Happy One Year Anniversary: Thank you for over 15k Blog Views.

Thank you for an amazing year of reading and being involved in some way, in regards to the start and continuation of this blog. My Cherished Thoughts was simply started to authentically share various issues and situations I have encountered, ultimately hoping to promote self-awareness as well as to encourage positive ways to handle life’s challenges.

This blog has received over 15k views over the year and has been featured on one of the biggest blogging platforms, Thought Catalog. As a way to show my gratitude, I am deciding to give a special gift at random to someone who does the following:

1. Follows/is following my Instagram or Facebook page for my blog
2. Subscribes and gets one other person to subscribe too
3. Leaves a comment under this post, sharing your favorite post so far or comment on previous posts

For the one year anniversary of this blog, I am also offering a further look into my mind for readers to learn more about my blogging plans for the future.  About a month ago, I welcomed my Instagram followers to ask me some of their blogging questions. Check out the answers to your questions, below.

1. What made you want to start blogging?
Even as a little girl, I always had a love for writing. I actually almost considered a degree in journalism. However, as years went by, I began to explore other avenues and hobbies, somewhat abandoning my love for writing. After completing graduate school, all of the pressures of being an adult navigating in the real world began to hit me all at once. Unconsciously, I reverted back to the one thing that always seemed to calm me down when I was little – which of course was writing. With some life experience, coupled along with my professional background, I decided to share my thoughts and suggestions on how to deal with various life challenges. 

2. Have you thought about doing youtube or podcasting?
I actually get this question A LOT! If you have ever viewed my personal social media accounts, you may have received a glance into my everyday life, and how I commonly add a comical twist while voicing my perspective on things. One thing that I have noticed is that I have difficulty translating comical remarks into my writing. However when I just speak it, it instantly just generates laughter or the point that I was trying to convey in a light-hearted matter. With that being said, I have been considering using my voice by co-hosting a podcast. Right now we are just waiting on the perfect timing and moment. I’m extremely bad with technology so youtube intimidates me. So for now, I have no definite plans of starting a youtube channel, but stay tuned.

3. Where are you from?
I am from Shreveport, LA. I just recently made a change by moving from Baton Rouge, LA to Dallas, TX. By the way, if you have not already done so, please check out this blog which shares ways to get accustomed to a new city after a big move.

4. What do you do for a living?
I am currently a medical social worker, working in the hospital. I have been doing social work for 2.5 years. Although it has been a very challenging job, it has presented me with some rewarding experiences! In fact, what I do for a living further propelled me to make this blog in order to continue helping others.

 5. Who are some of your favorite local bloggers?
I am so proud that there are so many people getting into blogging and choosing to showcase their interests. I have learned so much about other people’s perspectives and thoughts on various topics. Here is just a couple of my favorite bloggers, who have been blogging for some time. Please check them out:
1. So Kayla
2. The Mental Health Outlet

6. I’m having a hard time starting. How did you start your blog?
I initially had a hard time starting my blog too because I allowed doubt and fear to overcome me. I was afraid that no one would read my posts, or that I would not be able to come up with content and a layout for my website. One of the most important things in getting started, is to get out of your own head. Once you make it past that step, you just need to: start planning the content you’ll produce, deciding who is your target audience, and identifying marketing strategies for getting your blog read. These are just a few things to think about and work towards, after identifying that you truly want to start blogging. I’d also like to suggest researching and talking with other established bloggers if you have any specific questions or get stuck.

7. I read your catfish story blog, can you post more funny blogs?
Of course. I will try my hardest to do so. As previously stated, it’s difficult for me to compose a story and give it that same funny element, as I would if I was verbally sharing it. This presents a challenge but I’m open to working on it and to even consider using gifs throughout my blog to better convey comical moments.

8. What are your plans for the future?
I plan to collaborate with other bloggers and utilize guest posting on other people's sites. I also plan to work more closely with the bloggers in my community, to further advocate and support the organization I belong to called, Black Dallas Bloggers. Ultimately, my plan is for my blog to gain more exposure and to increase in the number of subscribers.

9. What other topics are you planning to write about?
Surprisingly, I use to have it all mapped out on what I wanted to cover, butI have learned to incorporate more of my readers’ input. I stopped planning out everything to a T and instead asked my audience their interests in what they want to read about.  I’ve noticed that a lot of situations that other people face are quite relatable. In some form or fashion I have been exposed to or encountered the same topics that other people ask for me to touch on. From there, I am able to add my own twist and opinion in regards to ways to improve oneself.

10. Should I make my own social media accounts for my blog or post on my personal Instagram?
I think it’s a great idea to separate your blog from your personal social media, especially when considering the type of blog you are creating. I chose to create a separate Instagram and Facebook page for my blog website to really engage what type of audience is interested in my content. Additionally, I have turned that page into posting positive, motivational type quotes which seemed better suited on that page vs. my personal page which has a totally different vibe. All in all, the type of audience you have attracted and the content uploaded on your personal page should help dictate if marketing your blog on there is a good fit.

Well, that is it my loves! I want to thank you all again for being around from the start and/or continuation of My Cherished Thoughts. Please be sure to share any suggestions for new blog topics. XOXOXO