It takes 4 years to complete an apprenticeship or get a degree (if you study full time), it can also be the pinnacle year of a blogger because usually by the 4th year (sometimes it can come sooner) you can feel the four year itch – when you think about quitting your blog.
Back in February, I celebrated my 4 year blogging anniversary but like most anniversaries, they can be remembered, but not necessarily celebrated for the milestone they are. I’ve been writing consistently for 4 years. Well over 4 years now because we are well and truly into April.
A lot has happened in those 4 years and even though the blog has seen a lot of change in my life, there were goals I had expected to achieve by now, but I haven’t. And it’s not for lack of trying. It’s just simply because life has had to take a priority over my personal goals. I often get a little disheartened when I read about blog posts about ‘if I can write book while my child naps, you can too.’ The thing is we all parent differently, we all have different kids (some like to nap and some don’t) and we all have different values. I have no doubt that I will reach my goals, but family has to take priority at the moment.
So much of my life has been shared on this blog and it’s quite interesting to read back on where my life has led now from when I started writing 4 years ago.
My writing has definitely improved from those early days of simple posts about plumbing. The personal posts always seem to bring in the numbers compared to the plumbing posts, but as long as the blog helps someone in some way, then my why has certainly been achieved.
Sometimes I forget this though. These last 8 months or so have been my hardest season blogging yet. I’ve been overcome with self-doubt and I had thought that 4 years in, I would be a bit further than I am now but I remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day and there is only so much I can do while mothering 3 little ones who are growing incredibly fast, and require a lot of my attention.
This year I’ve felt a little left behind. I feel the blogosphere is not only getting noisier, but the variety in content is being spread between podcasting to Youtube videos, to ebooks and the published book variety. The only things I can scrape together during the week are blog posts attached to an istockphoto because I’m not a brilliant photographer and can’t always take the image I want because I’m at home.
I have a lot to be thankful for though, and while I navigate change and doubt, I know every little step I make each week is a small progress to keeping the blog going. The 4 year itch has been alive and well this year for The Plumbette. But it’s an itch I’m happy to ignore for the moment.
The times when I wonder if the work I put into The Plumbette is worth it, I get a little reminder that my writing does mean something to someone.
After feeling quite disheartened on the weekend, I read this comment on a post I wrote for Be a fun Mum. I’m pretty sure it’s spam, but it still made me smile and was what I needed to read after a not so great week last week.
The good thing about doubt is it always prompts me to act. It compels me to keep going or stop and try something different. I prefer to keep going just for curiosity sake. And for the moment, I can’t get my head around doing anything different that works in with the flexibility I need while looking after my little ones.
My 4 year anniversary has prompted me to put together a giveaway of sorts just to say thank you for reading the blog and hanging with me when my life has been thrown a curve ball or two.
I would love for you to fill in my survey. It’s very quick, and will help me plan future content on the blog. I’ve had an increase in traffic this year (which is great!), but I want to ensure what is provided on the blog is useful to you.
I also have some cool prizes.
The First prize is a book by Lynette Gray called Women in Workboots. A compilation of inspiring stories of women who have broken through the barriers in male dominated industries. The book is a must read for women working as a tradie or in male-dominated roles. The women featured in the book share their stories of trials and triumph. I really believe any woman who reads this book will be inspired and motivated to breakthrough barriers in their career. It’s a great read and I’m very thankful I got to speak to Lynne earlier this year about her book and she happily agreed to send a book out as a prize.
There are 3 Garnier Beauty Prize packs worth $40 each. Truth be told I received my last Garnier hamper earlier this year and I am swimming in products, so I’d love to send some packs out so you can reap part of my rewards. There are two luscious hair packs which include shampoo, conditioner, texture spray and leave in serum. One pack includes Pure Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, 400ml Micellar Water, 200ml Beauty Oil Scrub and Ultimate Beauty Nourishing Oil.
The last prize is a $50 The Block Shop voucher which could come in handy if you are wanting to add some new homewares to your home. Especially if you see something that catches you eye while watching Reno Rumble or The Block later this year.
In order to be in the running for a prize, you need to fill in my survey and tell me in 30 words or less, if you could be a tradie, what trade would you work in and why? The most interesting answer will win one of the prizes.
I have to say thank you to all of you for reading The Plumbette. It’s been an incredible journey writing for 4 years, but I can’t wait to see what happens in the years to come. I always value your comments, emails and messages on social media. So thank you for being so awesome!
If you don’t already follow me on social media, I’d love for you to keep the conversation going on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Terms and Conditions
This is a game of skill. Each valid entry to be judged on creativity and originality, not by chance.
There are 4 prizes: 2 Garnier Packs worth $40, 1 Women in Workboots Book $29.95 and 1 $50 Block Shop Voucher.
Entries open from 6am Brisbane time Tuesday 5th April 2016 to Saturday 30th April 2016 12pm Brisbane Time.
Prizes are not transferable or changeable
Prize sent out by third parties will not be replaced in the event they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit or virtually.
Entry is leaving an answer to the question and filling out the survey.
A valid email address must be included in your entry. This email will be added to my newsletter, but will never be spammed or sent to third parties.
Entry into any giveaway or competition is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions
Entrants must be Australian residents and aged 18 or over.
The winner will be notified by email and has 3 days to reply and claim the prize. The winner may be announced on Facebook. This giveaway is not endorsed by Facebook.
