This past year has been a good one for me. I’ve spent time at home again with my son, which is the best thing I could be doing. I added a regular data capture job to my phoning job. But the best thing has been how my blogging has progressed, and I look forward to even more progression in 2015 as I learn to do it better.
The year started off with for the first time in my blogging history being paid for certain posts (Vanish and Air Wick).
Towards the middle of the year I had a lull in my phoning job and that is when I set up SA Mom blogs. I made an effort to connect with local bloggers and that has truly made a huge difference. Meeting up with bloggers at the JoziMeetups has been awesome, but even more awesome has been the connections made and the growth of the Facebook group, as well as the blogroll. I am so honoured that little old me is to be included in upcoming events and I look forward to the new year. Some bloggers I really enjoyed meeting in person this year were Karen (MomAgain@40), Laura (Harassed Mom) and Shan (You, Baby and I).
One Step at a Time has also done well this year.
The top posts were:
1) Tapping on my Thyroid (2011)
3) Discovery Baby Bag (2011)
4) Free Range Lifestyle Centre
5) Are you with Discovery Medical Aid?
As you can see, two old posts are still doing well. People are still looking for EFT scripts for thyroid problems and want to know what’s in the Discovery baby bag.
Banting and Fertility did really well and gave this blog a spike on 22 Sept with 161 views. I think that is because I tagged Tim Noakes on Twitter and he re-tweeted it. The post has continued to do well beyond that, however, with people searching for banting and fertility, breastfeeding and pregnancy too.
The post on Free Range is doing well in searches and there seems to be a lot of interest in that establishment. The post on the Infertility Awareness’ efforts to get Discovery to pay for infertility coverage did well, I think also because it was important to spread the word. (By the way they failed, unfortunately.)
The top three referring sites this year were social media: Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Last year Twitter wasn’t even on the list, so I think I’ve been using it more this year. Then SA Mom Blogs. Stirrup Queens came in at number five. They were first last time. I guess I have been slack this year doing the monthly ICLW where you comment on each other’s blogs for a week.
My top commentators were
1) Karen @ MomAgain@40
2) Rebekah @ Surviving Todderhood
3) Shannon @ Infertility Awakening / What Dream May Come
4) Mrs FF @ Hopes and Triumphs
5) Sula @ Skimming Stones
I maintain that comments on blog posts are like hugs. They really affirm, encourage and connect. So thank you, ladies, for commenting. I appreciate it.
Looking back at my resolutions from last year:
1) I didn’t finish writing the book. I don’t regret this. Other things were more important.
2) I didn’t stop yelling but I think it certainly got a lot less. I managed to track and figure out some triggers.
3) Making money from home: some improvement, nothing regular but something.
4) Get Nicky off the boob and get pregnant? Ha! Hilarious. Still breastfeeding. However the breastfeeding has decreased to naps and sleep time and my cycles have returned. So that’s progress.
After looking at this, should I even bother with resolutions for the year?
I think the thing is to acknowledge the small improvements and not get overwhelmed with doing everything all at once.
So my resolutions are:
1) Put out consistent, good content on my blogs: at least once a week on One Step at a Time and twice a month at least on SA Mom blogs.
2) Get more organised. Get a file with action plans for my jobs and blog.
3) Healthy Home: finding a balance – giving family and stuff I need to do the balance. Clearing clutter. Sorting out my menu.
4) Have fun – enjoy the moments with my family.
Perhaps it’s kinder to appreciate the journey rather than get fixated with destinations. They say luck happens when preparation meets opportunity so I want to be prepared. Tidy up my blog. Tidy up my house. And cut myself some slack if some days are just messy because I’d rather spend time with my boy.
great article, reflection is some an important thing, I agree it might look like you didn’t tick of your list but you certainly accomplished a lot this year. All the best to you
It’s as if you looked inside my head and saw my resolutions for 2015, Heather. I have the same ones. Great post.
Congrats on a successful blogging year! And I love, love, love that you put time with your son over obsessing about perfection or a mess free life. So many people miss those precious days and moments that can never be recaptured,
Thanks Shannon, I knew you’d appreciate that!
Very beautiful and honest post xx
May 2015 be a great year filled with happiness, good health and loads of success
Thanks, for you too!
Wow, sounds like you had an amazing blog year! Also just so great that you were able to spend so much time with your son. Must admit, my son often drives me up the wall and out the window!
Wishing you all the best with your blogging plans for 2015, especially your SA Mom Blogs initiative 🙂
Thanks, Chevonne! Thanks for your participation in the group. 🙂