Man, time sure does fly! I can't believe an entire year has flown by since I started my blog. So much has changed in my life and I've learned a lot since beginning this journey. As I reflect back on the past year, I think about the many questions posed to me by friends and family trying to understand why I was doing this. I also remember the goals I had and what I had hoped to accomplish.
So as I travel down memory lane, I want to share some of the things I've learned so far along the way, knowing I have so much more to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions...
As a busy Corporate Executive, wife, mother and entrepreneur, many people asked me, why? Why did you decide to start a blog? Do you even have time to be a blogger?
Well, yes and no. Do I have the time, no. But I have learned that with all things in life, you make time for the things you are passionate about. While I don't know where this journey will take me, I know that I am passionate about using my voice, sharing my stories and creating a community of people that I can connect with, support and learn from. And for that, I can find the time.
Goals...
Creative expression
I have worked in Corporate America for about 17 years and while I love my work and I am good at what I do, there is a creative element that I don't get to exercise in my day job. I wanted to create a space where I could share, express and discuss life's challenges, triumphs, faux pas and the like in a way that is sort of a personal outlet. I didn't start blogging for the followers, subscribers or the likes... just wanted a space for freedom of expression.
Community
You ever have a moment to yourself when you think, man, am I the only one that thinks this way? feels this way? experiences this? Well, that's another reason I created the blog; to connect with like-minded people who share similar experiences and we can connect with one another to make ourselves feel somewhat normal 😂, whatever that definition is.... I love connecting with people and sharing about being a mom, a wife, a daughter, an employee, an entrepreneur.... Connecting with others helps us to feel more alive. And these days, we need those connections desperately.
Collaboration
I LOVE supporting small businesses, women and black-owned brands. Those are all the groups where I see myself reflected. To be part of someone else's success in a small or large way makes me feel like I am contributing to the growth of my community. The way I have done that over the past year with my blog is - 1) I have hosted holiday giveaways for small business 2) I continue to actively seek out, purchase from and promote these brands on all my platforms and 3) I tell everyone about the companies I encounter to create a multiplier effect so that by me doing my small part, others will also take note and want to support as well.
While I can say, I believe I have accomplished some of those goals, I have learned so many other ways that I can continue in this pursuit and accomplish what I set out for. I am excited about the journey and looking forward to the road ahead.
XO
Ayanna
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