I want to write a bit today on something that I’ve been noticing in the blogosphere a lot lately. It’s nothing new, but I’m noticing a lot of people who I personally consider some of the best of the best feeling the way I feel from time to time about my own blog – and it’s refreshing, but also a little intimidating! I’m referring to the feeling of inadequacy – the need to create a bigger audience, better content, etc. I guess I’ve always felt like if I could just achieve this or that, if I could just be like so & so – I would feel like I’d accomplished what I meant to with this space. Over time I’ve started to realize that it’s healthy to have goals for my blog, but it’s completely destructive to look at other blogs and compare. I’ve always known that, but human nature ignores reason at times. It really puts things in perspective though when you realize that every stage of success comes with it’s own trials. Smaller bloggers want to be “popular”, but at the same time the wildly successful bloggers feel bogged down by the business side overshadowing their passion.
It seems to me that people who blog are just the type of people who naturally feel critical of themselves and their work. We want to create new things and share something different that we can feel proud of and be the best at – but there are only so many things we can do differently from each other while pretending to not look over our shoulder at how everyone else is putting their spin on the same thing. There was a time not too long ago where I hardly wanted anything to do with my blog because of this way of thinking. I can happily say that I haven’t felt like that in a while and I’m having more fun than ever with this space! I’m not saying that I wont ever fall back into that hole again, but right now I feel like I’m in a good place. Not for any real reason, nothing has changed. I’m just learning to enjoy myself a little more and not stress out.
On to something a little more light-hearted! This comfy striped boat-neck dress was sent over by the lovely Rachel of Cute-Vintage. How can you not be having a good day while wearing a cute dress sent to you from a vintage shop in London? I mean, really! I just felt happy all day long, so thank you Rachel! I plan to style this dress more simply on the next go-round. Nate approves of the dress, but found my pairing with everything else a little bit busy. A little quirky, but sometimes I just like to embrace a weirder side of fashion. ;] Unfortunately and as per-usual, it’s quite short on me – so options there are limited! Sometimes being a giant is kind of sad. Oh well!
Outfit Details
Striped Boat-Neck Dress: c/o Cute-Vintage
Glasses: c/o GlassesUSA.com
Floral Vest/Rose Earrings/Belt: Forever21
Leggings: Aerie
Wedges/Necklace: Target
L.O.V.E how you've styled that dress Stephanie – you look super cute! Love, Cute Vintage.x
Really good post! Same things I've also been thinking about lately about blogosphere, and I totally feel the same! I've been reading your blog for quite some time now (haven't commented before..) and I think it really shows that you enjoy blogging. Like you said, it's not a difference you can point at, but it shows, somewhere there between the lines! Keep up the good work! 🙂
cute pics!! love your outfit 🙂
http://www.kellydillon.com
I dig that bike!
This is a great perspective. It's very easy to fall into that comparison trap and feeling inadequate. BTW -your photos in this post are too cute!