I thought of a million ways to write this post. A million ways to start it and a million ways to end it. And I must have about ten versions of this very post sitting on my laptop because none of them felt quite right to hit publish.
Perhaps I am waiting for some magical epiphany or maybe my expectations are set way too high. Or maybe I’m looking for perfection in an imperfect world or maybe I am still meandering my way through this blogging journey – or maybe, just maybe, it’s a little bit of all of the above.
You see, today is my blogoversary. Three years to be exact.
I have nearly 450 posts sitting happily on this blog and thousands upon thousands of words and comments that have been documented, read and shared.
Now that’s some pretty powerful stuff, don’t you think?
Since I’ve reached such a milestone, I feel as though the words I am crafting together today should be carefully placed, or somehow, more meaningful than they have ever been. But the truth is, the more I try to create something perfect, it loses its value – the value of just being REAL.
{INSERT EPIPHANY HERE}
Being authentic is why I started my blog.
I created Theta Mom® because I wanted to write and share my words with the world.
I wanted to spill my heart out on the kind of topics and experiences that mattered to me most and in the process, hopefully connect with other women from around the world who understood what I was going through. And those of you who have been around these parts know that I’ve certainly achieved that…and a whole lot more.
More than I could have ever imagined.
A few days ago, I tweeted a question out to my followers (as I was on the ninth draft of this post) simply asking, “What I love *most* about blogging is ___________.” Well, here are some of the responses I was able to fit into a screenshot:
My twitter feed reminded me of the *very* reason I began this blog three years ago – to connect with fellow Theta Moms.
The first page I ever published in 2009 was my Mission. I wrote, “I invite you to join forces with me to revolutionize the way we think about our role as mothers. We need to begin the dialogue about what it truly means to be a Theta Mom®: The True Authentic Mom.”
And to this day, I am SO proud of the fact that I am still serving that purpose – I have stayed true to myself and I continue to be REAL.
Although, I must admit that I thought I would be in a different place during this three year celebration. I finished writing an ebook several months ago but haven’t hit publish on it yet. With so many things going on in my life offline, I just haven’t found the right time to begin promoting, marketing and successfully selling this fabulous ebook – but when the time is right, you’ll be the first to know when it launches. And of course I hope you’ll support it.
I am still figuring out where I will ultimately land in the bloggy landscape and so until then, I will continue to keep doing what I’m doing – blogging when I have something to say and doing it with authenticity.
And to the readers who have been with me, whether it’s been days or years, I thank you – for making this a wonderful space for women to feel safe, for reminding me that my words matter to someone reading and for opening up your lives to me and sharing in this experience.
It really wouldn’t be the same without you.
Where will Theta Mom® be a year from now? I really don’t have a clue. But what I can tell you is no matter where I end up, you can count on me for being REAL – which is certainly something worth celebrating, especially in the bloggy culture that exists today.
And this, my friends, turned out to be a perfect post.
Congratulations on a huge achievement, Heather! Theta Mom is one of the first sources of inspiration and community that I found when I began my journey as a blogger.
You have led thousands of women to find their authentic voices as mothers through being transparent and real. You have encouraged women that have created businesses, turning your readers on to some of the best products out there!
I’m sure I speak for many of your readers when I say that I hope you continue to share your powerful words with us, and I can’t wait to read your E-Book when the time is right.
I hope you take a second to pause today and feel great about all that you have achieved!
You have no idea how much this comment means to me Katie! All I ever wanted to do is share my voice and I am grateful that my words have resonated with women like you – thank YOU for being such a big part of what “Theta Mom” is and what it continues to be.
I am going to enjoy reflecting today and connecting with the very women (like you) who make this all worth the ride.
xoxo
Happy 3rd Blog Anniversary, Heather! May your fourth year be filled with more authentic moments.
Thank you for being such a continuous inspiration to me as a blogger, mother and woman.
It really wouldn’t be the same without women like you here Alison! You’ve ALWAYS supported me and everything I do and that has never gone unnoticed – I thank you for always being here, WANTING to be here.
And what I’ve realized these past three years is that my fellow bloggers (like you) continue to inspire ME. You are there through the great times and you’re there to lift me up when I’m down – I couldn’t ever ask for more.
I look forward to another fabulous year with you mama!
Happy Blog-o-versary Heather! I am so blessed to be able to have been able to meet and spend time with you — and be able to call you a friend. Without this crazy blogging thing we do, it probably never would have happened.
And you hit the nail on the head — not only for the meaning of why you started your own blog — but the meaning most of us started ours. Because we wanted to connect. We wanted to share what is real. We wanted people to identify with us.
And thank you starting your community to do just that.
