Nothing Ventured….

/ Ann Coleman

When I first started this blog over seven years ago, I was very nervous and had no real idea of what to expect. I wanted to write about the challenges of being “middle-aged” in the hope that others might be able to relate.  I assumed my readers would be friends and family, and possibly a few people who happened to stumble across my blog by accident.  I’d read that posting at least once a day was necessary for successful blogging, but I started with a more manageable schedule of posting once every four days.  I figured that I’d eventually work my way up to the recommended daily blog post.

But as is so often the case, blogging turned out to be something very different from what I had envisioned.  For one thing, I soon realized that not all of my friends and family were actually interested in reading my blog, but that some old classmates, coworkers, casual acquaintances and total strangers were willing to read and occasionally comment on my posts.  I was pleasantly surprised by how encouraging almost all of the comments were, despite my fears of writing on a public forum.  And as time went on, I expanded my blog’s focus beyond the issues of being middle aged and simply began writing about all the things that interest me.

My blogging experience may have turned out very differently from what I expected, but it’s actually been a very good one.  I’ve loved having the chance to connect with wonderful people from all over the world, and being introduced to so many other blogs that I truly enjoy reading.  And while I actually post less often now than I did when I first began (that daily post never did happen), I know I’ve benefited from writing on a regular basis for the past seven years.  Writing is like almost every other skill:  the more I practice it, the more confident I become.

Blogging regularly has also helped me grow, both intellectually (and yes, I know there’s lots of room for improvement there) and emotionally.  It’s impossible to write well about any topic without first figuring out how I really feel about it, and why.  I think that kind of self-examination is good for us, and goes a long way toward helping us discover our true nature.  And I honestly believe that learning to trust our inner voice is a very good thing.

So I’m very glad that I took the risk and started this blog all those years ago.  Like so many other times when I finally found the courage to try something new, I discovered that the rewards were definitely worth the effort.  And since my natural tendency has always been to stick with what is familiar and safe, I make a point of reminding myself now and then that almost everything in my life that I value most is a direct result of trying something new.  As the old saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained….”

112 thoughts on “Nothing Ventured….”

  1. I am glad you took up and continue to blog, Ann. We can all benefit from from learning how to express ourselves (said the kid who was always too scared to raise his hand in class). We can not expect everyone or indeed anyone to read what we post. I often caution my wife to stop asking my kids or others if they read my blog lately. Nobody should ever feel guilted into reading. I appreciate your perspectives on things, likely because I am middle aged (he said generously) and find them relevant. Keep on keeping on and Happy Weekend. Allan

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  5. ah great wisdom again Ann, that self-examination is so essential to our personal growth … and trying new things adds to our self-development! Even sharing this space with Finn brings us your readers great joy … thanks for spreading the love 🙂

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  6. I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I am glad I did. Your posts are insightful and honest. I think we tend to grow with our blogging, And I am grateful to have been exposed to many viewpoints from around the world and right here in the US and learn something new every day. I never got anywhere to a daily post and tried once a week for a time. Now I post only now and then as I have another writing project. Keep calm and keep blogging! Stay well.

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    • Thank you! I can’t remember how I stumbled across your blog either, but I do remember loving the title when I did. And yes, one of the best parts of blogging is the different points of views we’re exposed to, from all over the world. It’s enlightening, to say the least. And also a reminder that we have a lot in common even with people who seem very different from us. I hope you keep blogging too!

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  7. As I do with my own ‘blog, I skipped over the title until later, so having only read half of your first sentence, I thought, “OH NO — she’s leaving??” Whew! So glad it wasn’t that, Ann!! A happy continued 8th year and many more!

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  8. I began writing for my kids as a way to leave them information about me, our family and life in general. That blog morphed into the one I have today with some content shifting over and other content lost. I think often about returning to that original idea, but making it private for now, only open to the kids to read if they choose. I have learned so much about and from other people encountered here in blog format and I appreciate and value what each person brings to my life. I agree totally Ann, the blogging risk was/is well worth it.

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    • It really is….it introduces us to people we never would have met otherwise, and that is so good for us, I think. I like your idea of a private blog, just for family, to record the parts of our history that should be passed down from generation to generation. But I hope you keep your public blog going as well!

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      • The public blog will be a relic some day. I don’t mind the idea of it sitting in an obscure digital archive somewhere well into the future to enlighten generations to come 😉

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  9. Ann, I’m so happy that I found your blog! It has been enjoyable to read and I can relate to so much that you write about! The statement “It’s impossible to write well about any topic without first figuring out how I really feel about it, and why.” is absolutely the truth. I look forward to many more years of your blog!!

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    • Thank you so much! Aside from the great connections to other people, I think the biggest benefit I’ve gotten from blogging is that I’ve learned so much more about myself, and have learned to be much more comfortable with who I really am. (Why is it we never seem to learn that self-acceptance until we’re older?) I’m glad I’ve found your blog too…..it’s entertaining and informative, and I can relate so easily!

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  10. Like you, I think blogging has made me a better ‘thinker’. I spend a lot more time researching topics so that I can blog about them from a broader perspective. That isn’t to say I don’t have a bias, but in forming my opinions I have looked at opposing viewpoints and thought about how they might be valid to me… or not!

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    • I think we all have bias. But good for you for being willing to listen to other people’s opinions! (So few people are willing to do that these days.) Even when we disagree with someone, it’s good for us to think about exactly why we disagree, because that forces us to examine the reasons for our own opinions. And it also helps us understand why others feel the way they do, even when we don’t agree!

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  11. I completely relate to what you wrote, Ann. I started my blog in 2010, as a way to cope with my mother’s illness and decline. It honestly changed my life. The support I received and the outlet of writing was therapeutic. As time went on, I was able to write about the death of my son who died decades earlier. This released a lot of pain and after that, I rediscovered my love for music.

    I’m glad I found your blog and appreciate all of your posts. I think authenticity is the key!

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    • Thank you! And I agree about authenticity being the key. If we don’t blog about our honest feelings and thoughts, then we’re just another part of the shallow social media platforms. The creative outlet of blogging, combined with the connection we form with other people, really can be transforming if we allow it to be. And it sounds to me as if that’s exactly what you’ve done! I’m glad it’s helped you heal and let you back to music. (I’m still in awe of your artistic talent, too.)

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    • Thank you so much! I’ve come to believe that the best thing we can offer the world is our honest, authentic self. Because each of us is an individual, and sees things just a little bit differently. I’ve found that when I’m around other honest people…in real life or in the written word….it gives me the courage to be honest as well. So it’s a gift we give each other, I think.

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  13. In the early days of blogging, there was a lot of bad advice floating around, and my personal opinion is that ‘write every day’ was some of the worst. I follow three or four people who post daily, but they put a lot of work into their blogs, and the quality makes taking the time to read them each day worthwhile.

    I post about once a week on The Task at Hand, and roughly every other day on Lagniappe, since it’s more photos than writing. As you rightly point out, the thought required for a post often takes more time and energy than the actual writing. You clearly put thought into your posts, and express those thoughts clearly and gracefully. I’m glad you’ve stayed with it, and I’m glad I found you. Coming here always is a good experience!

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    • Thank you! Coming from you, that is high praise since I don’t put nearly the time into my posts as it seems you do to yours. I learn something (or a lot of somethings!) from every one of your posts and always like seeing a new post from your blog in my inbox. I’ve only been reading The Task at Hand, as I didn’t realize you had another blog…I’ll look for it. Meanwhile, keep blogging!

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  16. Hi Ann – I think we experienced some of the same things in our early years of blogging. Although we write about different things, my blogging experience also turned out to be a lot different than what I imagined it would be – it’s the people who interact with you that makes the whole thing worth it!

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    • I totally agree! The blogging experience may not be what we had anticipated, but it is a good one. And one of the big things that make is so good is the interaction with our readers and other bloggers!

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  18. Your blog has clearly outlived the median age of an average blog which says a lot about your tenacity and willingness. The journey depicted by you is proof enough that, as in most nice things in life, paths chosen become more important than the destination. I am no authority on the subject but clearly, the longevity and popularity of a blog are directly proportional to the combined sum of candour, crispness and genuineness of the heart that pens it. Personally, I have never forced myself to write a post. Sometimes, it flows out naturally like a fresh mountain stream: those have been the best blog posts I have ever written. Of late though, the river has shrivelled into a cesspool. But I am at peace with even that, and prefer to read blogs of others instead to quench the thirst for writing.

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    • I do agree that being honest and authentic go a long way toward making a successful blog. And I’m not surprised to know that you have never forced yourself to write a post, because your beautiful prose is very honest and authentic, and you just can’t force that sort of thing. I do think sometimes our best work almost feels as if it is channeled through us, and that is creativity at its best. I’m sorry your “flow” has temporarily dried up, but trust that it will come back, when the time is right for you. Meanwhile, please know how much I appreciate you reading and commenting so graciously on my posts!

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  19. I thank God for the day your blog appeared in my feed. Not only did I find a dear~heart friend in you, Ann, I also learned to be a better, more considerate person and to carry my crosses more bravely. And who can forget the guffaws of laughter your posts elicited!! At a time when blogging has birthed so many writers (too many, in my opinion), your blog has always stood out for its respectful tone, honesty and tender welcome; a place we can come to, to rest, to listen to what others have to say, to disagree sometimes but still be at great peace…. and then to leave, all the more wiser, enriched and strengthened for the days ahead.
    God bless you, Ann, and God bless this beautiful blog.

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    • Your words just made my day! Thank you so very much for your continued support and encouragement. And it really helps to know that you see my blog as a place where people can safely communicate, even when they disagree. That was absolutely my goal! All opinions are welcome, but personal attacks will never be allowed. I want to provide a place where people can connect in meaningful ways, and where we all get something positive out of our interactions. And thank you so much for being such a positive influence in my comment section….
      Also, I remember very clearly the first blog post I read of yours. How I found it, I don’t remember, but I do remember being so touched by it that I couldn’t hit the “follow” button fast enough. And I’m so very glad I did!

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  20. You’ve written almost everything I feel, even down to friends not being interested and strangers being supportive. I’m so glad I came across your blog when I did. Keep writing!

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    • Honestly, that was one of the biggest surprises when I first started blogging. I really thought all my friends would read my blog, if only to be polite, and that I’d count myself lucky if two or three strangers read it as well. And while some of my friends are are regular readers and I very much appreciated them, I have many other friends who have never read a single post. I’m okay with that now, but it did take a bit of getting used to. And the upside is how many “strangers” have turned into blogging friends!

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      • Truth is always stranger than fiction! A couple of close friends read my posts, never ever like or comment, but are upset if I don’t like their posts on fb. But they also have my back at all times. I’ve stopped trying to understand!

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  21. Ann- thank you! Really! You have inspired me over the my blogging years (although not as many as you). Like you I started thinking it would go in one direction and it has taken on an entirely new path. Also, I think it helps to step away from it from time to time and reflect on new stories, some of my best have been after stopping for a time. New, refreshing.
    Hopefully we both have many more enjoyable stories to share. Best wishes to you as Spring heads your way.😊

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    • You’re right, when I take a short break from blogging now and then, I come back refreshed and ready to write. And thank you for your kind words…..I enjoy your blog so much, and the photos and descriptions of your canoe trips and walks make we want to visit the Netherlands again, as soon as possible. Thanks for being such a terrific blogging friend!

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  22. I love your blog Ann and can relate to so much of what you write. We must have started at the same as I’ve just recently celebrated my seventh year too! And like you, very few (if any) of my friends and family actually read my blog which is absolutely fine by me. Keep writing and sharing Ann. 😊

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    • I’m trying to remember how I first found your blog, but of course my tiny little brain isn’t coming up with the memory. But congrats on seven years! I hope you have many, many more as I enjoy not only reading about your travels and the gorgeous photos, but also your uplifting messages. Those are always appreciated, but especially so in these crazy and challenging times in which we live!

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  26. I always look forward to reading your blog and can really relate to your topics. I have no idea how I found yours, but I started a similar blog dealing with this time of life and only managed two posts. I switched to my true love which is gardening and blogging became easier.

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    • I think I’ve been reading your blog almost since the beginning of my entrance into the blogging world, but I could be wrong about that. I’m not much of a gardener, but I love your post….the photos are so pretty, the writing is so accessible and practical, even for someone like me!

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  27. I started my first blog in 2004 and it was soooo different from the one I write now. Like you, there was a divide between my expectations about what blogging would be like and how it is [lots more work]. I tell friends and family I write a blog, always have been open about it. I don’t mind that they ignore me, it’s probably for the best. In fact, I recently created a blogroll, my first in years, and in the process of making it I realized that I’d rather connect with sincere people online, than faux friends in real life. Light bulb moment.

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    • I absolutely agree! If our friends read our blogs and complimented us on them just our of obligation, that wouldn’t be any where near as gratifying as a total stranger taking the time to let us know that a particular post spoke to them. Things might not have turned out as I thought, but honestly, I like it better this way. Keep blogging, Ally!

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  28. Like you, I have been blogging for the past seven years. Like you, I had encountered quite a few surprises. I targeted immediate family members and hoped to see great interest in our family history. What I got was quite the opposite. Bloggers from every corner of the world entered my life and showed by their comments how much the stories had touched them. As to the one-post-a-day rule, I agree with you that to follow it makes blogging an overwhelming task of reading and writing so many posts. There are other things in life that we must tend to. For a photographer, it is relatively easy to post a few pictures every day. But writing is more time-consuming and requires a lot of energy and devotion

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    • Personally, I couldn’t possibly turn out quality content every day. I admire those who do, but I’ll never be one of them, and that’s okay. As for your blog, I don’t remember how I first found it, but I do remember being fascinated by your honest telling of your family’s history. I think the key is your authentic voice. As several others have commented, that’s so important when writing, and it really does attract readers!

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    • My daughter sometimes reads it, and so does my daughter-in-law, but I’m pretty sure my son and son-in-law never do. But that’s okay! We each do find what works for us, and others are allowed to read it or not, as it suits them. It’s interesting to me how many other bloggers have had the same experience!

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  30. I had a similar experience when I started blogging. I told family and friends about it and assumed they would be reading, but after a while, from things they either said, or didn’t say, I realised not one of them was. A blow to the ego, however it was freeing too. They’ve long ago forgotten the blog(s) even exist and I can write minimally disguised – not unkind, obviously – stories about them with impunity!

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    • Ha! You are so right, once we realize that certain family members and friends aren’t reading our blog, it does free us to write a bit more openly about situations that include them. I never name names in my blog, but many people would recognize themselves even so. It was a blow to the ego at first, but now it is simply liberating in a way!

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  32. I thoroughly enjoy your blog Ann. It’s interesting the reasons we decide to blog & to whom we think our audience might be. I actually have friends who, after regaling a number of life stories over the years, suggested I should be writing them down. Interestingly, when I was in school, I dreaded writing essays but I now find writing to be very therapeutic. I have never put pressure on myself in regards to the frequency of my writing, somehow I think that would take the enjoyment away. So many of the bloggers I connected with have dropped away and I sure do miss some of them. Hope you continue to write, however frequently you decide, I do enjoy your posts!💕

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    • Thanks, Lynn! You many not blog regularly, but I am always happy to see a new post from you in my inbox. And I’ve had the same experience….many of the bloggers who I connected with in the early years of my blog are no longer actively blogging, and I miss them. But the good thing is that new ones have come along who I also enjoy. The blogging world is constantly changing, I’ve discovered, and I try my best to keep up. I dread the day that Word Press makes it too difficult for me to continue writing, but until that happens, I’ll be here and I hope you will too!

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  33. I think many (most?) of us had no idea what we were getting into when we started our blogs… and the tremendous personal benefits we would enjoy. The blogs I choose to follow – like yours – are well-written, heart-felt, and interesting. I think those that post daily – or multiple times a day for gosh sakes – are producing quality content… how could they? Keep us doing whatever you do because you have many loyal readers.

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    • I really don’t think that “post every day” advice is good advice for most of us. There are some bloggers who can and do produce good posts almost every day, but I think that is beyond the ability of the majority of bloggers. It is certainly beyond my ability! Like you, I follow and read the blogs that I think are authentic and that make me glad I took the time to read them. Those are my only two criteria, so I follow a wide variety! The only exception is blogs that for some reason I can’t seem to follow, no matter how many times I hit the follow button. I think that is simply some sort of computer glitch?

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  34. Agreed, Ann. Something about fleshing your thoughts out and putting them out there for friends, family (or even strangers) to read is liberating and allows for growth, both as a writer and a person.

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    • That’s been my experience for sure. I didn’t realize how much I’d grow as a writer and a person just from writing short blog posts now and then, but I did. And I’ll always be grateful for the experience. Thanks for being one of the bloggers who encouraged me, by example, to be fearlessly authentic. I don’t always achieve it, but that is always my goal.

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  35. Amen, Ann! I look back at how afraid I, too, was of having people read what often were my very private thoughts, and I marvel at how supportive and kind and encouraging the blogging community is! I’m particularly humbled at how, when I published my first poem, I got so many enthusiastic comments. I agree, if we don’t “put ourselves out there,” we’ll never know how our thoughts affect others. And isn’t it funny how very few people that actually know us read/comment on our posts, while virtual strangers show up time and again?!?

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    • It is so very strange, but in the end, I think it’s a good thing. Sometimes it’s freeing to know that people who know us well aren’t going to be reading our posts and thinking, “Is she writing about me?” Like you, I’ve found that 99% of the people in the blogging world are kind and supportive of other bloggers. Very rarely I’ll get a snarky comment or encounter an “internet troll”, but the overall response has been so very encouraging that it has actually restored my faith in basic human nature. And that is a very good thing, especially in these polarizing times!

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  36. My blog was intended to be a travel blog but as I read other posts, I thought I might venture further. It has been a great source of pleasure in my life – both the practice of writing and finding new friends. Very often I think I have more in common with my blogging friends than those in IRL. I, too, was surprised which friends have continued to follow the blog and the diversity of WordPress followers. It keeps me fresh and young, mentally if not physically…😊

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    • I agree, joining the Word Press blogging community has inspired me and kept me feeling young. And I think your feeling that you have more in common with your blogging friends than your real life friends is probably because we are all bloggers, so we understand the creative mindset. And what’s even better is that even though we all have much in common, we are also a very diverse bunch in terms of age, nationality, political and religious beliefs, etc…. And that is a very good thing, I think!

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  37. Hi Ann,

    I very much like this post and it echoes quite a lot about how I feel about writing these days. I can really identify with having a sense of camaraderie with my blogging friends too. I rarely share my posts with anyone in my private life, whether friends or family, because I like to keep ‘my space’ to myself and not have to explain why I’ve been feeling this or that, depending on my mood at the time of writing. I find that writing regularly (as I’m trying to do now I’m back to blogging after an extended break) helps to polish up my use of grammar and spelling. Having said that, there’s a lot to be said for spellcheck!

    It’s odd how our blogs have changed ‘shape’ or direction as we go along. We never stop learning and growing which is always a good thing. It would be pretty boring if we all stayed the same all of our adult lives (or all of our blogging lives). I think I’m a fair bit older than you, Ann, but I still have an awful lot to learn from other bloggers like yourself (and definitely Mick too). Take care, Ellie x 🙂

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    • Personally, I love spell check! Spelling has never been my strong point, but it’s getting much better now that my errors are pointed out to me. (I hate auto-correct on my phone though, because it often changes my words into something I never intended to write!) Like you, I’m glad that our blogs have changed direction as we moved along…it seems to happen to most of us bloggers, according to these comments. It does help us grow and stretch ourselves in ways we never would have before. And thank you for your kind words. I think we all learn so much from each other! I know I’ve learned a lot simply from reading other blogs and seeing what works. That’s part of what I like about the Word Press community…we help each other out!

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  38. I agree! Blogging has turned out to be so much more than me just writing recipes, and writing about my food memories. I have so many virtual blogger friends, and have met quite a few in person! It was all very unexpected!

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    • It’s funny how so many of us were surprised by how our blogging experience turned out, and in a good way. Blogging friends are very real, but I honestly didn’t see that perk coming when I started a blog. You’re so lucky to have met several in person. So far, I’ve only met one, but that was very nice.

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  40. I love reading your posts! Like you, I started my blog with am impossible schedule for posting. Thank goodness that I came to my senses re what’s possible! Now I post a couple of times each month. That’s realistic for me!

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    • I think when we were starting out, we all took that “post as often as possible, at least once a day” advice to heart. But honestly, for those of us who write “essays” or even publish lots of photos, that can be a very difficult schedule to handle. Far better for each of us to find what works for us, and to post when we have the time and actually want to post. Personally, I’ve never noticed that the blogs with lots of followers follow any particular pattern. Glad we all finally figured that out! And I love your posts too!

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  41. When I started blogging, I posted a post a day. I soon ran out of ideas and found myself utterly exhausted. When I cut back to twice a week postings, I found I had room to interact with people, put my best into each post, and truly fall in love with writing. So enjoyed reading your thoughts on this aspect of blogging, as well as several of your older musings too!

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    • I’m so glad you found your “blogging rhythm!” I think it’s so much more important to enjoy blogging than to post according to a fixed and too-demanding schedule. I’ve read your posts and the effort you put into them shows for sure…keep up the good work! And thank you for your kind comments about mine.

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    • Thank you so much! Honestly, I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other. I have learned so much from other bloggers, and that continues today…seven years later! Keep up the good work!

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  43. Congratulations on seven years of blogging! I love your blog and I look forward to reading your posts. You are so right about trying new things. Each time we try something new, we learn so much about ourselves, the world, and other people. What I imagined blogging to be like is completely different from what it actually is. I had not expected to learn so very much from my fellow bloggers, or to feel such a sense of a shared community. It is because of people like you, that I quickly became immersed in blogging. You definitely invite readers into your world in such a heart-felt and beautiful way.

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words! I also enjoy your blog very much, Linda. You are very empathetic and offer keen insights into faith and just every day life. (I really wish I could follow it, but for some reason, Word Press doesn’t allow it no matter how many times I push that “follow” button. So if I’m a bit behind in your blog, that’s why.) You also give other bloggers so much support and affirmation that you are a shining example of all that is right with the blogging community. Thanks for being such a great blogging friend!

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