This past week was a crazy, busy week for me. I had an awesome opportunity to attend a blogging conference in Utah put on by Six Sister’s Stuff and I learned more about blogging than I ever thought possible. It left me excited for the endless possibilities out there for this blog but it also left my head spinning and left me with a lot of choices about the direction I want things to go.
The keynote speaker was Brooke Walker from Studio 5. As she talked about using a blog to be a positive influence for our readers it made me really stop and think. One of the tips she gave was to “Play up the positive” and that one phrase had me thinking all day long. What does it mean to “play up the positive” in our lives? I have heard and have even received criticism that bloggers aren’t showing their “real” lives when they post about the fun activities, crafts, etc that they are doing with their kids. That the lives they are putting forth for the world to see are fake or embellished in some way and that no one really lives like that.
But one thing that Brooke mentioned in her presentation was that since the world is such a negative place, people are craving positive, happy headlines. I have been debating over the past month if I should just focus more on putting out crafts and activities on the blog or if I should stick with doing a weekly motivational post as well. I’ve slacked off a little bit on my Monday Motivations because I wasn’t getting the same feedback as I do for say, an Angry Bird’s Pizza or a Farm Birthday Party.
So I wondered if it was worth the time or if anyone was even reading the Monday Motivations. And I started thinking that maybe they were too “cheesy” , for lack of a better word. But as I’ve read back through a lot of them I’m realizing that they do share more of my authentic life. It’s just who I am. I have problems and I turn to motivational things to help me get through them.
After listening to Brooke talk about being an influencer I’ve decided that I need to continue to write motivational things, even if it is just for me to hear. As my blog continues to grow (and THANK YOU for being here!!) I know that sharing the positive parts of my life is what I want to do but I think I’ve done a pretty good job at sharing the realistic, and not-so-fun parts of my life such as dealing with anxiety, being stuck in a mommy rut and feeling like an invisible mom as well. I don’t feel that I need to post about every tantrum we deal with, how messy my house always is or every time I want to lock myself in my bedroom and never come out. I think my readers are smart enough to know that I have those days just like anyone else right?
So here is my question to you. Do you think it is okay for us, not just bloggers but all of us, to play up the positive in our lives? And do you think you can play up the positive and still be authentic?
I would love to read your thoughts in the comments.
I love it when people are positive! I agree that there is far too much negative in this world. That being said, I think you be positive in such a way that you are not bragging about how wonderful your life is. I have a friend that is very positive, but she also likes everyone to know all the wonderful things she is doing, ALL THE TIME! I think it’s great that people are trying to do their best, but not to the point that you just make others feel like they aren’t enough. Does that make sense? Positive is definitely best, but humble with positive is even BETTER!
I wanted to add to my comment, that I love your blog. I think you are real and your posts reflect that. Keep up the good work!
Thank so much Loni! It can be a little intimidating putting myself out there sometimes, but everyone has been really great and supportive so far.
I totally agree! I know many people who are just great positive people and they are really fun to be around because they are humble at the same time and work to build others up with them. You just feel better after you have been around them. Thanks for commenting. It definitely makes sense. 🙂
I definitely think playing up the positive is a good thing. The world needs more positivity. It’s not about having a perfect life, it’s about finding little pieces of perfect in between the bad stuff. I think it okay to share that.
Thank you Bethany! I love what you said about finding the little pieces of perfect in between the bad stuff in our lives and sharing them. I agree that we need more positivity in the world. Thank you for commenting.
I like positive posts as long as it doesn’t sound braggy. Like for example:
“My kids and I spent the morning baking cookies for the old folks at the Community Center.” this sentence is good. Now I will say that some thing but make it braggy and obnoxious to read:
“My amazing kids and I spent the morning baking cookies for the old folks at the Community Center. We try and do this at least once a month.”
I know that I have stopped reading blogs where I feel like the writer is trying to impress people. If you are a genuine person and a person with good motives, as readers we can sense it and be devoted followers.
I do not find anything braggy in your posts and I find you to be a very genuine writer. Keep it up!!
Yes, there is definitely a fine line between genuine and braggy. Thank you for your insight Maggie! It’s always nice to hear things from a reader’s point of view. I agree that you can always tell when someone is just trying to impress people. I’ll definitely steer clear of that. 😉
Kara, I think you do a great job of being real and in being real playing up the positive. I love your motivational Mondays and there have been several that have really helped me. So please don’t stop.
Thanks Megan. You are always so sweet. I’ll keep them coming because I’m realizing that they are just as beneficial to me as anyone. Thanks so much for supporting me through my blog. It means a lot to me! Hope you’re enjoying your little guy. 🙂