I was recently asked to consider writing a sponsored post about my dreams and aspirations in life…and where I want to go in the future. So, I took a few minutes to consider what my goals really are. Do I want to continue blogging to reach higher,to have more? Do I need or want anything that I should be planning for?
To know where I want to go, I must first know where I am! I am quite happy with the growth of my blog over the last year, especially in the last few months. Last year at this time, Naturally Thrifty was just a way of entertaining myself and sharing bargains with a a few readers. Then I attended a conference in Walt Disney World and learned about all the possibilities that were within my reach just by blogging. It seemed like a dream come true- a way to make a difference for other families, stay at home with my family, and earn a little extra income through sponsored posts and free merchandise. A few months later, I realized that homeschooling my kiddos was going to take my full concentration and decided not to blog for awhile. I tend to do nothing at all if I can’t “do it right”. All of the grand ideas for my blog were pushed to the back of my mind and I did my best to ignore them. A few months ago, though, I decided to give it another try…with strict time limits and priorities in place. I really enjoy my blog and I love the perks, but God and family MUST come first! So, I am doing my best to learn how to blog when I get the time (usually while the kids are working on a school project at the desk next to me) and not worry if I miss something. That’s where I am! Now where do I want to go?
There have recently been opportunities presented to me that would allow me to learn more about blogging, specifically about monetizing and becoming more profitable. Those things,however, would take up more of my time and more of my thoughts. So, I have to decide if I really want to expand that quickly! Like I said, I really enjoy the perks of blogging. To be honest, I don’t need to get the freebies or the cash. My husband works hard and there is nothing that we need that we don’t have. I like helping other moms save money, It makes me happy. I like the freebies. I like the gift cards. I like the vacations, the people I meet, and the way it expands my horizons. But, I don’t really feel a need to become “huge” in the blogging world. I don’t need to be in the Top 50 Power Moms list. I don’t care if my stats are climbing slowly instead of topping the charts, because being a MOM is what it’s really all about. My aspirations? My dreams? Simply to be a mother. I realize that may not seem like a lofty goal to many. But what can be more important than guiding little hands and hearts? What can I do that would have more of an impact on the future than to give my time and my love to the little boys that will someday become men and will need to lead others? I have never understood when I hear comments such as “Oh, you are ONLY a stay at home Mom! Then, no wonder you have time for (insert random item here).” There is no ONLY in being a mom. It takes every minute of my time, even when I am typing a blog post, taking a shower, or sleeping. Mommyhood doesn’t end at 5pm, and it doesn’t end when I go to bed. Being a mother is one of the most important things a woman can do. All of the accolades of measurable successes in life will end one day. If we can manage to teach the next generation and to encourage them to reach their full potential, we will achieve success that is worth so much more than any award or aspiration could ever be. To me, success is in the little smiles of my babies, the small hands that reach up for a hug, and the ” I love you, Mom” notes that my 5 year old writes me every day. I can think of nothing that would bring me as much joy as those simple childhood memories will. I plan to continue blogging as much as time allows, and enjoying the benefits and opportunities. But when I think of my hopes, dreams, and what I truly want to be, the answer is: what I am now. I want to be a MOTHER.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network blogging program, for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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