Happy Blogoversary to Me: 13 Years
This blog is 13 years old this week. I started it back in 2006, and I’ve posted on average 5 times per week for the last 13 years.
I’ve thought about stopping the blog about 100,000 times. I know, not the typical thing a person admits on their blogoversary, but you can’t talk about how you keep something going for 13 years without a break without admitting the other option: stopping.
There is a very simple way to get a 13-year-old blog: write for 13 years. That’s it. There is also a simple way to not have a 13-year-old blog: don’t write for 13 years. There is no magic, no advice beyond two words: show up. Sit down in front of the computer and talk about what is happening in your life or something you read or something that is annoying you at the moment or the very cute thing your guinea pig did when you opened the refrigerator door. I do that because the alternative is not doing it. Until I am completely certain that I’m ready, I will continue to show up because I know that once I take a tiny break, it will be over. I won’t be able to convince myself to show up again.
Because blogs take time. A lot of time. And you need to write them because you need to write one, not because you need someone to read it. That is a hard lesson to learn and take to heart. I’ve said it a lot over the years. I don’t check my stats anymore because it helps me to maintain that focus: I write for myself. I love that you are here and that you’re reading what I write. Blogging without anyone reading is very lonely, but loneliness isn’t a reason to stop. It’s just a feeling — one that is important to acknowledge — but it isn’t the endgame. I am the endgame, and I choose to show up.
So thank you for being here. Thank you especially to the ones who have been around for 13 years (or close to it). And thank you to the newer people who have found me along the way. I am so grateful for every word read.
19 comments
Happy 13th Blogaversary, Mel! That is an awesome accomplishment! Yours will always be my go-to and fav blog. I am so grateful the universe connected me to you through life experience and writing. As you say, showing up and continuing to write is key. I admire your consistency. Congratulations on making it to your teen blogging years! Keep going and I’ll keep reading! And maybe even comment more often. And maybe even write and share more myself. Love you! xoxo
Man, 13 years. That’s amazing. And also so simple – many days in a row of just showing up. Happy blogoversary. I’m so grateful you started writing here.
Happy blogoversary! I’ve been reading your blog since 2008. I’m so glad that you haven’t quit.
I had a private blog for just a few friends and family with pictures and stories about my kids, since we live across the country from most of my family. I posted almost daily for 4 years. And then I missed a few days. And unfortunately, instead of hopping back in where I was, days became weeks, and weeks became months. I’ve posted a few times in the two years since I stopped.
I’m so angry at myself because it was also kind of a journal/baby book/record of my kids, and it just stopped. It really didn’t take that long every day to dump a few pictures from my phone and write down a few snippets of things we did, cute things the kids said. The perfectionist in me feels like if I don’t go back and document those missed days, it’s not a whole record, which is stupid.
You’ve inspired me to start again. For me. Thank you for your dedication for 13 years! Can you share any tips you have for how you’ve done it? Do you make lists, set reminders or have a routine? I feel like life gets so hectic and I forget to do so much every day. If I wait to do it after the kids go to bed, I often forget. Maybe I need to set a reminder on my phone.
Happy, happy blogoversary, Mel! So glad you are here & keep showing up. You are an inspiration to all of us! xoxoxo
Congrats!! 13 years is very impressive!
Happy blogoversary! I stumbled onto your blog through a Google search about 10 years ago, not long after I started my own blog devoted to my struggles with TTC (and later IF), and I’m so glad I did! I enjoy reading your posts, and I have connected with so many other great people through the community you fostered.
Happy Blogoversary! Keep up the great work!
I’m still here, even if my commenting has fallen off to pathetic levels.
I think I’ve been around twelve years? And thank you. Your blog is a big part of the community I live in online that has made my life better. I also think that if not for the connections I made here which caused me to ask different questions at my doctors, it’s possible that Ryan and Alex wouldn’t have survived to be born. The community you actively worked to form pulled me out of my darkest times and have made my life better in so many ways. Thank you.
Thanks for still being here. 🙂
Happy 13th Blogoversary! You have made such a difference in so many lives, mine included. I hope you know that. 💜 Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do.
Mel I remember back when you first posted on Baby Center that you were starting a blog. I clicked over and felt like I had found a place I belonged with people who understood what was going on in my life. You created an incredible community of love and support. You were there making me feel not so alone through 7 miscarriages and you were there to celebrate when we adopted our baby girl (who is now !) So while you may blog for you please know that YOU have made an incredible difference in many lives. Thank you and Happy 13th!
Happy 13th! I’ve been here with you since close to the beginning. It’s been an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing your life and your family with us. I’ve learned so much about so many things – from IF to Harry Potter!
Reading your Blog has been like auditing the most interesting college courses available.
Once again, thank you for your consistency – for showing up nearly every day for 13 years. You’ve enriched my life and countless others I’m sure.
I’m being totally selfish, but I hope you continue to write as long as one of other favorite authors, Judith Viorst.
Most sincerely,
“Suzanna Catherine”
Happy Blogoversary!
Been reading here since 2012 and so glad you’re still writing. It is an amazing, amazing accomplishment to have a blog like this one for 13 years (and counting!). It’s also incredible the work you’ve done through the blog to connect, protect, and help the community as needed – that’s an extraordinary amount of time, effort, and care sunk into so many of us to make sure we know we aren’t alone on this journey. Thank you.
Congrats Mel! Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for being here and being such a constant. I don’t know if you know how important that is, how important you are to this community. But I want you to know the comfort you provide in such a topsy-turvy world, when I open my reader knowing you likely put up a post. You make everyone here feel like a friend, and you have been there making us all feel less alone. I truly hope you feel the love back that all of us feel coming here.
Happy Blogaversary!!
Congrats Mel!
I’m trying hard not to feel old, realising I’ve probably been reading for ten years now…
Happy Blogoversary!
Happy Blogaversary! Wow, 13 years is amazing. I am in awe of your ability to have something interesting to say so often, and to find these amazing nuggets on the internets. I’m grateful you’re here!
Happy Blogoversary! I am so happy that of the 100,000 times you though of stopping, you didn’t. Your voice is one of steadiness and at the same time challenges me to consider other points of view. I’m so grateful to be able to come back to your writing no matter how long it’s been.
Thank you! Thank you for your blog and for all the people you have helped. Happy Blogoversary!!