Okay, so technically, I started my blog on 7/22/11, which means today is not my actual blog birthday. Still, I am one of those people that likes to give presents early and draws birthdays out into weeks, maybe even whole months, so why not celebrate a little ahead of schedule? Besides, I’ll be traveling 7/22, and I want this to give this post some thought.
So, let’s take a little trip back in time. One year ago, this month, I decided to start a blog. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s the Happiness Project, I was determined to create a regular space for something in my life that I love, writing. I was also coming off my first juice fast, so the world looked especially magical through my newly cleansed, hippie eyes. Thus, I named my blog, “Today is the best day of my life,” my little pinch-me-it’s-real reminder for my first summer break in years.
However, as with many good things, I eventually came to hate that name. Funny how sometimes we even manage to annoy ourselves with our own optimism. Still, the name stuck, because I did not know what else to call it and part of me wanted to hang on to that reminder to live in the moment. Then, two months ago, my cousin suggested I move my blog to WordPress, clean it up, prepare to put myself out there as an author. My chance for a new name, my own.
I took his advice, and here I am. I have to say, there is a night and day difference between Blogger and WordPress. Exponentially more readers, yes, but also the unexpected enjoyment of deeper connections with others. Writers, teachers, travelers. Turns out that deciding to start a blog was less about putting myself out there on my own and more about finding a community, a place to belong, words and all.
Here’s to many more years of blogging and writing happiness!
Live Life, Be Brave is still the guiding principal for my blog, 150 posts and one year later!
oliviaobryon 
Happy Blog Birthday!!! (a bit early!) It’s so neat to read how you got started. I have heard of the Happiness Project and have always been curious. Now I am going to have to read it! I, for one, am so glad you decided to start a blog and that I decided to become a follower!
Thanks! And, yes check that book out– it’s funny, a friend of mine really didn’t like it, but it worked for my brain, (even if I skipped some parts). Really loved all the nerdy flow charts at the end and got some great ideas that I still use!
Happy Birthday!!! I started my blog on Blogger a few months ago and now have moved here. Ironically enough I started mine as a complete joke but it has grown to be a big part of me and has allowed me to rant, complain, and share emotions that I never thought possible to share before. Keep up the good work so i can wish you a happy birthday next year as well!
That’s pretty cool, actually. Here’s to hoping we both stick with it! 🙂
Congratulations on a year.
Thanks!
¡Muchas felicidades!
¡Muchísimas gracias!
Happy blogiversary. I am still on Blogger but I have my issues with it and may eventually make a move, but I’m slow at things like that, so it could be another year or two before I do. Getting involved in the blog community has been a wonderful thing for me. I don’t always enjoy the act of blogging itself, but I’ve met some great people, learned a lot, and been inspired by others.
Thanks! I was reluctant to switch too, but it was much easier than I anticipated and I really like the WordPress reader better than Blogger. I have an easier time connecting to other blogs that interest me and moving everything over was much simpler than I expected. If you make the switch, let me know what you think!