Balancing Life with Blogging!

I’ve been thinking of writing a post like this for awhile now, and i’m glad i’m finally getting around to it now!

I was inspired by my blogger friend Saira’s post, about how to balance working and blogging, check out her post here, her tips are so useful and things that I do myself as well!

So just to give a little bit of background…I started this blog in April of 2015 (1 year almost) and when I began, I literally had no expectations of anything. I was writing for myself and hoped that in someway, people would find what i had to say interesting. I’m glad I began when I did and i’ve met some awesome people along the way, who are so encouraging in their comments and feedback, that helps me going.

I’m bringing this up, because when I began, I had no way of keeping my blog organized with my life. Blogging was more of a ‘whenever I want/have time’ type thing, so I would only write once in awhile, or when I felt like I had something to share. I rarely planned ahead or had drafts going in the background.

Then a few months ago…maybe like in October or so, I felt like my blog was really solid and I was doing so many things with it, that I needed to come up with a better schedule for myself, to maintain my sanity. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably see the countless guest posts I’ve done on other blogs, and collaborations I’ve created and done with fellow bloggers for my own blog. All of that takes a lot of time!

So when 2016 began, I decided it was time to get organized 100%!

Here’s the basics:

1. I bought a planner! This is the one I picked up from Target, it was reasonably priced, and incorporated my favorite color (blue), so I knew I had to have it! Now I use my planner for everything. It is not a strictly blogging planner. Meaning, I write any assignments I have to do, any meetings I have upcoming, any plans I have with my friends/family, birthdays, AND my blog posts. I like keeping everything in one space, so I can see exactly when what is happening. In the two months I’ve had this planner, I’m already at so much more ease in everything i’m doing. It’s really a game changer, and stress reliever to have things planned out in advance.
2. How exactly do I know when to post what post/ how do I write? Basically, I like to keep draft posts always in my drafts section here on WordPress.A minimum of 1 post is always sitting in my drafts, sometimes I even have 4+ drafts sitting there. I like doing this, because it keeps an order as to what will be posted when. Plus i’m never left without anything to post! I know so many people hit writers block (i do too), but I feel this really helps when you’re out of ideas to write about or don’t have anything to say, you can just click in your drafts and publish something you may have written awhile ago!
3. Now, with working full time, going to school part time, and blogging, I know what’s more important and attempt to keep my priorities straight. Of course, I have days where I just want to sleep after I come home from work, or sit on social media for hours, and sometimes I do let myself do that (because everyone deserves a break), but most of the time I try not to. With so many things always going on, I try to make the most of any and all extra time I have. Most of the time, i’ll be working on school work after work, or blog work. Either way, it’s important to know what to prioritize and deadlines are crucial!
4. And lastly, what is my creative process? So i’m not sure if i have a true ‘process’. I like to think that most of my blog post ideas come from whatever is going on in life currently. My fashion / OOTD based posts, are all based on timing. If i’m going out somewhere, or doing something fun, I’ll make sure to dress up to use for a fashion related post. Same thing with beauty, if I buy a new makeup or beauty product, i’ll use it and then write about it. Anything lifestyle related, again is just based on whatever is happening. I like to document things as they happen and come back and write about them later. That’s essentially it. I like using personal experiences and products i’ve used, as basis for blog posts. It’s easier to write about things you’ve used/worn/experienced, and it just makes writing about them more fun! That’s where I get most of my inspiration from for blog posts. Sometimes I find ideas or get inspired by reading other bloggers or scrolling through Instagram, it can really help the creative juices in your brain moving!

Also, I always told myself since I began blogging, to never let it stress me out. Because many/most things in my life, tend to stress me out, but I wanted this outlet to never be stressful. And i’m SO glad, that thus far, it hasn’t stressed me out at all! Maybe once or twice, I felt worked up about blogging, but overall, it’s been a stress reliever, which is what i’ve always wanted it to be! It does get tough to juggle school, work, life, and blogging, but i feel like this is the TIME in life to enjoy things that are all about ME! Who knows what’ll happen in the next few years….

Wow, this post covered so many different things! I kind of went off on random tangents…but i hope in some way (as always), you all can relate to this and i’d love to hear about how you balance life with blogging as well! Share your thoughts in comments blow! 🙂

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to stay up to date on the blog!

Until next time, XOXO