfectmum
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28 Comments
Thank you for having me lovely lady. Always a pleasure ❤️
Lots of love xx
You are a wonderful blogger Catie. Success comes in all shapes and sizes and you have an amazing blog xx
Thank you for the gorgeous compliment Rachel ?
Exactly xx
So happy that Catie took part. She is one of my favourite bloggers. I don’t know much about Autism, but I feel Catie’s posts give me an idea of what it’s like. Not only is she great at informing about Autism, she is also a huge help when it comes to having expat problems. She has helped me a lot!
Your blog is unique and in the brief time I’ve been reading it has taught me an insight into autism that I never would have had otherwise and has hopefully made me a more understanding person as a result.
You are most definitely a blogging success
Hi Katie and Catie,
First time here and thanks to both of you. Blogging has such a big place in my heart and I’ve come at from lots of angles. From wanting to be a trillionnaire, to quitting my job, to having a job again and writing because I love it.
It’s so nice to hearing other bloggers stories and love the guest blog series. Would love to take part if you still need bloggers.
Looking forward to reading more.
Beth
I love your definition of success – your blog does a great job of raising awareness of autism issues in a very relateable way. You have a rare talent – keep on blogging and ignore the stats!
Catie, you are a wonderful blogger, I always enjoy your posts. You write powerfully and articulately, I always believe in what you’re writing. #ablogginggoodtime
This is a great series, we should all celebrate success more! I love both of your blogs and you’re an inspiration to me, I’m a bit haphazard! #ablogginggoodtime
Great inspiration for a new blogger, thankyou for sharing xx #ablogginggoodtime
Love this series Katie and love Catie’s blog too. Is bloggers definitely need to celebrate ourselves and each other more often xx #ablogginggoodtime
I have to admit that I have only just found your blog today via #ablogginggoodtime but I love that you’re so positive about your successes and I look forward to reading more of your posts! x
Thanks so much for reading! x
I love Catie – don’t you!
I think success is all a matter of perspective. Success could mean something like achieving a certain level of happiness or being a good mom. In that respect I have been pretty successful. We often equate success with our career aspirations but it can extend to all other aspects of our lives. I still tend to think in the way of my career though and when I think about that I get a little down about it. But thinking about it in other areas of my life helps to put my mind at ease and I remember that I’m doing the best that I can. Great read! #ablogginggoodtime
Ahhh Catie is a wonderful blogger and a real success.I know what she means about stats etc. I stopped looking because I don’t think it is helpful. We should always remember why we started blogging and not lose sight of that #ablogginggoodtime
I’ve been reading some of your posts for a while and I love how you write about Autism, especially when I don’t understand much about it. You definitely are a blogging success. I’m always worrying about blog stats and I know I shouldn’t but sometimes it can’t be helped. I always think so long as you enjoy blogging and blog for yourself then the stats are literally just a number. #ablogginggoodtime
A thought provoking post! I’ve been thinking a lot recently as well about how to rate how successful my blog is. It’s easy to pin it on the figures, number of followers, views, etc. But I’ve come to realise, it’s those comments from people when you’ve connected with them that make it a success!
#ablogginggoodtime
I have just been talking about success this last few days and what it means to me. A friend said she would know when her new business was successful as she would see the money rolling in and I was actually shocked! Don’t get me wrong, I understand that making money is important but it’s not success to me. That feedback and making a difference is totally what it’s all about and what keeps me coming back for more. So keep up the great writing, you’re doing an amazing job and are a huge success! #ablogginggoodtime
So great to read a post celebrating success; we really don’t do it enough. Bravo!
Raising awareness, educating people, changing perceptions – the cornerstones by which effective and successful PR is measured. You have achieved all of these things through your blog. Well done on your blogging success and for being so multi-talented behind the scenes too! #ablogginggoodtime
I love Catie and am so pleased she can see she is a blogging success…. she is such a great role-model for other bloggers. Thanks for sharing. #ablogginggoodtime
This is great. I love how this series makes you look closely at what you’ve achieved when normally you might not think it’s much at all. Really inspiring. #ablogginggoodtime
While reading this I couldn’t help thinking of wealth in another way that of the community. We are richer for sure for being part of a lovely community of bloggers. #ablogginggoodtime
Absolutely you have a wonderful lovey and for what it’s worth it is one of my faves. #ablogginggoodtime xx
Ah that’s exactly it isn’t it? Jeez what is success anyway?! I think this is all so well put. If we can write a post that makes even one person feel less alone or that they’ve learned something or has inspired them, then that’s success. Lovely series! #ablogginggoodtime