Well here it goes. One of those posts I’m debating hitting “publish” on. In fact, this has been sitting in the drafts folder of my email for about two months…
Okay, maybe I’m overreacting. But the truth is that any posts that come from my heart make me a little bit nervous and…well, vulnerable. But this needs to happen.
I get asked often why it is that I blog. I mean, it is kind of a strange (part of my) profession. Not many people understand it. I’ll be honest - sometimes..well, a lot of times…I don’t really know what the answer is. I wonder why I even started GML.
Was it for fun? For attention? To express myself? I would say all of the above.
But I guess what I think about a lot lately is - is that enough? Are those reasons enough to keep up with something that take up hours of my week that I could be dedicating to other (more meaningful) things?
So yes. I question why it is that I blog all. the. time. I’ve even considered nixing it. But for some reason, I don’t. I can’t. And I’ve never really thought about why that is…until now.
For some reason or another, I’ve ended up with this platform and opportunity to share my story with you, and I want to make that count. I may not be an expert in anything, and I may not even feel comfortable giving specific “advice” to anyone other than my closest friends.
But I have struggled with anxiety.
I’ve been heartbroken.
I’ve felt completely alone.
I’ve made almost every bad decision in the book.
I’ve faced opposition, uncertainty, fear, confusion, and insecurities.
I’m just a girl trying to meet this thing called life.
So…where am I going with this? Well, for the most part, GML will remain mostly an outlet for me to just post “Gracie things” – my daily adventures, reviews, random thoughts, etc. But I don’t want it to be just about that. I want to be relatable and accessible to you, my readers! I understand that that will probably mean more transparency and honesty on my end, but I’m up for the challenge.
So here’s to what I guess I’ll call a new chapter for GML – one where I open up, loosen up, and just keep hitting publish…
You go girl! Just go with it! 🙂
Love it - can’t wait to see what is to come!
very excited for this!
Love your honesty! Although we blog about our lives, sometimes it’s hard to put ourselves out there and reveal the more intimate side. Looking forward to more posts!
In my opinion, the best blogs are the ones that show the real person and the emotions behind the writing. Putting yourself out there is tough, but the relatability you convey is so powerful for your readers. Excited for future posts!
Thank you for this comment 🙂
Yea, Gracie! Love this post! Personally, I would say my blog is definitely reviews of product, places I have eaten, and my daily life. However, I do love to publish some of my more ‘honest’ posts — stories of when I struggled with an eating disorder and how it manifested in me and changed me. And usually, those are the posts when I see a lot of, ‘I have felt the same way!’, comments. I think you will feel a weight lifted off of your shoulders when you hit publish. You deserve it! Looking forward to those posts 🙂
Thanks for this, lady! The thing is - over the course of the past year+ I feel like I’ve been holding back even on those basic daily adventure/musings posts…couldn’t really tell you why. But I want to get back to feeling totally uninhibited with every post, you know?!
Hope you’re having a great week! OH and if you’re free this Friday I’m having a birthday bash at Hudson Common followed by Mister H. If you’re free would love ya to join 🙂
Erin @ Axell's Kitchen says
Love that you are so real, that’s what makes your blog great to read!
Thank you for that, Erin!
I love this post! Can’t wait to read more of your new posts, I have a feeling tey will be super relatable and help a lot of people. 🙂
Alexandria says
YES! Love you, girlie. Love this post.
MUAH :*
Love this post!! Cant wait to read more, I come here and read your blog every week because you are very relateable, and I find a lot of what you write thought provoking and inspiring!
Thanks so much Melanie! 🙂
I like to think I blog for the same reason, to connect to others through open and honest discussion about REAL life. In highschool, my senior quote was even “Don’t let it end like this, tell them I said something.” Yup, I quoted Pacnho Villa. But the point was, I think everyone has a story, and if telling mine and sharing my experience can help someone in some way (and usually in turn, this helps me) then I have made a difference and done something worthwhile.
Yes, yes and yes. Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for this comment Cassie 🙂
Kellene Elise says
Love your bravery! I am definitely looking forward to seeing your new chapter! 🙂
xo
Looking forward to it! 🙂
Em ... Living & Learning says
I LOVE this. At times we all enjoy the care-free daily doing posts, but at the same time, we all crave the deep and honest posts - the ones that scream “I’ve been there too & you will make it” the ones that validate “you are not alone”. I can’t wait to read more - xox
Excited to see the new phase!