Yes Julie! It was so wonderful to meet you as well! I remember the first impression I got of you was that you were SO passionate about writing and about the blogging community as a whole. You immersed yourself in it all and enjoyed connecting with other bloggers – Never lose sight of that – the reason why we started blogging in the first place.
Even though this bloggyverse changes over the years, the reason why we WRITE never will change. We love it. We can’t live without it. Writing is in our blood, and I am so blessed to have women like you in my corner.
Here’s to many more years of happy blogging!
Happy Anniversary! Theta Mom is quite an accomplishment. I know you are proud of how far it’s come!
And for all of the comments you’ve left and for every single post you’ve ever read, THANK YOU. I appreciate it more than you know!
Happy anniversary! I think the community and brand you’ve build is amazing, as well as this space where you spill your thoughts. You definitely took off with your idea and made it your own, building a fantastic community.
I recently went to a workshop on online writing given by 2 local writers — a newspaper columnist (who also has written online for years) and a popular local blogger. They both agreed that success is success, but having your blog be a special place will probably make you happier. It kind of struck home with some feelings that I knew I was having, but couldn’t pinpoint.
Thanks for all that you do!
Thank you Leigh Ann!
I totally agree with that statement – we can write for various publications but a blog IS special because we have FULL ownership of it. We can do whatever we want to do in this space. There are no rules and there are no specific deadlines, it’s whatever WE want it to be.
Thanks so much for the kind words today, I am so proud of the women who are here – continuing to inspire me!
Congratulations on three awesome, authentic years in blogging, Heather. The TMC has changed blogging for me in so many ways, and your blog entries have been at the forefront of TMC. I’ve found such comfort, instruction, and encouragement in your posts.
Being a WAHM, I’ve often wondered how to navigate through the life I’ve made for myself. I’ve been confused and puzzled at times, wondering if I can really do this. Thankfully, when I see women like you, I am motivated that the decision I’ve made is good and right for me and my family, too.
Thanks for still being here, blogging. You are going to effect change in the lives of more women! Here’s to a wonderful new year of blogging for you. Be blessed!
Martine,
Thank you SO much for being here. The last several months have been a whirlwind for me, especially offline so I find that I am constantly re-evaluating my blogging goals and what I need to pursue as a successful WAHM. I have found that there is no “right answer” or cookie cutter solution – we simply have to find our own way and continue to do what works for us.
I feel as though I still have so much to learn and explore in this space, and I am honored to have a platform to share my experiences – it’s comforting to know women like you are still here – reading, commenting and connecting on the very topics that matter to us most.
Here’s to more fabulous years ahead!
xoxo
Congrats and cheers to you, Heather
Thanks Gigi – it’s been a wild and crazy ride so far! 😉
I don’t know “where’ you’ll be either, but I know it will be wonderful. Congratulations on your blogoversary and for sticking to the vision of your space, even as it evolves in different ways.
Thanks so much Angela, for always being so supportive and encouraging. I know I’ve said this to you before, but it’s true: it’s women like you who really make this whole blogging thing worth it.
Thanks for being such an integral part of TM!
xo
Happy Blogoversary!!!!!
Thank you!!
Congrats on your three year blogoversary!!! I am always in awe when I see how long some of you have been at it… I have yet to reach my one year blogoversary. Blogging has truly changed and enriched my life, especially because of women like you!!! I can’t wait to hear about and read that e-book.
Thanks so much Susi! Blogging has certainly changed my life and I really appreciate hearing that I have been some sort of inspiration to women like you along your own blogging path!
Thanks for being here!
Well, I’m looking forward to the release of your ebook! I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Theta Mom community and looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
You are certainly one of my readers who have seen TM go through so many changes over the last few years and I am thankful to still have you here along for the ride!!
That’s an incredible accomplishment…especially as one who’s just starting on their blog adventure, I know how much work and thought has gone into this. Thanks for sharing with us and being an inspiration!
Thank Angie! It means a lot to me to know that I have served as some kind of inspiration to other bloggers – we’re all here because we love to write & we love to connect – which truly are my two favorite aspects about this gig. 😉
Thanks so much for being here!
Congrats on three years of Theta Mom! So glad you started your blog – you have been an inspiration!
Thank so much Laura! Reading a comment like this makes this whole blogging thing worth the ride 😉
Happy Blogiversary to you! And look at the wonderful community of women you’ve inspired – myself included!
Thanks so much Jennifer!! I know you are also one of the readers who has seen my blog go through so many changes over time – so glad to still have you here!
Oh happy blogoversary, girl!
Your real, your passion, your heart – are why I’m so very thankful to have connected with you!
{Congrats on the ebook! So excited for you!!}
xo
Galit – I feel the SAME about you!! “Meeting” women like you is one of the major reasons I continue to blog – thanks so much for being such an integral part of TM and the blogosphere my friend.
xoxo