Blog Review: Summary of 2015

I have been blogging for 20 months now and I absolutely love it! If someone told me that I would have to stop, I don’t know what I would do- it is such an important part of my life now. I can tell you now though, it has not been easy going- I have had more highs and lows than I care to think about.

My blog is an extension of me and as a result, everything that goes along with it is very personal. When you lose followers it can knock your confidence. If a post doesn’t get the reception you hope for, you doubt yourself. When you see others achieving your dreams it can be so difficult not to break down and cry. It sounds ridiculous really doesn’t it?

Everyone’s blog is unique to them. I read the most wonderful post by Carie over at Space For The Butterflies recently which made me see that my blog cannot be compared to anyone else’s. I achieve what I can and I need to learn to appreciate what I have, recognise my own strengths and be confident about my little space on the internet.

I wanted to reflect on my year, to see exactly how far I have come over the last 12 months. I wanted to write it all down before I forgot it all and have it so that I can always look back when I am having a down day.

• Nominated for Best Pre School Blog in the MAD Blog Awards.
• 1st runner up in the Next Blogging Network Awards.
• Grew my Twitter to 8k.
• Became a Mumbassador for Britax.
• Worked with amazing brands on several campaigns.
• Met some incredible bloggers.
• Made friends for life.
• Went on amazing press trips – including working with Expedia on a weekend away to Greece.
• Climbed 361 places in the TOTs 100 index – currently #107.
• Became a Huffington Post blogger.
• Helped others with my Blog Clinic.
• Helped parents find a reason for their child’s night wakings– so many lovely emails, thank you so much.
• Completed the ‘Our Story’ series.
• Hosted various successful Twitter parties.
• Attended amazing brand events.
• Improved my photography and had just the loveliest comments about it.
• Featured as best photo on the TOTs Monthly Photography Roundup.
• Started a collaborative blog for bloggers.
• Spoke at Blog Camp London.

Writing these down, searching through old posts to find the achievements, made me see how far I have really come. It actually makes me want to cry as I have put my heart and soul into this blog and to see that I have made a difference to to other parents, including close friends of mine, makes me so happy. It has been a hard year, working late every single night, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I am going to continue the series in the new year, reflecting monthly on how I am doing and the goals I am working towards. I hope it will encourage me to view my blog more positively, to see that I am making progress all the time, even when I feel otherwise.

Do you ever reflect on your achievements?