Don't Stress, Just Write // A (slight) Blogging Change Of Plan

A portion of my 2015 goals read “pursue a few opportunities that will allow me to compensate my time online.”

I have been pursuing such opportunities.

And it’s been totally stressing me out.

Building a blog that attracts brands. Applying to ad networks. Signing up for affiliate programs, and trying to include affiliate links without being too sleazy. Growing a social media presence.

It was starting to get way too strivey.

Over the weekend, I shared these struggles with my husband, my sounding board. (Because he is super gracious to patiently listen to my #bloggerprobs.)

My concerns boiled down to the fact that I feel blogging is an indulgence. To pour lots of time and thought and resources and prayer into this blog, without it making any sort of difference to our family’s bottom line, felt irresponsible. After all, we pour time and thought and resources and prayer into jobs. Jobs that make money and put food on the table. Could I truly run a blog, without expecting a return on the investment?

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“God has given you a platform, babe. That’s a gift. I’m not worried about what you’re investing into the blog. Don’t stress. Just write.”  Ben said.

(DID I MENTION HE’S A FLIPPING AMAZING HUSBAND!?!??)

And with that, the burden fell away.

Not only have I married a man who likes to see his wife flourish in her giftings, I also feel freedom to pursue those gifts.

It is with a lighter heart that I writing this post, and the ones to come. I honestly don’t think pursuing an income online is wrong (I think it’s fabulous!) It’s just that for me, on this blog, it isn’t a good fit. And I am more than okay with that. I’m delighted to be able to write. That I have the margin to do so. That my words help others, even in a small way.

What if I start viewing blogging as a kind of ministry? My ministry of words.

That feels way less strivey. Much more surrendered. And that’s a place I want to be.

3 Comments

  1. Kelly on March 11, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Amen! I can totally relate. I had this very same conversation with my husband a few months ago. I’m not sure if it’s my personality or if being a mother means that somewhere down deep I don’t think that I deserve time to myself.

    I am happy to see that you are following your passion. I also believe that your writing will only grow now that it is coming straight from your heart bypassing no barriers about what you “should” be doing. And who knows, maybe that’s all it will take for this to explode. If not, you’ll still be happy. Win, win!

    So proud of you for recognizing it and for your husband for supporting you- give him a hug from me!

  2. Victoria on March 11, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Thank you Kelly!!! It really is a nice place to arrive. And ironically, one of the tools that helped me think through this was Ruth’s book ‘How To Blog For Profit Without Selling Your Soul’. I did think of you and your recent move away from pursuing parts of your business to focus on others. I’m learning that profit doesn’t equate value for my blog (or anything in life…really.) Thanks for those cheers to head in the right direction 🙂

  3. Amanda Espinoza on March 11, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    YES! I’ve had that same conversation as well. Your words are a ministry. It ministers to others while it feeds your soul. It’s a win-win. 🙂

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