If you’ve read some of my posts prior to this one, you already know this first part of my story: I’ve been blogging for nearly twenty years (!!) but only started doing it “seriously” (i.e. for profit) in November of 2015.
I don’t know what the weather is like where you’re at, but it’s FINALLY (sorta) starting to feel like Fall here in Illinois. And with Fall comes those memories of last year…
Desperately wishing to quit my 9-5.
Hating having to bring my kids out in the cold weather every day and physically feeling my heart rip each time I had to leave them crying at daycare.
Making only $2.70/hour after paying for said daycare.
Having this ache, this KNOWING, that I was meant for more but instead trudging forward through the sludge of what I was “supposed to do” vs. what I WANTED to do.
Then on Nov. 18th, ever so quietly, I hit “publish” on my very first TG post: A Review of InboxDollars
Little did I know that less than 5 months after that, I’d be quitting my career in Higher Education to work from home full-time as a blogging mentor and online business strategist.
I say this not to brag, but to encourage YOU to follow YOUR dreams. To celebrate your strengths and listen to your heart. Don’t waste years and years doing something you hate, or even just something you feel “meh” about.
Time passes you so quickly, with no real knowing of when it might end, so why waste another day feeling anything less than your best?
You were given your dreams and passions for a reason and they deserve more than just a passing glance as you once again shove them into the darkness. I know what it’s like to think your goals are unreachable, merely childish whimsies and fantasies, but I promise you, you CAN get there if you actually take a moment to acknowledge them, to say “Yes, I WILL do this.”
I’m living proof that anything can happen, so long as you keep trying.
It is NEVER too late to do better. To find your joy, to love your life, and to live each day as it comes, simply grateful it arrived.
Make today (yes, today) a wonderful one. You’ve got this.
(Sidenote: I wrote this post on November 9th 2016 and if I can stay optimistic even on the darkest of days, so can you!)
Love this! Very inspiring. I would love to blog full time and have more time with my little ones while they are still little π
Thank you! It’s not easy, especially with little ones, but it’s certainly possible! Just keep up the great work and you’ll get there <3
I love this story and the hope it encourages! I needed a good reminder that WE can control much in our lives if we commit to it!
As someone that has been watching your success, I have to say it is inspiring! You are all over the place, kicking butt and taking names! Good for you!!
I commend you Amber for following your dream. I like your spirit and so happy for your success.
Thank you so much, Molly. It’s not always easy, but it’s ALWAYS worth it.
Love this – so positive and inspiring! Glad it’s going so well for you!
I’m sure your post will be inspiring for so many moms who are in that daycare/work dilemma. Thank you for sharing your insight!
Hi Amber! You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your amazing story! Love your blog! ??
Thank you!! π
Thank you for the inspiration.
Blog monetisation is something I will be starting to work on.
Fantastic!! π feel free to join my Facebook group should you want more guidance – bit.ly/AmbersGroup
It’s not my thing, although I do have one ad on the blog which helps defray hosting costs. But I know plenty of bloggers who do well with it.
It’s scary to take that leap, isn’t it? Great post and GREAT JOB!!! π
Wow, Amber, you are energetic and amazingly resourceful! I just subscribed to your blog ( I forgot I changed a-mail addresses last summer). As I said in another post, I’m excited about udemy and perhaps coming up with an online course to perhaps mirror my photography eBook! Congrats on all your success!
I love blogging and I also love my job. Its a balance that I never get right between that and parenting!
This is really insightful and inspiring Amber. I agree with everything you’ve said. I had my own business for 8 years while my children were little. Yes, they did go to day care, but it was so much easier knowing that I was nearby doing what I loved and still being able to be the best Mom I could.
You are certainly an inspiration Amber. You have the vitality .and spirit to make the most of your blogging career. You exude happiness when you blog – I always smile when I watch one of your videos as your enthusiasm is contagious. Long may you reign in the blogging world! ?