I have this blog, this little area for me to empty my brain of all the things that might keep me up at night.

I love to write, a thought, image or a sentence pops into my head to spark the beginnings of a post, I love for an idea to formulate in my brain and then become words on the page.

For a little while I struggled with trying to find my footing, make myself heard. I’m still a very small fish in a very, very big talented pool. I would feel a little green when other bloggers were being offered fantastic opportunities because of their blogs. I understood it was because I didn’t put enough time in, I couldn’t find the time to read and comment on hundreds of posts to increase stats, I didn’t understand the SEO or keywords or any of that. I had spent far too long staring at a blank screen on my laptop desperate for something to come to me so I could post regularly, so people would read, so I could grow, that’s what all the tips tell you to do.

I took a step back and realised, from the few opportunities I was lucky enough to have and write about, it just wasn’t my voice, wasn’t what I wanted to write, it didn’t come easily to me. I was falling out of love with what I put out there. So I made the decision to give up. Not on my blog, my writing, but on trying to compete.

I needed to feel to be able to write, I couldn’t force what I was writing, what I posted. So if that meant that I only published something every 2 weeks or every month then so be it. I also gave up with stats. Everyone who writes wants what they put out there to be read and liked of course they do, but I gave up worrying about it. My writing is like a therapy to keep my thoughts in check. Plus Chris will always read it so I’m always going to have at least one view.

Since making these decisions I have become much more confident in what I write, what I share and because of that have been much more confident within the blogging community (yes there is one out there for all you none bloggers) and I’m pleased I can say I have made some good friends through blogging.

This weekend saw me attend Blog On, a blogging conference held at Manchester Science and Industry Museum organised by Laura at Tired mummy of two. It may seem like a strange move by someone who has just told you they had stopped worrying about stats and all things monetisation but I knew Blog On would still be fantastic and I was right.

Laura goes to a lot of trouble to make sure the right brands are there, the right balance between sessions and social is available, the right amount of cake and wine can be consumed, the right balance between learning and fun.

I was able to get out of the day exactly what I wanted to. There were sessions on monetisation, blog branding and hosting competitions.

I chose creative sessions like photography with Charly Dove and YouTube with Channel Mum to be inspired by bloggers/vloggers that are passionate about what they create.

There was a craft den, I didn’t manage to make use of although I peeked in and it looked fantastic. That’s me still wanting to learn how to crochet, and a giant ball pit that made my hair very static but was such a giggle.

The day was topped off with the most delicious cake, wine thanks to Echo Falls (I was driving) raffle, tombola, great brand prizes including a holiday, fab Key Note this year by the Scummy Mummies, and fantastic goodie bags your arms literally can’t carry!

I spent time chatting, joking and laughing with some fantastic bloggers in real life rather than online, getting to know them a little better, cementing what I hope are good friendships.

I came away knowing I had made the right decision about the direction I want my blog, my writing to go in. I hope you all stick around to see where it takes us.