My second year blog anniversary is approaching in a week or so. I could write about all that I’ve accomplished and give you some interesting stats, but I thought I would tell you a tale about a “Little Train That Could” called Finding Our Way Now instead.
“Little Train That Could”
Called Finding Our Way Now: Story (Podcast)
A few years ago, in a faraway place, there was a girl who wanted do to something different, and go on a new journey. It wasn’t clear what she should do. It started with some tinkering and then a new direction began to take shape.
In time, she was encouraged to build her dream and start on a new journey. At first she was fearful and thought; will I succeed? One thing led to another and her train was built and put on the tracks to begin its journey. She named it “Finding Our Way Now”. It was a momentous occasion for the girl. She had never done this before, and now she was the driver of her new little train. She had a few passengers, but the occasion generally went unnoticed by most.
The journey started with an engine and one car. It was pretty little train, something the girl was quite proud of. A short time passed, and soon another car was added and then finally a caboose. The little train was complete.
The journey started out with all the excitement one has when embarking on something new. It soon became an uphill struggle. Little by little, with much determination and cheers from a few passengers, the little train began the climb. As the little train ascended the hill, more passengers joined the train. When the little train came to the top of the hill the girl was elated, and her passengers celebrated along with her. As the little train began its decent, even more passengers embarked on the little train. The train’s momentum built and there was a sense of being out of control. The girl wondered; will I make it, will I crash? As she made her descent, she held steady and true while even more passengers joined in on the journey.
When flat land was reach, the track evened out and all was steady, there was a collective sigh of relief. A question was asked; what’s next? The girl thought and reflected on her journey. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns, peaks and valleys, things will be added, subtracted and changed, but if she holds steady and true with a belief in herself she will grow and accomplish much with her little train called “Finding Our Way Now”.
I do hope you enjoyed my tale “The Little Train That Could” called Finding Our Way Now.
So what are some of things I’ve accomplished in my second year of blogging? Here is my list.
- I have met and exceeded all my goals for the year.
- I published my first stand-alone book of stories with more on the way and even a cookbook.
- I have quadrupled my traffic and subscribers.
- I manage a mastermind group of awesome, bloggers, writers and supporters.
- I have added many new features to my blog with more in the works.
- I have had three meet-ups with my new online friends.
- I am now starting to see the fruits of my labors.
What have I learned? What I said this time last year still holds true today.
- That I’m still “Swimming Up Stream” or climbing that hill, it’s just a fact of life.
- You will always have doubts; don’t buy into them. Just accept that they’ll always exist.
- There are a million ways to be successful in the blogosphere. You just never know where your efforts will lead you and to whom.
- Don’t obsess about the numbers. They will come with education, time and effort.
- You will make some amazing new friends all around the world who will support and cheer you on. You will do the same for them.
- When all seems for not, just begin. Nothing will happen if you’re not working towards an end game.
- Don’t to be fooled by the “spaghetti sticking to wall content method or get rich quick blogger”. Good authentic content really does matter.
- Always look to find ways to have fun. Your readers will love it and SO will you.
- Remember; it’s all about the reader and not about you so listen to what it is they want, like and appreciate about your work.
- The last part is the most important; if you hold steady and are true to yourself, have faith, you will find your way.
How about you? Have you ever felt like the “The Little Train That Could”? What has been your blogging experience and what have you learned? How was your year?
Life’s journey continues…
If you enjoyed “The Little Train That Could Called Finding Our Way Now”, check out My First Year Blogging, Fortune Cookie and Bucket List.