Adrienne says
Great post! I couldn’t agree more. It’s a lot of legit work…for who? The answer is [probably] for YOU and that’s the most important! Keep on doing your thing! Love reading about your adventures.
I love this. Your relatable nature and honesty is actually one of the things that drew me to your blog in the first place. I don’t feel like you’ve ever put up a front or pretended to be something you weren’t and that’s what makes GML so much fun to read.
I can’t wait to see what’s to come. (:
I’m excited for this new chapter in your blog!
Solveig says
I second everything that Emily^^ said. I love that I never know what your next post is going to be! A review? Daily musings? Style? General life? It’s all wonderful! At the first few sentences my heart sank because I thought you were going to say you were done blogging but I’m so so so glad that’s not the case! Keep on keepin’ on! 😀
Nope, not going anywhere! 😉 xx
I’m glad to hear you’re here for the long run, Gracie!
I always enjoy reading about your adventurous life in NYC! You’re a rockin’ blogger and your readers will always be here!
Oh Gracie, the BEST blogs are ones where the authors are themselves and write just for themselves! Whatever else your blog is, just let it BE you.
I love reading your blog, I especially love that you are so open about loving Christ, and actually living that out. That is the most important thing Christ has told us to do. BE His disciples, in whatever he has called us to do.
Aaaaand I may daydream about coming to NY and hanging out with you eating cupcakes and feeding my coffee addiction…
Amanda, thank you so much for this comment. I’ll be honest - being open about my faith is probably the most difficult thing because I know it’s something not all of my readers share. So that really means a lot 🙂
Come to NY! Coffee and cupcakes can definitely be arranged 😉
Caroline says
Darling Gracie, I’m so happy I stumbled upon your site! It’s so full of fabulousness, and seems to sprinkle extra glitter on everyday life. 🙂 I’m excited to keep reading and see what you come up with now you have your new vision! xx
Wow, thank you for this comment and your kind words, Caroline! 🙂
I’ll admit it…I’m super nosey & love when bloggers share personal stories or tidbits about their lives! BUT! With that said…there’s a sense of mystery to your blog that I like & it keeps me coming back for more. As a girl who lives in Wisconsin, it’s fun to see the life of a young, twenty-something New Yorker. I kind of feel like I’m peaking into random chapters of a really good book when I read your blog. Ofcourse there is WAYYYY more to you than what you put out into the blog world….I imagine what is to come will be icing on the cake for all of us readers:) follow your heart girly! Can’t go wrong:)
I definitely think there’s a balance between being open on the blog and not revealing too much (there are certain things I’ll probably always keep a bit of a “mystery,” as you put it :)).
Thanks for this comment, Sarah!
I’m so excited for this next chapter, especially because I loved the last so very much. x
I’ve been following you for two years and I love love love your blog! I just started my own blog this year- not sure where it’s going, but it’s been fun so far.Thanks for sharing your life with us Gracie dear! Can’t wait to see what else is in store for you 🙂
Thanks for this comment, Rachel! And welcome to the blogging world 🙂
I’ve always loved your blog and I’m excited for the next chapter!
Not sure if you are interested in unsolicited requests, but here goes…I would LOVE if you would do an eye makeup tutorial. I’m pretty handy with liquid liner, but your fully made-up eyes are SPECTACULAR. I want to know the products, the techniques, everything…and I’m sure I’m not alone in this!
Thanks in advance… 🙂
Hey Alison!
Yes - I LOVE reader requests for posts 🙂 I’ll jot down that idea for sure. I will say, though, that I am *not* extremely talented when it comes to makeup, haha. I’ve gotten my own routine down but that’s about it. BUT I would love to at least share what my routine looks like and what my favorite products are, so will aim for that post within the next month 🙂 Thanks so much for the request and for this comment! xx
Thanks, Gracie! And I think you’re too modest when it comes to your skills, your makeup looks pretty flawless and you do a great job of highlighting your eyes (my favorite feature, too).
I know there are a lot of bloggers/vloggers who can do some seriously fancy makeup application, but I think the real girl/real world tips are really more useful!
Thanks again 🙂
Nicole says
Hey Gracie!! i love love love your blog! And the name of it is so perfect! I’m just about to launch my own blog in a week or so I’m super excited and nervous! But i do hope to one day be as far as you are! Keep up the good work!
If you do reply to this i’ll keep you updated
thanks 🙂