Blogging

[from personal Instagram account, @bethjae]

Hi everyone, I am well + truly back to writing on this space! Over that time I was pulling out my hair (not literally) trying to fix my blog + get back into the rhythm of study. Last night though I was sitting at my desk going through old posts on here + realised… oh my goodness, I created this exactly a year ago - Happy Anniversary, By Bethany Jae!

This past year I’ve discovered a wealth of things in relation to blogging + myself. It’s been a year of learning to flourish + be patient. Above all the journey thus far has been something special. And I’m thoroughly enjoying every part of it.

Because of this, I’ve compiled a list of things I have discovered over this period. Hope you enjoy it! x

blogging

:: discoveries ::

// how to set up a blog (+ really, a website)

// it’s a lot of work (if you want to do it well!)

// built upon basic coding skills

// discovered Alt Summit

// took most of Alt’s online (+ super cheap) classes! (fellow bloggers, check them out – amaaaazing!!)

// connected with many bloggers as a result of those classes

// went to Simone Madigan’s ‘My Blog Workshop’ - she’s brilliant!

// learnt the basics in graphic design – the image, header etc are all created by yours truly

// learnt invaluable skills in website design + online content writing

//wrote about depression, anxiety, + insomnia as I journeyed through it (still more to come to this raw + honest HOPE series..)

// interviewed some personal world-changing favourites as part of the Difference Makers series – Carolyn Donovan, Natalie Miller, Sam Cooper, + Elora Nicole

// had the Difference Makers post on Natalie Miller picked up, tweaked a little bit, + featured on a website (read it here)

// connected to people I would have never had the opportunity to if it weren’t for this platform

// received countless encouraging emails – thank you!!

// that the Internet is so full of trolls + discouraging people… love them anyway

// discovered so much about myself

// discovered so much about you through your emails – thank you for opening for your heart!

// improved my writing ridiculously

// learnt the value of doing something consistently

// the power of each different social media platform + the importance of tailoring your message to each

// that the blogging community is unlike any other community. Everyone is personal + so helpful. The past few months I’ve been regularly emailing some of my favourite bloggers asking questions so I can glean from, as well as encourage them. Every person has so far replied – in fact, Jeff Goins replied less than 15minutes later. They understand the power of communication, replying, + helping. No wonder it’s such a thriving community.

// blogging propels you to look at + live life differently; you’re constantly on the outlook for the beauty + inspiration around you – it’s a special way to live

// that having a platform, like a blog, is adding a door to your work that people can access you by

AND *exciting new update*

// have the incredible opportunity to be part of the writing team for Exemplify Online - an online space encouraging teen girls to live a life that does. A few months ago the lovely founder, Connected with the founder, Kristen Schiffman, connected with me on Twitter (her old account). And a few weeks ago she emailed asking if I’d love to be part of it. The site is relaunching in April. Girls, keep your eyes out for it.

[image via Pinterest]

The journey this year has been full of highs + lows, learning + finding, shocks + surprises, squeals + frustrations.

Above all though, the best thing about this journey has been you! Whether or not these words were being read, I’d still be writing on here – writing is what I was created to do. But having eyes that read these words + hearts connected to it makes it all the more exciting, worthwhile, fun, + special.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Who knows what this next year will hold? Here’s to doing the journey together.

If you haven’t already, hit me up on Twitter @bethanyjae, Facebook, or send a good ol’ email to hello@bybethanyjae.com. Would so love to connect with you xx

‘My Blog Workshop’ + A Little Resource

On Saturday I went to ‘My Blog Workshop’ by Simone Madigan from States of Nature.

The day was altogether lovely.

It was held at a restaurant I’ve been dying to go to for some time. There were 8 lovely ladies (journalist, bloggers, etsy shop owners, etc) all taking part. And the food was divine – the best latte you’ve ever sipped, scones, brownies, plus a delicious lunch.

The workshop focussed on Photoshop + Illustrator – two programs I’ve desperately wanted to tighten up + gain more skills in. So when I saw the workshop advertised early last week, I jumped at the chance to attend.

What I learnt was invaluable. By the end of the workshop, my brain was overwhelmed with all the new information, + I left incredibly inspired + excited about the possibilities ahead.

But more than that, I realised that it’s one thing to have a desire to do something, but it’s something entirely different to actually doing something about it.

See, for a while I’ve had a desire to design. Coming out of my Journalism degree, I had basic skills in Photoshop + InDesign, but none in Illustrator.

The past year or so, I’ve been scouring the Internet finding blogs, people, eBooks, workshops + other bits + pieces that inspire the areas I’m interested in – blogging, design, writing, + social media.

And it was through researching + discovering people on the Internet that I’ve begun finding such opportunities, like My Blog Workshop.

So, if you have a desire (which we all do), don’t leave it as that. Actively seek out those in your desired area, stay connected to what they’re doing + who they’re connected to, + you’ll begin to notice opportunities presenting themselves where you can glean + grow from them. And when those opportunities do present themselves, take them. I learnt so much that day because I took the opportunity that I saw.

Below I’ve put together some links + bits + bobs from some of my favourite discoveries (blogging, design, + writing). I hope that they nudge you along the right direction + inspire you to go for it. They may not all be your cup of tea, but you’ll definitely begin to find people in your area who are connected to these people. Trust me. Everyone is connected to someone..

:: RESOURCES ::

[blogging]

Workshop:

Altitude Summit – a summit in Salt Lake City, USA for bloggers (think photography, design, lifestyle, food, fashion, styling, interior design, etc etc). After this year’s summit they opened up ‘Alt Channel’ – 1-hr online classes for $15 each. I’ve done a variety of their classes (SEO, advertising, design, etc etc) + they’re seriously phenomenal! You meet so many creative bloggers + leave feeling inspired to your core. Definitely keep your eyes peeled on their site for upcoming classes!

eBook:

279 Days to Overnight Success, by Chris Guillebeau

[design]

Workshops:

My Blog Workshop by Simone Madigan of States of Nature

Your Darling Blog Design Workshop by Jo Kilma of August Empress

Blogs: