Before I started blogging, there were people on social media that I looked up to. I desired to imitate them. I envied their pictures, or their number of followers and likes. If I’m going to be completely honest with you, I still envy their success.

There’s always room to improve and grow. The problem isn’t that I desire success or growth, it’s that I confuse success with happiness. I desire to be successful; I am determined to grow. I know that determination and ambition are both important character traits. What I’m forgetting is that meeting a goal won’t guarantee my happiness. True happiness isn’t found solely in success. Happiness comes from above. Happiness is being grateful to God for what He has granted you.

Through blogging, I’ve also learned that not everyone is who they seem to be. When I created my personal Instagram account into a blog account, I searched for other lifestyle bloggers and tried to learn how they grew their following. I found bloggers who claimed to radiate grace and positivity, but to my disappointment, they failed to support others, and at times were unapproachable. There are times where I see an individual and they seem so glamorous, so sophisticated, so important. Often times, these individuals are also extremely unapproachable. It wasn’t until recently that I realized, I actually don’t want to be like that. I prefer to be who I am, and not try to be better than anyone. My goal is to lift others up. Though I realized not everyone isn’t as kind as they imply, I also realized there is an immense amount of hidden gems in the blogging world. Women with lovely souls and beautiful ideas. Women who lift each other up, and have so much kindness to share with the world. This encourages my heart tremendously.

I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s not the people you expect who support your dreams. I’ve had the chance to meet wonderful, dear souls through blogging. They have encouraged me immensely. These lovely ladies have supported me more than some of even my own friends! I’ve also had dear souls, that I’ve known, but haven’t had a chance to connect with, grow close to me through my blog. The people who are most supportive of me greatly surprised me, but I’m so genuinely grateful for them. I care greatly for them all. I feel very blessed to be able to write about my thoughts and pursue what I’m passionate about.

I would like to add that this post is a bit more raw and honest than usual, but I hope it’s assisted you in understanding me and my thoughts in a more authentic way. Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it + you are dear to my heart!

Miriam Juliet