5 years of Blogging – What’s Next?

I’ve been blogging for 5 years this week (March 20 was my first post!) Can you believe that? The bigger question is, can I believe that?

It seems like yesterday that I set up this blog.  In fact, it was 6 years ago that I set up a completely different blog, wrote the first entry and then left it.  I wasn’t sure where I was going with it, what words were trying to come out and why I needed the space.

Another year went by and I was ready.  And A Little Bit of Momsense was born.

Firstly, I have to thank everyone who has stopped by this blog to read it, use a recipe, check out a story, try a craft.  For those who have left comment or sent me a Twitter message or commented on the Facebook page, thank you.  To those who have come to hear me speak at events, or have asked me for my help – thank you for putting that trust in me.

I try to make this blog a positive, welcoming space for readers to browse around and find something to assist them in their parenting journey, to nod their head in agreement or encourage someone to try something new.  I was welcomed into the blogging community with open arms.  I have made friends that are my confidants, my co-conspirators, my supporters, my business advisors and silly goofs all rolled into one.  Any time I think about not having this blog, or being in the online space, I think about the connections I’ve made and how it’s impossible to think about them not being in my life.

At some point, it also became a side career.

It fascinates and excites me that in these 5 years I’ve been able to maintain this blog and really come into my own writing, work on some exciting advertising campaigns, develop relationships with local advertisers and small businesses (a passion of mine), be hired to work with businesses, be paid to write,  offer social media consulting, speak at blogger conferences, published in local magazines, speak at business events, appear on tv, co-create a charity event that has not brought thousands of dollars into our community and more.  Phew.  My Stay At Home Mom role included a few diversions along the way.

My priority has always been the SAHM gig.  I still answer ‘what do you do?’ with ‘I’m a SAHM’ with pride and delight.  It’s what I love, and feel blessed that our family was able to make that choice.  I enjoy volunteering at the school, having play dates with friends, and connecting with the kids in different ways.  Even with this website, I’ve been able to maintain that flexibility, because being online destroyed the 9-5 working notions that once existed.  I live in a 24 hour a day world and it really works for me.

Both kids are full time at school in September for the first time (I will accept notes of hugs!) but I do recognize the opportunity that lies ahead.  A full day to try and balance so many of my passions at once.

It means that projects that I’ve been talking about doing for years are going to finally get off the ground.  My www.rebeccastanisic.com is going to have an over haul and I’m going to be working more with bloggers and small businesses in the ways that excite me – and in the ways that I know I can help.  I really want others to succeed and find their happy place like I have.

And it means I’ll keep writing. Because it turns out, I really love it.

Long story short, 5 years went by in a flash.  I couldn’t imagine 5 years ago when holding my second baby in my arms and typing a few words out on my laptop a day I would be here now.

So thank you for coming along the journey with me.  Thank you for the support, encouragement and laughs.  There’s more to come.  And that excites me. I hope you stick around.

With a heart full of happiness and gratitude,

Rebecca (Becky, Bitsy, Bit of Momsense) 😉